Orphaned Land is a doom/death band at its core, but they are highly influenced by the folk music and tradition of the Oriental Jews (Mizraḥim), making their sound much more progressive than typical doom/death bands. Their album Sahara (1994) was the first to include a combination of death metal and traditional oriental music. In their second album El Norra Alila (1996), Orphaned Land elaborated the combination of metal and oriental music, including the addition of song with traditional oriental Jewish piyyut and Arab melodies. This album conveyed a message of co-existence between Jews and Muslims. Their third album, Mabool (the Hebrew name for the Deluge, depicted in the Bible and Noah's story), 2004, was worked for seven years and takes the combination of doom/death metal, oriental music and biblical issues to a new level. The album tells the story of the seventh son of God (who was divided into three, each one symbolizing one monotheistic religion) which try to warn humanity from a coming flood (deluge) as punishment for their sins. Musically, the album contains oriental instruments, two choruses, traditional Yemenite chants sung by Shlomit Levi and quotes of Biblical verses from the story of the Deluge, read by Kobi Farhi, Orphaned Land's vocalist and one of its founders. The level of musical competency displayed in the heavy layering and orchestration combined with the more story-driven, conceptual nature of the album's lyrics as a whole lend a very strong progressive feel to the work.
Band Members:
Kobi Farhi − lead vocals, backing vocals, death growls, chants
Shlomit Levi - female vocals
Matan Shmuely - vocals, session drums
Matti Svatizky − rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar
Uri Zelcha − bass, fretless bass
Yatziv Caspi − drums, percussion
Idan Amsalem – guitars, bouzouki
Former Band Members:
Eran Asias − drums
Sami Bachar − drums
Avi Diamond − session drums
Itzik Levy − keyboards
Eden Rabin − keyboards, backing vocals
Yatziv Caspi - session drums
Avi Agababa - session drums
Yossi Sa'aron (Sassi) - guitars, oud, saz, bouzouki, chumbush, backing vocals
Joy
Orphaned Land Lyrics
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As the lyrics for "Joy" by Orphaned Land are purely instrumental, we can delve into the emotions and themes that the song conveys through its music. Firstly, the overall tempo and instrumentation of the song are jubilant and lively, evoking a sense of celebration and joy. The Middle Eastern elements in the music also give a nod to the band's cultural roots, adding depth and character to the composition.
However, underneath the surface, there is a hint of nostalgia and longing. This is particularly present in the violin melody that guides the listener throughout the song. The melancholic undertones of the violin suggest that joy can also come from memories and reflection on the past. This idea is also echoed in the title of the song, which juxtaposes the emotions of joy and the experience of being orphaned.
Overall, "Joy" by Orphaned Land is a powerful and bittersweet composition that speaks to the complexity of human emotions and the importance of cherishing moments of happiness and reflection.
Contributed by Peyton O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.