Melechesh

Name etymology and pronunciation The name Melechesh consists of two words of Hebrew and Aramaic origins: melech (meaning king; מֶלֶךְ, ܡܲܠܟܵܐ) and esh (meaning fire; אֵשׁ); hence, king of fire or fiery king. The portmanteau was originated by the band. The digraph ch is pronounced similarly to the Scottish ch, as in the word loch, or the Greek letter Χ. The Modern Hebrew realization of it is the voiceless uvular fricative (/χ/). See Modern Hebrew phonology and Aramaic phonology. In English, an accepted and common pronunciation is me-lek-ESH (). Geographical origins The band started their career in Jerusalem (and Bethlehem), where most Palestinian Assyrians and many Palestinian Armenians live today, and operated from there between 1993–1998; however, they have resided mainly in Amsterdam since 1998 for several personal, professional and demographic reasons. == History ==

The band's release in 1995 of the official demo As Jerusalem Burns... and 7-inch EP The Siege of Lachish attracted attention from both underground metal fans and local authorities. Melechesh were accused of "Dark Cult activities" by the law enforcement authorities of the city of Jerusalem, especially by a frontpage newspaper article which twisted some facts. The charges were eventually dropped. In 1996, the band released their debut album ''As Jerusalem Burns...Al'Intisar'' on an American black metal record label; then newly recruited bassist Al'Hazred completed the line-up. This marked the band as the first international signed metal band from Jerusalem and Bethlehem. In 1998, armed with a new promo CD "Mesopotamian Metal" and after a farewell gig in Jerusalem, Melechesh relocated to France and the Netherlands. Lord Curse remained in Jerusalem and later moved to the US to continue with his Art studies (and now works for George Lucas' ILM company), hence, the band had to recruit a new drummer. Absu vocalist and drummer Proscriptor soon filled the vacant position. From that point on, Melechesh have released two full-length albums: Djinn (2001), dealing with Mesopotamian mythology, and Sphynx (2003), dealing with Mesopotamian/Sumerian mythology while always keeping the dark and Near Eastern occult themes close to their hearts. The band recorded their fourth and highly acclaimed album Emissaries which is available in Europe (Osmose Productions) and by The End Records in the United States and Canada. Meanwhile, Xul has replaced Proscriptor as the band's full-time drummer. A documentary was begun filming the founder, about his plight to create the band. Despite the first director leaving the film after losing all footage he did in Jerusalem, another director took over and the project is still on track. On 13 August 2013, Melechesh announced via their Facebook page that both Moloch and Ashmedi amicably decided that the former should leave the band, due to academic commitments. It was also revealed that drummer Xul was dismissed in July on good terms. == Band members ==

Current members • Ashmedi – lead vocals, guitars, sitar, keyboards, piano (1993–present) Former members • Uusur – bass (1995–1996) • Thamuz – bass (1995) • Cimeries – keyboards (1995) • Al Hazred – bass, vocals (1996–2008) • Proscriptor McGovern – drums, percussion, vocals (1999–2005) • Xul – drums (2005–2013) • Rahm – bass (2010–2011) • Scorpios – bass, vocals (backing) (2013–2016) Current live members • Nomadic Soul – guitars (2019–present) • Nomadic Soul – bass (2020–present) • Simon Škrlec (BOBNAR) – drums (2015, 2016–present) Session/live musicians • Simon Škrlec (BOBNAR) – drums (2015, 2016–present) • Kevin Paradis – drums (2014, 2015) • Geert Devenster – guitars • Kawn – bass, vocals (2007–2008) • Malak Al'Maut – guitars (2008–2009) • Rahm – bass (2009–2010) • Aethyris MacKay – guitars (2011) • Scorpios – bass, backing vocals (2012–2013) • Max Power – guitars (2013) • Ralph Santolla – guitars (2013) Timeline == Discography ==

Studio albums • ''As Jerusalem Burns...Al'Intisar'' (1996) • Djinn (2001) • Sphynx (2003, 2004 in North America) • Emissaries (2006, 2007 in North America) • The Epigenesis (2010) • Enki (2015) EPs • The Siege of Lachish (1996) • The Ziggurat Scrolls (2004) • Mystics of the Pillar II (2012) • The Epigenesis: Instrumentals (2022) • Sentinels of Shamash (EP, 2026) Demo • As Jerusalem Burns... (1995) == References ==