MELECHESH: Entire 'Enki' Album Available For Streaming

"Enki", the new album from Mesopotamian black/thrash pioneers MELECHESH, can be streamed in its entirety below. Due on March 10 via Nuclear Blast, the follow-up to 2010's "The Epigenesis" was recorded in Greece by Giorgos Bokos (ROTTING CHRIST) while Jonas Kjellgren (IMMORTAL, LEGION OF THE DAMNED, OVERKILL, HYPOCRISY) took care of the mix and mastering at his Black Lounge Studios in Sweden. "Enki" also features guest appearances by Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, SEPULTURA) and Sakis Tolis (ROTTING CHRIST) on vocals as well Rob Caggiano (VOLBEAT, ANTHRAX) on lead guitar.

Commented MELECHESH mainman, singer and guitarist Ashmedi: "I am flattered and honored to have esteemed guests appear on this multifaceted album.

"'Enki' solicited different approaches and new experiences.

"Max is a lion. I love his voice and the tribal and historic parallels of our lives are uncanny. He did an amazing job on 'Lost Tribes'.

"Sakis is an old friend and we toured together in the past. His voice added another dimension of mysticism on our 'Enki - Divine Nature Awoken'.

"Rob and I always wanted to collaborate and he is an agile and excellent guitar player so the lead he did on 'The Palm, The Eye And Lapis Lazuli' was perfect. It rocks and serves the track well.

"They all did an outstanding job and went above and beyond to make it happen despite their busy schedules.

"MELECHESH is more than a band — it is a society!"

Added Caggiano: "I've been a fan of MELECHESH for a while now and it was an honor for me to play a solo on their new album!! These guys sound like nothing else out there!"

Says Cavalera: "I was very honored that MELECHESH asked me to sing on their new album! I'm a big fan and I think 'The Epigenesis' is one of the greatest extreme metal records ever done! I love the fact that they come from a different part of the world like me. So our worlds finally collide! Long live MELECHESH!"

States Tolis: "When I was told that our brother band MELECHESH would record their upcoming album in my hometown, I immediately picked up the phone and called Ashmedi to participate somehow. Ashmedi responded positively so I was ready to raise some serious hell... It is very interesting since we are sharing the same Mediteranean mentality as individuals.

"I believe this new album is one of the most unique and atmospheric metal albums I have heard the last years.

"Ashmedi took me to their majestic oriental path and showed me the way to tne new Babylon.

"I am definitely proud working with the Kings of Fire and I really recommend to check new MELECHESH album — it is really good!"

"Enki" can be pre-ordered in various formats (digipack, various vinyl colors),including a special t-shirt bundle, at this location.

"Enki" track listing:

01. Tempest Temper Enlil Enraged
02. The Pendulum Speaks
03. Lost Tribes
04. Multiple Truths
05. Enki - Divine Nature Awoken
06. Metatron And Man
07. The Palm The Eye And Lapis Lazuli
08. Doorways To Irkala
09. The Outsiders

Almost all of the music and lyrics was again written and produced by MELECHESH mainman Ashmedi.

MELECHESH spent one month in its rehearsal room in Hinzweiler, Germany preparing the material before entering the recording studio in Athens, Greece. The band wanted a Mediterranean place to capture the essence of the band’s origins.
With so many nationalities in the band, MELECHESH have become more comfortable at being labelled as an act from planet earth or just Jerusalem without adhering to any man-made virtual borders. To the band, this is metaphorical rebellion.

Said Ashmedi: "For the artwork we collaborated again with John Coulthart, who has done our previous two album covers.

"The art reflects the dynamics of the album and the world of MELECHESH: order and chaos. It amalgamates several spiritual, cultural and mythological concepts from the Near/Middle East and our lyrical aspects. Again, it was based in the golden ratio which for the purpose of this album seemed suitable. The pillars featured here are a continuation from the previous album and lead to a path of knowledge. John always manages to capture the essence of MELECHESH."