Mesopotamian Metal Act MELECHESH Release New EP Sentinels of Shamash

Apr 10, 2026

“the music also succeeds in manifesting an ancient and exotic mysteriousness, even in its most blood-rushing and ecstatic phases”
– No Clean Singing

“The band continues with their piercing approach to the genre, while picking up some more modern and fresh influences, but not straying too far away from their massive guitar-driven sound.”
– Infernal Masquerade

A very heavy and aggressive sound starts off the EP […] updating the band’s musical style for the modern era.”
– Occult Black Metal Zine

Shrouded in mythic devastation and divine revelation, MELECHESH has unveiled the new digital EP Sentinels Of Shamash via Reigning Phoenix Music. The international Mesopotamian metal pioneers reveal tales of a forgotten age with commanding riffs, distinctive ritualistic rhythm arrangements produced by combining six-string and 12-string electric guitars, and incantatory vocals across apocalyptic soundscapes. To celebrate the release, the band has shared a new lyric video for ” The Seventh Verdict”, available HERE. 

Sentinels Of Shamash, stands as a ceremonial descent into ancient law, fire, and cosmic vigilance. Drawing from Mesopotamian myth and the solar judgment of Shamash, god of truth and justice, MELECHESH crafts an offering steeped in divine wrath and esoteric order. Each composition unfolds like a sacred inscription, invoking forgotten gods, fallen kings, and the eternal tension between chaos and balance.

Through commanding riffs, relentless rhythms, and a sonic architecture that bridges ancient cosmology with modern extremity, Sentinels Of Shamash delivers a mythological statement rooted in fire, judgment, ruin, and restoration. The sentinels stand eternal guard over fate itself.

Sentinels Of Shamash was produced by Ashmedi and co-produced by Rob Caggiano and Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner. Bass lines and backing vocals on were recorded by Rob Caggiano, who also contributed rearrangements to “In Shadows, In Light”. Drums were performed by Nikitas Mandolas, with engineering and mixing and mastering by Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner, and engineering and tracking by Daniel Claar. “The Seventh Verdict” features guest vocals by Jessica Pimentel. 

Sentinels of Shamash Tracklist:

  1. The Seventh Verdict
  2. In Shadows, In Light
  3. Raptors of Anzu

About MELECHESH:

MELECHESH was formed in 1993 in Jerusalem with the intent to forge what the band defines as Mesopotamian Metal. Rooted in black metal and thrash, their sound draws deeply from Sumerian and Mesopotamian mythology, as well as cosmic and occult themes, while incorporating Mediterranean and Middle Eastern musical elements into an extreme metal framework. Over the decades, MELECHESH has evolved into an international musical and cultural phenomenon, known for its distinct identity, scholarly mythological focus, and uncompromising artistic vision (that is referenced by an upcoming generation of bands). This trajectory inadvertently mirrors the life journey of its nomadic, globe-trotting founder and composer, Ashmedi. The band remains a singular force within extreme metal, standing apart through both concept and sound.  

Connect With MELECHESH: 

About Reigning Phoenix Music

Founded in 2023, Reigning Phoenix Music is truly the 100% independently owned vision of music industry professional Gerardo Martinez and avionics and tech entrepreneur, Sven Bogner. The blueprint is to continue to help heavy metal, extreme, hard, and heavy music thrive by partnering with an array of well-established acts, new talent, and iconic artists, by offering best services and practices in the industry. But most important is to help the artists amplify their art and talent to a winning formula for success. 

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