Melechesh

Biography

Melechesh is a black metal band from Jerusalem. The group is often cited for its oriental influences. The band was formed by Ashmedi in 1993 with the sole purpose of creating original black metal incorporating Middle Eastern influences, exploiting mainly Mesopotamian or Sumerian and occult themes, both musically and lyrically. The group was formed in 1993 in Jerusalem, operating in that region until 1997. The band is affiliated with Israel through its geographical origins, but the various members of the group have diverse backgrounds: Armenian/Assyrian for Ashmedi, Assyrian/Israeli for Moloch, International (Netherlands, Poland, Germany, United States, Turkey) for the other musicians. The name Melechesh is made up of two Hebrew names, מלך (melech = 'king') and אש (esh = 'fire'), a combination created by the band.