History, an intriguing subject. Discovering our origins, ideologies and cultures. With such diversity we are helped to understand the world’s family tree. Shedding light on the Sumerian’s history we’re given an atmospheric ride shown the latest chapter in Melechesh‘s story.
Melechesh know exactly where their attack lies. Focusing on a dominant riff that drives the song, we’re then treated to a layering not only of sound but atmosphere. Often transforming a linear riff subtely throughout the song until it has evolved to its perfect form. Mastering the climate of the song, ensuring that their riffs are symbiotic with Sumerian tones. Each song on the album is layered with a twelve string guitar, giving the Arabian sound that elevates the listener enhancing a sense of spirituality and higher being. In keeping with the metaphysical, the band also tuned their guitars to the slightly lower 432hz frequency, the natural frequency of the earth so to speak.
Where many bands, although commendable include foreign instruments, there is always a jarring change. Take Nile for example, kings in the death metal arena. Creating beautiful atmospheric introductions that transport the listener back to the time of the Egyptian empire, only for this mirage to be shattered when death metal kicks in. Instead the subtle changes reverberate significantly throughout the record. With the repetitive style of riffing exhibited fantastically on “Enki Divine Nature Awoken” engender more layers for an enraptureing listen particularly when the otherworldly choir begins.
Its not all about ambience however, when Melechesh decide to kick it up a gear, their riffs come sharp and fast like the metaphorical sandstorm. Opening the album with the dissonance of “Tempest Temper Enlil Enraged“. Thrust into furious blast beats along with black metal fury. In the first twenty seconds that band have both assumed authority over the listener and established the album’s sound.
“Lost Tribes” begins with a fantastic tremolo assault, added with the contribution from Max Cavalera creating a contrast between the serpentine musings of our singer, but where the band hit their stride is the mid section groove. Take second single “Multiple Truths” at first seeming forgettable but will easily have you humming melodies after the song is finished. The spitting vocals of Ashmedi cut through the suspended animation aura of the album. “Metatron And Man” in particular has the singer’s rasps wrapped around the listener married with the thrash rhythms of the song, retaining the sense of aforementioned groove with added bite.
With almost every single track on the album being over the five minute mark the songs create an absorbing listen. My only real gripe is the length of final song “The Outsiders“, it could have done with being ever so slightly shorter. Although instrumental “Doorways To Irkala” sets the tone nicely for the albums denouement. With Enki, Melechesh return after five years, showing that they’ve not lost a step. Creating an engaging, well produced and very well written album using unorthodox instruments. If Melechesh are part of the world’s family tree then Enki is a branch that is not to be missed.
