Orphaned Land
Unsung Prophets And Dead Messiahs

Orphaned Land started their career as death progressive metal band with an original e very personal way to introduce a real folk instruments section that, mixed with always really inspired lyrics, made them the best Middle eastern band we ever met in the metal scene. Mabool was the peak of this first era bravery and Or Warrior was the excellent son and heir of this masterpiece even if in a more progressive way. All is one represented a sort of unexpected interruption of this flood of progressive death metal music with a more heavy metal approach, offering shorter and less structured songs, meawhile harsh vocals were going to disappear. This new album is the natural evolution of All Is One with more attention paied to the progressive element and a partial coming back of death-is harsh vocals. First part of the album belongs to Or Warrior album; second half of this new studio work, belongs almost to All is One, with really short songs, almost structured on heavily melodic approach and more oriental music influences. Lyrical work is as always, impressive and rich of meanings. Even if is a very good album, I miss a lot their solid prog death metal approach. UP&DM is a way more oriented to capture a larger base of listeners and be good for live shows. Heavy metal fans in love with pure melodies will give it 5 stars; others with more expectations in terms of progressive structures and more harsh element would not find enough for their ears two songs like the cave or chains fall to gravity or the good last song, only the dead have seen the end of war.