Melechesh Returns: Mesopotamian Metal Pioneers Announce 'Sentinels Of Shamash' EP

By Jason Fisher • February 11, 2026

International extreme metal stalwarts Melechesh have broken their silence, announcing a new digital EP titled Sentinels Of Shamash alongside a fierce lead single, "Raptors Of Anzu."

The EP is scheduled for release on April 10, marking the band's debut under their new label home, Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The announcement ends a period of anticipation for fans of the group's "Mesopotamian Metal"—a unique blend of black and thrash metal infused with Middle Eastern musical scales and Sumerian mythology.
A Mythic Descent

The lead single, "Raptors Of Anzu," is accompanied by a new lyric video that visually translates the track's apocalyptic themes. Lyrically, the song explores the "Ancient Ones" and the city of Eridu, invoking the storm-driven will of the god Anu. Musically, it delivers the band's signature mix of ritualistic rhythms, commanding riffs, and incantatory vocals.

The EP’s title, Sentinels Of Shamash, refers to the Mesopotamian sun god associated with truth, justice, and solar judgment. The band describes the release as a "ceremonial descent into ancient law," with compositions that act like sacred inscriptions of ruin and restoration.
A New Chapter with Reigning Phoenix Music

The signing with Reigning Phoenix Music marks a fresh start for the band following several years of delays. Melechesh expressed excitement about the partnership, noting that the label is run by "true fans who deliver professionalism and a personal touch."

"We're ready to present our new EP... unrelenting, diverse, and true to the Melechesh spirit," the band stated. "Now the focus is to play live everywhere and bring the new songs to the stage, while continuing writing and reworking new material for the next without limiting creativity."

RPM co-founder Gerardo Martinez added: "They are a band that continues to push boundaries while maintaining that rich artistic aspect that makes them so unique."
Sentinels Of Shamash Track Listing:

The Seventh Verdict

In Shadows, In Light

Raptors Of Anzu

A Legacy of Innovation

Founded in 1993 in Jerusalem, Melechesh has spent over three decades establishing a singular identity in the metal world. By incorporating Mediterranean and Middle Eastern instrumentation and focusing on scholarly mythological themes, they have transcended traditional genre labels to become a global cultural phenomenon.

"Raptors Of Anzu" is available now on all major streaming services, with the full Sentinels Of Shamash EP arriving digitally this April.

Melechesh