The Never Ending Way of ORwarriOR

OK, I could literally write for a LONG time about the many MANY plus sides of this album, I truly could. But I don't want to bore you, the reader, and will simply say right from the outset, you NEED this album!

Were I to go into more detail, however (and judging by the lengthy list of rules for writing a review, I need to do so) I would have to suggest that on first listen to this album, you may not like it. You may, like myself, listen to it, having waited for nearly 5 years for it after the masterpiece that was "Mabool" and initially be disappointed. Mabool was such a quality piece of work, and "The Never Ending Way of ORwarriOR" was so long in coming, it was hard not to hype it up so much, and it seems that it doesn't live up to the hype.

However, I would strongly urge you, dear reader, to keep at it! I have had this album on repeat for about a week now, and every listen I have unlocks new levels of brilliance in the musical technicality and layers of complexity! The music is astonishingly well written and tightly played, and you can tell that the reason Orphaned Land took so long to make this album is because they wanted to make it sound good... I mean, really good... It is evident that they have progressed nicely as musicians, together as a band, and they have obviously worked very hard to produce some high quality metal musicianship.

The presence of the Israeli/middle eastern folk music that so marks their sound is weaved effortlessly throughout the album, mixing with the heavy music, that in some places is heavier than anything on Mabool. They have managed to go in a new direction with it, however, and one must put this down to the work of the legendary Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree, Opeth) who has clearly influenced the band in some of the tracks, none more so the third track "Bereft in the Abyss."

The one low point, and the reason I have knocked 5% off (this shows it is not a major issue) is the first track. Where Mabool had "The Birth of the Three" to open the album, this has "Sapari" which is, simply put, annoying. I can't explain it more then that but it is a weak beginning, but it is only a short track, and when it leads into the haunting piano melody of "From Broken Vessels" you immediately forget about it.

There is an atmosphere of mystery, excitement and aggression prevalent throughout every song and the band has obviously poured their soul into its making. Orphaned Land, you made me wait for so long, but all is forgiven: it was worth it!