EL NORRA ALILA

I love the fact that these guys are from Isreal, and that they do not hide their love for God. I guess the fact I grew up in a home where the Bible was read a lot, and believed to be God's word, has something to do with my being so intrigued with these guys. I mean I have read so much about the Isrealites and about the land where they are from. Even the name of the band has such significance. They dedicate this record to "Our Father in Heaven." Apparently "El Norra Alila" refers to the name of a song sung by the Isrealites on the Day of Atonement. This is a record that promotes peace between the Jews and the Muslims, they even bring in a guest vocalist who sings a song in Arabic.

The first song "Find Yourself, Discover God" opens with flute as the vocalist speaks the words "Find Yourself".This is followed with a heavy sound of guitars grinding away as the keys come in.There are some blistering guitar solos and riffing after 4 minutes. Yes, there is also some growling too. "Like Fire To Water" opens with some tribal-like drumming as a grinding solo comes in with growls. Catchy riffs follow as well as a scorching guitar solo. I should mention that there is a lead guitarist and a rhythm guitarist. I refer to the rhythm guitar melodies as grinding because that is what it sounds like. "The Truth Within" is an amazing song. There is a beautiful guitar solo over the vocal melody. Nice.Nice ? It's freaking awesome ! Riffs and some pretty cool drumming follows.This song blends into the next song "The Path Ahead". There are lots of growls, ripping guitar solos, and pounding drums. "A Neverending Way" opens with violin and reserved vocals as synths come in. This is such a beautiful melody. The guitar comes in grinding followed by riffs.Hell ya !

"Takasim" is really a shofah solo. There is a first time for everything I guess. "Thee By The Father I Pray" features grinding guitar as drums pound. Scorching guitar follows as the song ends with a vocal melody. "Flawless Belief" is probably my favourite song on the album. Opening with scalding guitar and great bass as heavy drums come in.The guitar is so good in this song. "Joy" is all about the percussion. "Whisper My Name When You Dream" has more incredible guitar with more not so incredible growling. "Shir Hama'alot" features more shofah and ethnic instruments and the Arabic vocals. "El Meod Na'ala" is a wall of sound with a vocal melody. "Of Temptation Born" has this grinding guitar melody as the lead guitar plays over top. Oh my ! Growls continue. "The Evil Urge" sounds like a Middle Eastern folk song with strumming acoustic guitar and vocals.There is a haunting soundscape with a monologue. "Shir Hasrihim" has no instrumentation just haunting voices.The final song "Disciples Of The Sacred Oath" opens with grinding guitar and vocals as drums pound. It's cool how they can slow down or speed up the melody so quickly.The drumming is amazing. Check out the sound at 4:40. Incredible !

This is easily a 4 star record and compared with "Mabool..." it is heavier and more metal sounding. I love them both.Their next album is being produced by Steven Wilson, I can't wait !