Melechesh - Official Website
Sphynx |
Israel
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Review by Tomek on July 5, 2013.
Spain is probably the last place that I would think of when comes to Old School Death Metal, and yet here we have Mass Burial that hails from Burgos, Spain, and have been planning their “Of Carrion And Pestilence” since 2002. It took a decade to get a release out but it could not possibly be any better. It reeks of cemeteries, tomb desecrators, zombies, murderous thoughts and perverted serial killers just like any Old School Death should.
Musically very simple maybe even primitive at times yet full of twists, turns and stuffed with solos, headbanging-friendly riffage and some eerie, evil sounding melodies. They conduct their attack with a sound similar to what Sunlight Studio was doing around 1990 and I couldn’t agree more with their choice. It gives the whole album the right vibe and sets the listener up on the right track. Mass Burial plow through 11 songs with pounding of a rhythm section enhanced with fat bass and chaotic drumming, sandy and rusty guitar sound and vocals that are so guttural and throaty that I needed to soothe my throat with some honey just from listening to Raul. It all sounds so freakishly old school that it seems that those boys found a way to go back in time to record this album. Could that be a reason why it took so long??
Eleven pieces of Old School Death Metal that will take you back to times of Entombed, Dismember or Autopsy first demo tapes. Don’t believe me? Just check out 4th song titled ‘Mass Burial’ and tell me that it doesn’t remind you of certain Swedish band that starts with E. Fortunately, those Spaniards have enough ideas to put their own stamp on things, and songs like ‘Post War Psychosis’,’ Intense Genital Punishment’,’ Deathlike Dream’ to name a few are intense, original ass kickers that burst with amazing riffs, leads and atmosphere.
“Of Carrion And Pestilence” spun in my player for a long time and gave me plenty of enjoyment. Good album for anybody with affection towards metal that everybody was banging their heads to in early 90’s, and I also think a good one to reminisce what was it all about. Tear.
Categorical Rating Breakdown
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8
Originality: 8
Overall: 8
Rating: 8 out of 10
Review by Tomek on July 5, 2013.
Spain is probably the last place that I would think of when comes to Old School Death Metal, and yet here we have Mass Burial that hails from Burgos, Spain, and have been planning their “Of Carrion And Pestilence” since 2002. It took a decade to get a release out but it could not possibly be any better. It reeks of cemeteries, tomb desecrators, zombies, murderous thoughts and perverted serial killers just like any Old School Death should.
Musically very simple maybe even primitive at times yet full of twists, turns and stuffed with solos, headbanging-friendly riffage and some eerie, evil sounding melodies. They conduct their attack with a sound similar to what Sunlight Studio was doing around 1990 and I couldn’t agree more with their choice. It gives the whole album the right vibe and sets the listener up on the right track. Mass Burial plow through 11 songs with pounding of a rhythm section enhanced with fat bass and chaotic drumming, sandy and rusty guitar sound and vocals that are so guttural and throaty that I needed to soothe my throat with some honey just from listening to Raul. It all sounds so freakishly old school that it seems that those boys found a way to go back in time to record this album. Could that be a reason why it took so long??
Eleven pieces of Old School Death Metal that will take you back to times of Entombed, Dismember or Autopsy first demo tapes. Don’t believe me? Just check out 4th song titled ‘Mass Burial’ and tell me that it doesn’t remind you of certain Swedish band that starts with E. Fortunately, those Spaniards have enough ideas to put their own stamp on things, and songs like ‘Post War Psychosis’,’ Intense Genital Punishment’,’ Deathlike Dream’ to name a few are intense, original ass kickers that burst with amazing riffs, leads and atmosphere.
“Of Carrion And Pestilence” spun in my player for a long time and gave me plenty of enjoyment. Good album for anybody with affection towards metal that everybody was banging their heads to in early 90’s, and I also think a good one to reminisce what was it all about. Tear.
Categorical Rating Breakdown
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8
Originality: 8
Overall: 8
Rating: 8 out of 10
Review by Tomek on July 5, 2013.
