Orphaned Land: All Is One

Orphaned land's amalgamation of metal and ethnic music referred to as "Oriental Metal" is such a true pleasure to listen to. And it's a combination that continues to become more widespread with newer groups making their mark such as Myrath a progressive metal act that I also hold in high regard. Mabool is the release which really gave the band widespread praise and attention, and their last album The Never Ending Way of ORwarriOR was another fantastic album by this band from the Middle East. This is a group that certainly doesn't restrain themselves to one style and has proven that they possess the talent to adapt and incorporate that music. Orphaned land now have a new collection of wonderful material with a strong message called All Is One as they continue to unite those whose beliefs have kept them apart.

The influence this band has had is truly inspiring, and in the words of front man Kobi Farhi who says "Discovering the fact that our music is the instrument to remind people that we are all one is shocking to me. I never imagined that blood enemies would open their eyes because of it. That's why the title of the album is All Is One." And that's what also forms the basis for the concept of this album in that we continue to fail to see that all is one. Also the cover art is a combination of the symbols that represent three Abrahamic religions presenting them as one.

All Is One was a major undertaking by the band having been recorded not only in Israel but also Turkey and Sweden, and featuring over 40 musicians including 25 choir singers (who sound so good on the riveting title track) and eight classical violin, viola, and cello players. What you will soon notice on All Is One is that for the most part vocalist Kobi Farhi's growls have been given the flick this time with the song "Fail" a darker track being the exception, and no don't worry they haven't gone soft Orphaned Land obviously still like their metal. You also wont hear as many long and complex tracks on All Is One and the quality of those songs hasn't diminished the band still packs plenty in. I do look forward to getting a hard copy of this album so I can read the lyrics along with the songs.

Chen Balbus is the new guitarist/keyboardist he joined the band after the departure of guitar player and original member Matty Svatizky, and fellow guitarist Yossi Sassi gives another great performance following on from his very good solo release. Though and not to diminish it's significance but the guitar is of course not the only component of this bands music as many other instruments come into play creating that spellbinding music. And speaking of instruments track seven "Freedom" a spirit lifting vibrant instrumental is a great inclusion, the vocals are also so very well done such as on "Ya Benaye" where they are like an instrument of their own. The eastern metal groover "The Simple Man" is another of the many great songs on All Is One. "Our Own Messiah" flows with more of Orphaned Land's all engrossing creative skills, the passionate chorus is topped off with an instrumental passage that is just so good. The production is once again right on the money so to speak and I have no doubts that All Is One will be referred to as one of Orphaned Land's best works. They did set the standard so high previously and haven't faltered with this album.

Track Listing
1) All Is One
2) The Simple Man
3) Brother
4) Let The Truce Be Known
5) Through Fire And Water
6) Fail
7) Freedom
8) Shama'im
9) Ya Benaye
10) Our Own Messiah
11) Children

Added: June 29th 2013
Reviewer: Scott Jessup
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 4318
Language: english

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