Orphaned Land, All is one

There's a notable change in style between The never ending way of ORWarriOR and All is one and I'm not sure what to think about it. On All is one they explore their softer and more sensible side more and the result is simply beautiful, but on the other hand I really miss the death metal vocals (I never would've imagined myself saying that, but they really won me over). Also, they take their ambassadors of peace role more seriously and again, I don't know what to think about that either. On this album it still sounds genuine and inspiring for the most part, but I'm afraid that if they keep following this route, they will become a bit too preachy and pretentious in the long run. Time will tell, I guess there's no use in worrying beforehand.

All is one - I love the unity message, it's a very real and present issue, that's impossible to not reach hearts. The song is nice, but I've heard a whole lot better from them (including on this album) and this is what I'm talking about when saying I'm worried about the direction – this is clearly a song where music has been put aside a bit in favour of the message. And while I appreciate well written lyrics, it's the music I primarily care about. I know it has to be accessible as a single, but it's frustrating to hear such a traditional verse-chorus structure from them when you know how much they can experiment and how original they can be.

The simple man - fortunately this one dissipates my worries, it's a very catchy song that begs me not to stay still. I think it's the song that gets stuck in your head the most from this album, even more then the title track and the single that I already heard ten thousand times. I really like how the main vocal line is perfectly superposed on the instrumental part. 

Brother - it's one of the saddest and most moving song I've ever heard. A lot of it is because of the story (especially when you think how much hate and division this apparently harmless separation brought on across the ages), but the music completes it and brings it to life perfectly. It's one of those perfect examples of simple, yet completely heartfelt and pouring with emotion songs that I love Orphaned Land for. The "God will hear you oh, my blood" part gives me shivers, it's absolutely beautiful.

Let the truce be known - another gem! If Brother is gorgeous because of the myriad of emotions that it raises up, Let the truce be known is not only incredibly heartbreaking (I get tears in my eyes when I think about the story, especially since I know it's inspired by a real life event), but the music is also superb. I'm completely delighted with how calm it starts, then grows and changes key along with the story (that bass on the background is great), then the touching violins in the middle are the calm before the storm and the vocals get more powerful and desperate and then it all culminates with that gut wrenching "we both shoot in the name of our god" part. My favourite song of the album by a mile.

Through fire and water - I know that if they want to really reach people with their message, singing in English is the best way, but I'm really glad they didn't abandon their Israeli lyrics, they are part of their charm and their identity. I always liked traditional Israeli music and when you add some kick to it using metal sonorities, the result is awesome. It's a pretty epic song, considering it's only 4 minutes long.

Fail - ok, I'm happy now. Fail sounds like something off the older albums and it's awesome! The growling part with that guitar on the background is to die for! I have to say I don't have a problem with bands changing their sounds per se, but when I used to love something about a band, it's a bit disappointing when they give up precisely that part I liked the most. For example Opeth kept the part I liked the most and their new album is my favourite of their career, even though it's a massive change.

Freedom - how can I not love it? This combination between oriental music and metal must be the next best offspring after the one between classical music and metal.

Shama'im - this is a song that managed to completely get pass my ear. It's basically a repetition of the first two verses over and over again under different forms. Pretty boring.

Ya benaye - for how many traditional moments they have, I think this is the first time I hear Kobi truly embracing the Israeli style of singing as well, usually there's a woman doing these parts. Unfortunately that's the most interesting thing I can say about the song.

Our own Messiah - I realise that institutionalised religion has generated more hate, division and death than love and salvation, but I kinda expected better from them than to tear into the side of personal faith as well. You can't really preach love and tolerance and then basically go "hey, you know what? All your hopes and beliefs are in vain". Not the most positive and uplifting message... What? They taught me to pay attention to the message, I'm paying attention now. Other than that, the song is very pretty.

Children - it reminds me a bit of Brother, it has the same atmosphere and even the music is pretty similar. Which is not to say it's not a beautiful inspiring ballad. I love Kobi's vocals, they're always so emotionally engaging. Also, this is the reason why I appreciate longer songs. It's not that length makes a song better, but it certainly gives it more room to develop and this is something that for the most part is missing from this album, that feeling of progress and growth. It's a much more tamed and "safe" album and it's a shame that they are downgrading themselves like this. And I can't help but feel that this is somehow tied to the fact that they have a message they want to bring to as many people as possible and not that many people listen to progressive death metal. It's the very definition of turning commercial and I'm not sure how much more excusable it makes it that it's generated by a purpose more noble than money and fame.