MABOOL - THE STORY OF THE THREE SONS OF SEVEN

Mabool presents the climax of Orphaned Land music that cannot be easily reached again. After all, they had 8 years to prepare for it, reflect what could go better in the new millenium and update the sound. Not only they achieved that but the band created a timeless piece of progressive oriental metal that succeeds in combining best of oriental folk, progressive metal, death metal and heavy metal to the highest mark. Similar to Opeth, the singer perfected his clean and growling vocals to deliver an excellent piece of lyrics with concept. You can feel anger in the death metal voice but a positive message in the clean vocal - like the battle of Gods ;) The music is complex yet melodic but with changing playing, shift of moods and joy from playing. Instruments are on par with other progressive metal bands, maybe less ornament and focusing on overall music.

The first track already combines all elements that decorate Orphaned Land so much - folk, death metal, progressive metal. You have moments when you want to dance but then soon also headbang or kick the bass drum. "Ocean land" is a song with commercial potential, very melodic, creative guitar solo even if maybe too frequent long growls.

"The kiss of Babylon" has phenomenal female choir behind heavy riffing and drumming. You wll enjoy oriental singing as well as rhythmic characteristics - maybe the most representative track of oriental metal on the album.

We also have a nice oriental intermezzo "A'salk" that has nothing to do with metal. But, the peak is coming now! "Halo dies" is a jewel of modern progressive/oriental metal with death metal vocals. The relatively light initial part is ultracompensated by the death-metal storm which excels in its variety, compositional skills and masterfully creating the feeling raging storm. The malicious riffs are absolutely captivating. After the stormy part, we come to some soft moments with guitars, keyboards but soon followed by progressive riffing. Thanks for providing a long enough instrumental section.

"Building the ark" could be classified as folk metal with European and Asian influences, very good fluent guitar solo. "Norra el norra" is a hymn for all who like to sing be it female or male vocals. "The calm before the flood" shows the versatility by the band - nature sounding peaceful scenery.

"Mabool (The Flood)" and "The Storm Still Rages Inside" could be a counterpart to "Halo dies" - the first being death oriental piece and the latter one a warm slightly reflective song with beautiful female choir.

Don't wait and get this album soon for you've been missing it since 2004!