Orphaned Land “Mabool – The story of the three sons of seven”

A proper tale must have a beginning for one must provide those who read it with a certain logic. As Time is the Father of us all, it is also a way to tell of what has charmed Mankind to develop its ideals, a parade of thoughts and feelings converging into several sceneries worldly known as religion, politic, social – cultural systems. Nevertheless, this is not a tale about anything concerning those elements but a review to one of the most impressive cds this year has seen: Orphaned Land’s “Mabool”…

Formed in 1991 as Resurrection, they soon changed their moniker to Orphaned Land providing the world with a sound never heard before, which blended quite efficiently a broad spectrum of Metal with their Middle Eastern upbringing.

Having released, several years ago, “The beloved’s cry” (demo), “Sahara”(94) and “El norra alila” (96) as full length cds (all from Nuclear Blast ), they hibernated through seven years due to the ruthless reality in their land of birth. Nevertheless, Art tends to be Universal and the strong support from the fans in Arab countries made them risk the word “defeated” from their hearts and lips. Several comeback gigs were made and the band saw they could offer a lot more…

This year saw “Mabool – the story of the three sons of seven“ emerge from a creational embryo which started in 1997 and give Orphaned Land another breath of air as a Century Media band.

The lyrical concept behind the release immerses us within the three monotheistic religions known: Judaism, Christianity and Islamism.

It all starts with the birth of the three heroes (the sons of the three religions which have the faces of animals: a snake for Judaism, a Lion for Christianity and an Eagle for Islamism), their journeys and adventures which finally ends with a flood, a storm which ends with the Orphaned Land…

The recording took place between July/October 2003 in Zaza Studios for drums, piano, cello, violin, some of the choirs as well as the majority of the mix (by Simon Vinestock who also worked as additional engineer) whereas the rest (percussions, bass, all guitars, synths, buruki, saz, oud, oriental choir and all male and female vocals) was done in Bardo Studio.

I could easily point which songs I like the best but everything in this release is just well thought and played that even if I’m more attracted to some of them, each and every one have a certain mystical veil which makes them all special… Afterall, this is a concept and as a concept it symbolizes the grandeur of Art!
For those lucky enough to have this cd, you will find another one which is an acoustic live set which features several songs from their first cds (Sahara and El Norra Alila) including a Paradise Lost’s cover “Mercy”.

For those eager to see something even more dazzling from Orphaned Land, the band has just finished a video of the majestic song “Ocean Land (The Revelation)”.Certainly, a brighter jewel in this masterpiece of Progressive/Death/Black/Ethnic they have offered to us, A band that truly deserve the cult status they have!!!

Whatever you do, wherever you go, this release is certainly something you can’t let escape!!!