MELECHESH Begins Work On New Album, Announces Lineup Changes

Mesopotamian black/thrash pioneers MELECHESH are hard at work on pre-production for the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2010 album, "The Epigenesis". In addition, the band has parted ways with longtime guitarist and close friend Moloch and drummer Xul. Moloch had officially been out of MELECHESH for eight months while he has been focusing on his academic career.

While it is still to be announced who will fill the drumming position, Moloch will be replaced by new guitarist Sirius (pictured below).

MELECHESH mainman Ashmedi and bass player/backing vocalist Scorpiros will debut the new lineup on the stage late fall early winter 2013 during the band's North American tour.

Commented Ashmedi: "I talked with Moloch and asked him maybe it is better he is no longer a part of MELECHESH because we needed to have an active guitar player. He fully agreed and was thinking the exact same thing. He is one of my best friends but this has to do with MELECHESH and music — nothing else. In fact, we will be hanging out soon in Jerusalem and catching up. He is always welcome to come jam or do a guest appearance. Like I said, this man is one of the closest people to me personally. We are literally family. I wish the best of luck for his new and interesting Journey.

"A couple of weeks ago I did what I was considering for a while: I asked Xul to leave. In the past, I thought such things are impossible, but you know what, family , companies, governments, kingdoms all go through changes. In a naive or a romantic way, we all think change is not good in such cases. On the contrary, it could be extremely vital for the longevity of music. What I am trying to say is I made these decisions for the sole purpose of improving the music and preventing stagnation. I was not happy with the status quo, so I had to do something about it. I wish Xul the best of luck I am certain he enjoyed this ride which was a good learning experience for everyone. Anyway I don’t worry about him as he plays in several other bands, so it's all good.

"I am a very loyal person — anyone with over two brain cells knows this (the ones with one brain cells do not get it...) — but my focus and priority is the well being and progress of MELECHESH.

"You can also hear some of Aybar's (Sirius) work on the soundtrack of the movie 'The Last Will And Testament Of Rosalind Leigh' where he did the entire soundtrack for this film."