PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
This gig was part of Orphaned Land’s “Mabool 10th Anniversary Show” series and had support from Benighted Soul and Mylidian. Benighted Soul and Mylidian were tight and fun bands but didn’t do anything for me. So, I don’t really have an opinion on them either way. I was there to see one of the more unique bands around today.
The Israeli progressive metal outfit returned to Irish shores after a successful 2013 gig in the Pint (a rather scantily clad affair). Fans were in for a treat as every one of their gigs during this leg of the tour, Orphaned Land would be playing the entire “Mabool” album in its entirety. And the band is also setting up for the remastered CD/LP versions that will be released soon.
Founded in Petah Tikva and Bat Yam during the early 90s has lend Orphaned Land a very unique sound. This ranges from light peace ballads to crunchier heavier songs. These are all spiced up with oriental scales, powerful clean vocals and Middle Eastern instrumentation. I was doubtful that this would connect with a live audience as much as it did.
However, on the night the progressive metal guys hammered out the full “Mabool” album to perfection along with a few other tunes. The current line-up deals with the older material just as well as one would expect from a band at the top of their game. Long-time fans were ecstatic to hear the older material played so well.
Singer and frontman, Kobi Farhi is a true showman with a great look and owns the stage. His look and performance style is very well suited to the upbeat and overall accessible nature of the band’s music. That aside, these guys are not without series metal chops and killed it with their hooky riffs and various solos. Uri Zelcha is a commendable power house on bass with a stage presence akin to the frontman of a stadium band.
While not my style of metal, it is what it is. If you’re a fan of power based metal that is more upbeat, positive and different to most of the stuff that is in the“mainstream”. Then I’d say check these guys out. You will have a fun night every time.
I’d heard that Orphaned Land put on a great live show and I was not disappointed; I like their overall tone and message. But it’s just not heavy enough for me. However, I was in the minority and the crowd in the new Voodoo Lounge ate their set up and seemed to be hooked on the music throughout.
Orphaned Land are:
Kobi Farhi – Vocals
Uri Zelcha – Bass
Matan Shmuely – Drums
Chen Balbus – Guitars
