MELECHESH

Melechesh is an ethnically Assyrian black metal band that originated in Jerusalem and is currently based in Amsterdam. Ashmedi started the band as a solo project in 1993. In 1994, guitarist Moloch and drummer Lord Curse joined the lineup. The band aimed to create a form of black metal that incorporated Middle Eastern influences, particularly based on Assyrian (Mesopotamian) and occult themes, both musically and lyrically. They coined the terms "Mesopotamian metal" and "Sumerian Black Thrashing Metal" to describe their style. The band is sometimes classified as oriental metal.