The band was formed in Givat Ada, Israel, in 1991, then still under the moniker Resurrection. In 1992 they changed their name to Orphaned Land, and their musical direction developed into an unique sound, exploring the various shades of metal mixed with the band's Middle Eastern roots. Their oriental style is a breeze of fresh air in the metal scene.

MABOOL - THE STORY OF THE THREE SONS OF SEVEN (2004) CENTURY MEDIA (Limited Edition 2CD)

Orphaned Land's 3rd album, 'Mabool - The Story of the Three Sons of Seven', leaves me in awe! This has to be the most successful blend of metal styles I've ever heard. The basis is progressive metal, but with a lot of death metal influences weaved in. You can also hear touches of black metal too. Add to that the all encompassing ethnic feel from the band's native Israel that saturates the entire album. Orphaned Land also incorporate lyrics sung in various native tongues. And it all sounds great! 'Mabool' is a concept story. (Click here to read what the story is about.) I find my self lost for words trying to explain why I like this CD so much. But if you are looking for a new experience in metal, check this album out!

I've acquired the Limited Edition of this album. It offers a second disc with 5 acoustic live tracks, recorded on August 18th, 2002 at the Music Factory in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Killer tracks: Ocean Land, Halo Dies, Mabool, The Storm Still Rages Inside'

THE NEVER ENDING WAY OF ORWARRIOR (2010) CENTURY MEDIA

Orphaned Land's last album made such an impression on me, I bought the next one as soon as it was out. 'The Never Ending Way Of OrwarriOR' had a lot to live up to, and it has taken me months to even come close to a conclusion regarding this album.

This album bears the cryptic title of "The Never Ending Way Of OrwarrioR'. OrWarrior means "light warrior" or "warrior of light", representing a conceptual
hero of the battle of light versus darkness. The concept is pretty intricate this time around, and tackles the classic good vs evil, seen from the perspectives of the 3 major Middle Eastern religions; Judaism, Christianity and Islam. But instead of concentrating on the differenced between the 3, Orphaned Land seeks to emphasize the likeness and common root in them.

The music is more ethnic in nature this time. Mind you, there are plenty of metal riffing here, and the drumming is definitely solidifying Orphaned Land's metal-ness. But the use of instruments from the Middle East, different languages, singing styles, and inspirations from traditional music from 3 different religions all creates an exotic sound. Sadly though, I find it so much harder to follow the band on this release. I've tried and tried, but to no avail. I simply find myself lost pretty quickly, and there is almost nothing that captures my interest here when I first start to drift away. It's quite strange, as there aren't that many differences between 'The Never Ending Way Of OrwarrioR' and 'Mabool - The Story of The Three Sons Of Seven', and I really loved the latter! Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) has given the band a great prog-metal production, but that doesn't help the songs that drags out in eternity, without really offering much variety. Also, 78 minutes of music is always too much to digest in one sitting. Still, this is just the kind of music that is meant to be listened to from beginning to end. Orphaned Land creates stories, not radio singles! Yet, I would have loved to have a shorter album, with all the best tracks on it.

I see this album being heralded just as much as its predecessor, so maybe I am the one missing something here. But for me, this is one of the most disappointing releases from 2010.

Killer tracks: The Path - Part 1 Treading Through Darkness, The Warrior, Disciples Of The Sacred Oath - Part 2, New Jerusalem

Kobi Farhi guest appearances:

Amaseffer - 'Exodus - Slaves For Life'