Spain is probably the last place that I would think of when comes to Old School Death Metal, and yet here we have Mass Burial that hails from Burgos, Spain, and have been planning their “Of Carrion And Pestilence” since 2002. It took a decade to get a release out but it could not possibly be any better. It reeks of cemeteries, tomb desecrators, zombies, murderous thoughts and perverted serial killers just like any Old School Death should.
Musically very simple maybe even primitive at times yet full of twists, turns and stuffed with solos, headbanging-friendly riffage and some eerie, evil sounding melodies. They conduct their attack with a sound similar to what Sunlight Studio was doing around 1990 and I couldn’t agree more with their choice. It gives the whole album the right vibe and sets the listener up on the right track. Mass Burial plow through 11 songs with pounding of a rhythm section enhanced with fat bass and chaotic drumming, sandy and rusty guitar sound and vocals that are so guttural and throaty that I needed to soothe my throat with some honey just from listening to Raul. It all sounds so freakishly old school that it seems that those boys found a way to go back in time to record this album. Could that be a reason why it took so long??
Eleven pieces of Old School Death Metal that will take you back to times of Entombed, Dismember or Autopsy first demo tapes. Don’t believe me? Just check out 4th song titled ‘Mass Burial’ and tell me that it doesn’t remind you of certain Swedish band that starts with E. Fortunately, those Spaniards have enough ideas to put their own stamp on things, and songs like ‘Post War Psychosis’,’ Intense Genital Punishment’,’ Deathlike Dream’ to name a few are intense, original ass kickers that burst with amazing riffs, leads and atmosphere.
“Of Carrion And Pestilence” spun in my player for a long time and gave me plenty of enjoyment. Good album for anybody with affection towards metal that everybody was banging their heads to in early 90’s, and I also think a good one to reminisce what was it all about. Tear.
Categorical Rating Breakdown
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8
Originality: 8
Overall: 8
Rating: 8 out of 10
Review by Allan on May 22, 2003.
As it is, metal from the Middle Eastern portion of the world is rarely recognized or noted. However, the metal that has come from there and managed to gain some recognition has proven to be quality time and time again. Bands such as Orphaned Land or Sleepless have acted as testaments to the claim that metal from their portion of the world is seemingly more interesting, and also more original and creative. To further emphasize that the Middle East has a relative foot in the scene’s door is Jerusalem’s Melechesh and their latest album ”Sphynx.”
Melechesh are most closely related to fellow death metallers Nile, musically, and somewhat thematically. Yet there is a fine line that keeps the two separated. Where as Nile like to fire away at full speed for the majority of the time and give the listener a runaround with their cacophony, Melechesh are much more structured and mid-paced. And that little Middle Eastern theme that Nile has going for them? Melechesh has that too, yet it is far more superior and strategically placed in the music. Instead of throwing in intense passages with authentic instruments, you can actually hear the influence in their riffs and leads. In that sense, Melechesh are a more death metal Orphaned Land than anything.
The song writing on “Sphynx” is much more structured, thus having repeating themes. You’re not stuck with a lengthy arrangement that gets too big to be successfully handled. Instead, you’ve got a stronger song. Sections will be repeated, but new ones will arise throughout the songs when needed. Another thing to be noted is Melechesh’s tendency to make use of their crushing rhythm section. Often times a part will be repeated for a long time, making room for a powerful lead guitar solo to cut through. This can no doubt be off-putting for those with a short attention span, but it usually leans towards being beneficial for Melechesh.
“Sphynx” is no doubt one of the better death metal releases for 2003. The good songwriting combined with the excellent musicianship make Melechesh a hard act to pass up. Hopefully they’ll be able to gain more recognition, seeing as they’ve got a lot to offer.
Bottom Line: Melechesh’s third and most powerful release to date. Death metal that’s interesting and not totally generic – definitely recommended.
Categorical Rating Breakdown
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Production: 7
Originality: 8
Overall: 7.5
Rating: 7.6 of 10