Melechesh is a black metal band formed in Jerusalem in 1993 by Ashmedi, later joined by guitarist Moloch and drummer Lord Curse. The group draws heavily on Middle Eastern sounds and themes, particularly inspired by Assyrian and Mesopotamian history and occultism. Now based in Amsterdam, Melechesh describes their unique style as Mesopotamian metal or Sumerian Black Thrashing Metal, fusing aggressive metal with Middle Eastern influences.