MABOOL - THE STORY OF THE THREE SONS OF SEVEN

This is a concept album about the flood (Mabool), only they put their own twist on the old testament story by adding the "Three sons" to it. These three sons are the snake, eagle and lion and represent the three major religions, Judiasm, Islam and Christianity. Anyway these three sons come together as one to warn the people of the earth of the impending flood that is coming from God because of their sin. So yes, this is an album of epic proportions. This record blends several languages and vocals so beautifully as well as many ethnic instruments, orchestral sections as well as Prog-Metal. There are some growly vocals that are used to demonstrate anger, and are not used a lot.

"Birth Of The Three (The Unification)" opens with children singing until crushing riffs come in and vocals. The drumming seems to roll as the guitars grind it out in the background. Some ripping guitar melodies to follow. I love this opening song. "Ocean Land (The Revelation)" is the revelation of the impending doom that will strike the earth.The intro reminds me of THE TEA PARTY with the use of ethnic instruments until the guitar comes in. Deep throaty vocals are contrasted with the normal vocals. We then hear a scorching solo as the song ends with percussion and ethnic vocals. "The Kiss Of Babylon (The Sins)" relate the sins that man has committed against God. This is a heavy tune with angry death vocals and background synths. Normal vocals come in followed by a female vocal melody that is cool. A male takes over the same melody. 6 minutes in she really reminds me of Anneke as the song blends into "A'slk". This is a short song with her still singing with ethnic instruments including percussion. "Halo Dies (The Wrath Of God)" opens with spoken words, and as it plays out i'm reminded of GREEN CARNATION. We get some more growly vocals and the violin/guitar melody is great.

"A Call To Awake (The Quest) is where the "Three sons" go out to warn the inhabitants of the earth. This is an uptempo tune with tasteful guitar melodies.Vocals and heavy riffs follow with background synths. "Building The Ark" features ethnic instruments as choirs come in and vocals.There is some intricate, acoustic guitar and synths. "Norra El Norra (Entering The Ark)" opens with ethnic vocals and strumming guitar that are crushed by heavy riffs. A female vocal melody, synths, piano and drums follow. Nice."The Calm Before The Flood" is a solemn instrumental of acoustic guitar, synths and wind. Mankind are living their lives, unaware that their lives are about to end. "Mabool (The Flood)" opens with the sound of rain and some orchestral sounds as it starts to pour and thunder. Guitars and drums build in sound. We then hear spoken words, then vocals as guitars churn out the melody. "The Storm Still Rages Inside" opens with spoken words and the sound of water splashing as the ark rises in the water. There is such an uplifting guitar solo that goes on and on. Nice. Vocal melodies with drums and splashing water close out the song. "Rainbow" ends this ambitious work with acoustic guitar as you can hear the birds singing. Beautiful ending.

This is close to being a masterpiece in my opinion, but falls just short. 4.5 stars.