EL NORRA ALILA

This was the first album I had ever heard by Orphaned Land, and it easily rivals Mabool. The mix is much more metal based, but the melodies are VERY creative. This album tends to put thelistener in a trance, with its doomy hypnotic sections reminiscent of middle eastern folk. At other times, incredbly powerful and melodic riffs come crashing from the left and right. This album was produced with the two guitars occupying ONLY the left or right channels (besides special leads or solos) making it a delight with headphones(and important you never play it back with only 1 speaker!). In a way, I prefer this album, as it seems more musically creative, while mabool is more conceptually creative. A bit more growling/death vox here too, but if youre not into it youll probably end up loving it after a couple listens. Easily one of the best prog metal releases out there, and one of my all time favourites.