Middle Eastern extreme metal pioneers MELECHESH have unveiled their ferocious new single “Raptors Of Anzu”, accompanied by a striking lyric video and marking the first offering from their forthcoming digital EP Sentinels Of Shamash, due out April 10 via Reigning Phoenix Music.
Watch “Raptors Of Anzu” here:
Stream: https://melechesh.rpm.link/anzuPR
Ancient storms gather once more as MELECHESH descend into forgotten ages where darkened suns ruled and the sea was still land. Drawing from Mesopotamian mythology, “Raptors Of Anzu” tells an Anunnian tale of divine judgment and cosmic upheaval, beginning in Eridu — city of kingship and sacred law — as the will of Anu is unleashed through fire and devastation.
The raptors emerge as merciless agents of fate, enslaving the lost and tearing through collapsing empires while rage burns without mercy and ancient mechanisms of the soul awaken. What begins as myth evolves into violent revelation: death dissolves, knowledge is unveiled, and shattered order is reforged through ruin.
Musically, the track blends commanding riffs, ritualistic rhythms, and incantatory vocals into a soundscape as apocalyptic as its narrative, reaffirming MELECHESH’s singular ability to bridge ancient cosmology with modern extreme metal.
Commenting on their signing with Reigning Phoenix Music, the band states:
“We’re proud to have signed with Reigning Phoenix Music, a label run by true fans who deliver professionalism and a personal touch. After some delays which were not in our hands and we have overcome, we’re ready to present our new EP Sentinels Of Shamash, unrelenting, diverse, and true to the MELECHESH spirit. We know about all the anticipation and patience you all displayed so we only deliver the best for you.”
Reigning Phoenix Music co-founder Gerardo Martinez adds:
“It is an honor to be able to be part of the next chapter of Melechesh. They are a band that continues to push boundaries while maintaining that rich artistic aspect that makes them so unique.”
Drawing inspiration from the solar judgment of Shamash — god of truth and justice — Sentinels Of Shamash stands as a ceremonial descent into divine law, fire, and cosmic vigilance. Each track unfolds like a sacred inscription, invoking forgotten gods, fallen kings, and the eternal tension between chaos and balance.
Sentinels Of Shamash arrives April 10 via Reigning Phoenix Music.
Tracklist:
- The Seventh Verdict
- In Shadows, In Light
- Raptors Of Anzu
Formed in Jerusalem in 1993, MELECHESH forged what they define as Mesopotamian Metal — a unique fusion of black metal, thrash, and Middle Eastern musical elements rooted deeply in Sumerian mythology, cosmic philosophy, and occult themes. Over three decades, the band has evolved into a singular force within extreme metal, revered worldwide for their scholarly approach, uncompromising vision, and unmistakable sonic identity.