Malaysian Melodic Death Metal masters, Shamash have teamed up with The Metal Resource to bring you the exclusive premiere of the new lyric video for ‘Not By My Heart’. The track appears on their highly anticipated full length “Done with Misery” which will be released by Rottweiler Records.
“Done with Misery” is Shamash’s highly anticipated follow-up to their EP debut, “Suffering Servant” which saw three singles reach the top 10 on the CMW charts, with the title track reaching #1 in late January 2021.
Guitarist André Chiang comment:
‘Not by my heart’ is a fiery devotional song from the perspective of a servant who recognizes he is weak and depends on God’s word for strength
‘Not by my heart’ was written by Darren and Andre from a devotional perspective, both having very different tastes in metal, Andre being along the more traditional lines such as early Mortification/Living Sacrifice and Darren having a lot of love for modern metal bands like For Today. What you hear is an equal part fusion of both their sounds in one track while still maintaining the signature choral melody lines that are synonymous with Shamash.
“What sets ‘Done with Misery’ apart from the “Suffering Servant” release is the thematic approach of the songs, in terms of songwriting. Lyrically, the songs deal with approachable issues and balancing emotional rollercoasters of everyday life, the struggles believers go through as well as topical interests such as prophecy, etc. Musically, Shamash maintains its melodic metal tone but expands its reach into a darker sound encompassing Middle Eastern maqams, ouds and insane breakdowns.”
The song is available on all major streaming services.
A common theme within metal seems to be the use of fire as way to articulate the fires of Hell, burning evil, or the nefarious. Yet, fire can also be viewed as a light source, power, and an ignition or spark to ignite others to take action. Within Jewish culture, the candle used to light the other eight candles of a Hanukkah menorah is known as a shamash. A shamash is also defined as the person who assists in the running of a temple (synagogue) or its religious services. In short, a shamash is a servant. The euphemism of the servant being a candle lighting the fires of other branches best describes the ministry of Shamash as a band, to serve and to bring light and fire to others.
From the southernmost tip of Asia, on the edge of the equator hails metal maestros, Shamash. To be exact, the band calls Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia home. Like an emblazoned flame in the darkness, they are indubitable about being advocates and servants of the Most High. One listen should fuel the flame in any true metal maven as heavy, intense, melodic and peppered with chorales of death emanate from the speakers. Shamash tastefully marries ancient Gregorian choir with the workings and onslaught of a Death Metal/Grindcore band. But, just when you think that you’ve figured Shamash out, the embers flow into the air in a different direction bringing a melodic flavour found in the instruments and voice. There is no extinguishing the consuming fire set forth from the Author of Fire and if Shamash’s debut e.p. “Suffering Servant” is any indication, the blaze that is growing will be an uncontrollable wildfire in a flash.
The band was forged in shadows as a union between Andre, Alexaander and Darren. Shamash is now an ignited juggernaut with three decades of combined metal experience tucked under their collective belts, ready to illuminate and ignite worldwide. Founder Andre was formerly a member of Asia’s pioneering Christ-centred death metal outfit, Necromanicide (3 decades ago). Alexaander and Darren were remnants from Army of Three (2 decades ago). Even though Shamash began in 2020, do not mistake these veterans as novice.
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