Wow, epic review! Great job! I was worried that the new album isn't good, but after I read this I'm eager to give it a spin. Very nice job.

Nice review, and though I liked a lot this album, I still think Sapari shouldn't be on this album, maybe only on a single or EP, anyways, the rest of the album is awesome.

Very good review in my opinion, I agree with most of the things you wrote, even when you say the album loses momentum in part II, that's exactly what it does for me too, regardless of being excellent overall.

It took me a lot of listens to really appreciate this album, like usual with all Orphaned Land albums, and albums in general, it takes me a while. But it was worth it because the more I listened to it the more I began uncovering the little subtleties that make this album so good, its so well constructed and the songwriting is very inspired.

But again, as with most albums, some people won't understand it or like it, but it really suits my tastes and even if it is different than the things I usually listen to, maybe that's why I like it so much.

It still has the elements that captivate me, the perfect mix of controlled/ and also uncontrolled aggression and introspective moments.

Thanks for the comments!

@ Panterica : if you liked Mabool, you can listen to it without doubts. Different, for sure, but of the same outstanding quality.

@ ZuzuzOr: as for Sapari not on the album... I don't know. It is so different from the rest of the album, sure... but the lyrical theme fits with the rest, so...

Maybe it's my natural aversion to prog, but I just couldn't get into this one.

From a musical perspective I didn't find this album very appealing, compared to Mabool it's a major step down. However, I agree completely with the message they're trying to convey being from Lebanon and all.

To put it in a nutshell, this release has its moments but unfortunately they don't last long enough for my taste. Well written review, but I'm not convinced.

This album has incredible moments but I agree it has boring ones too, right in the middle. I don't get why they concentrated the most brutal songs at the end, instead of cuting the boredom in two with a track like Codeword. Maybe part of the concept? Anyway, most tracks taken separately are awesome. And I do love Sapari, it's similar to Ocean Land, which is a gem of a song.

Great Review, Monsieur! It's like the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls!

Excellent review, will definitely pick this album up.
By the way, Uri (the bassist) is working in the shop I always go to for my metal doses (Google "Metalshop").

Awesome review, and I agree on most of it, this album is really good, and imo, better than Mabool in many ways...

Once again, thanks all for the comments!

@ Metalomorphis: I pesonally compare Sapari to Norra El Norra. The two are different, but both are the only 'folk tune turned metal' of their respective albums. Oh, and both are a blast live.

@ Nibir: thanks again! I wasn't aiming at such a lofty goal...

@ RocknRaven: ah, I didn't know that Uri worked in a metal shop! If I ever go to Tel-Aviv, I know where to go shopping now

Very good review! I love Mabool and I also love this one, but Mabool is quite better. I'm not sure though, I think I'll give this album a few more spins. I also agree that the album loses its momentum in part 2. Imo, Orphaned Land is more of a progressive metal band than a folk metal band.

It's been a while since I saw an album with that rating, maybe I'll check it...

Despite the fact that I hate the oriental bits, it's a good album, but the slow acoustic parts with clean vocals are so Opeth it's embarrassing...

Just cos steven wilson produced it, it doesnt have to sound like Opeth... I heard this from other ppl too, but I bet that if you didnt know he produced the album, you would probably compare it to some other band... oh and btw Kobi has a Matt Bellamy like moment in From Broken Vessels, I think lol

Anyway awesome album... I dont agree with the momentum issue... I think it has a very nice flow, after a lot of listens it gets more apparent... it resembles waves on the ocean ))

I was listening to the album today while reading unitarian universalist bulletins and guess what, it fit together so well

Steven Wilson did NOT produce the album, he only mixed the album, i don't get why people have to make this kind of assumptions. they don´t sound like Opeth, they have their unique sound. okay i agree that some moments you can find some Opeth references. this is a very beautiful album, and well constructed.

start enjoying music for what it is and STOP comparing it all the time...

I was just reacting at some ppl... yea, beautiful music, I agree

If you don't hear Opeth in the slow acoustic moments, you are deaf! I think Opeth are actually playing them in disguise... lol

I'm not saying the whole thing sounds like Opeth, but some passages definitely do... having said that, the album is indeed great...

I like this album a lot, so far the best release I've listened to in 2010.

Those of you who got bored should try bands like Nile -a little bit of folk and tons of unjustified violence -just kidding.

Anyway, I really liked all the weird mid-eastern instruments and melodies they feature in this album. I think that's one of the things that has been improved, compared to Mabool.

Nice review I agree with it
totally love the song "Disciples Of The Sacred Oath"

Written by Merchant of Doom on 23.08.2010 at 10:51

If you don't hear Opeth in the slow acoustic moments, you are deaf! I think Opeth are actually playing them in disguise... lol

Simply greatly explained.

I really like this album, I've been listening it on the summer in the mountains. Beautiful.
But still, Mabool it's a bit higher for me.