By DAN SOUTHALL
RECENT times have seen a resurgence of live albums and statements from bands created during or in the immediate aftermath of the global stopping pandemic that we all remember. As a fan of the live environment, I have enjoyed the majority of recordings that have made it to official release stage.
Bands of all forms have come up with different twists on their music to keep the spectacle of their live albums vibrant, typically with an orchestra of some kind. This album is no different, also adding the additional flair of a choir to bolster their already bombastic output. Although recorded in 2021, its release now could not come at a more fitting time with troubles in the Middle East (AGAIN!), Orphaned Land’s message of love and hope for all people again cuts through as if the only common sense coming from the region.
The songlist is a best-of set, a reminder of just how much power they have always possessed in music and message. From the raging opening of “Mabool” to the symphonic majesty of “The Cave” and “Bother”, that are both taken to new heights with the addition of the strings and choir, and the addition of Noa Gruman (Scardust) on “Sapari” bolsters the message of the music with operatic skill.
This is as definitive a musical statement as any band could hope to achieve wrapped tightly in the common sense barbs Kobi Fahri and his cohorts have always unflinchingly and expertly aimed, required more than ever as their part of the world engulfs itself in violence once again. May the majesty and positivity on display here rub off those that need it.
Buy A Heaven You May Create on CD
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