Both guitarists have tracked down greatly improved guitar work compared to past efforts, with some cool string-bending and unexpected variations adding more tension and variety to otherwise linear and deliberately repetitive passages. Maybe Andy LaRoque (in whose Los Angered studio _Sphynx_ was recorded) has shown Ashmedi and Moloch a musical trick or two. Drummer Proscriptor does not disappoint either, and adds an excellent performance different from the hyper-active style displayed on Absu's _Tara_. His playing is almost restrained here in comparison, but together with bass player Al'Hazred he forms a rock-solid rhythm section -- one where the whole team's joint effort is in the spotlight, rather than just his own amazing technical proficiency. LaRoque's production is professionally clear, loud and heavy, but while it's certainly well done, it still sounds a tiny little bit too compressed in places.

I have the strong feeling that even though this is an excellent record, the highlight of Melechesh's career is still to come; therefore, my rating remains a bit on the conservative side of things. For now this is certainly one of the very best metal records we'll get to hear in 2003, and the absolutely stunning artwork on the digipak release is also more than noteworthy. The fact that _Sphynx_ still manages to surprise me after many listening sessions only enhances the impression that this album has massive staying power.

[Paul Schwarz: "Though its final instrumental closing gives no "closure" to an album which demanded a mighty, earth-shattering finale to complement its majestic main-body collective, _Sphynx_ is otherwise scarily close to flawless. Furthermore, it reeks of even greater things to come; Melechesh are clearly destined to better themselves. Infused heavily and headily with Middle-Eastern sounds and rhythmic structures, _Sphynx_ strikes perfectly the perpetually fine balance between experimentation and focus which has led so many metal bands astray -- and resulted in others making some of the greatest albums the genre has ever produced. Despite stopping short of perfection this time 'round; despite not deserving "full marks"; Melechesh have entered that latter category. Undeniably metal, they are simultaneously vibrant, exciting, innovative and (seemingly) eternally listenable: I played _Sphynx_ into double figures soon after getting it in February, and I expect I'll be in triple figures before the year's out."]