Melechesh - The Ziggurat Scrolls
2004 Osmose Productions

Track Listing:
1. Tablets Of Fate (Remix)
2. A Summoning Of Ifrit And Genii (Demo version '98)
3. Wardjinn (Demo version '98)
4. Of Magick And Reptilians (Instrumental Sorcery)

Line-Up:
Vocals:  Ashmedi, Moloch, Al'Hazred, Proscriptor
Guitars:  Moloch
Bass:  Al'Hazred
Drums:  Proscriptor

Website:  www.melechesh.com

Uncle Meat's Rating:  B+
Average Album Rating:  B+

Uncle Meat's Review:
Who remembers Looney Tunes?  Occasionally there would be a point where one of the characters would hold up a sign:  Was This Trip Really Necessary? (Usually Wile E. Coyote).  For the release of Melechesh's The Ziggurat Scrolls one could almost change the sign to read:  Was this album really necessary? 

The conundrum is, that while it might not be necessary, its still a great album.  The kind of thing only people who have to have every release by a band.  Or people who can't resist limited edition vinyl.  Your humble reviewer can put himself in both categories. 

Four songs:  two demos, one remix and one instrumental.  The two demo songs are great for hearing how the songs have changed from earlier to later versions.  As with most demos sound is terrible, but there is an intensity to theses songs.  The remix is terrible.  The version on Sphynx is leagues better than the version found here:  tighter, not as sloppy. 

Of Magick And Reptilians is the stand out track on the album.  For a band that bills themselves as "Mesopotamian" metal they have outdone themselves here.  Combining middle eastern influences and thrash metal (though, sadly, not as much as on other tracks); in a word outstanding.  For die hard fans! 

Uncle Meat's Rating:  B+

Also be sure to read:
Melechesh - Sphynx by Uncle Meat