I have to admit that I am not very much into the scene of the Middle Eastern countries, so I am very pleased to introduce you to Arallu, a death / black metal band from Jerusalem, Israel, of which I had not heard before. This band exists since 1997 and has five albums out, but nevertheless I learned about them only when they sent to me their latest album Geniewar.
As mentioned, the band delievers death / black metal, but the Israelis have given an oriental folk touch to their sound, which is recognizable already in the intro “Arallu - Evil Finest”. Arallu also use percussions and a flute, as in “Bloodshed Around”, to get this oriental effect, which I find sincere and meaningful. Many influences come also from thrash metal in my opinion; there is a lot of crushing riffs and grooves, and I also hear reminiscences of Metallica, as in “Metal Troops 666”. Geniewar contains also a cover of Iron Maiden, and which could it be but their most oriental song, “Porweslave”! One thing I really appreciate is the excellent production and the clear sound, which is not always obvious.
As for the lyrics, they are nearly all in English, some in Jewish, I believe. The lyrics in English that I am able to read are based on the culture of the country of the band, especially mythology (the band's name is derived from Mesopotamian mythology), but not only; some lyrics deal with topical subjects such as civil war, as in “Bloodshed Around”.
In short, Geniewar is an excellent album that deserves to be listened to.
Notes:
Geniewar was self-reliesed on February 18 2015 and is purchasable digitally and physicallyh through the Bandcamp player beow. In Mesopotamian mythology "Arallu" is the underworld kingdom ruled by the goddess Ereshkigal and the god Nergal where the dead are judged.
Personnel:
Butchered (Genie King): Bass, Vocals, Guitars
Gal Pixel: Guitars
Assaf Kassimov: Drums
Session musicians:
Yaniv Zada: Percussion
Sami Bachar: Flute
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com
As mentioned, the band delievers death / black metal, but the Israelis have given an oriental folk touch to their sound, which is recognizable already in the intro “Arallu - Evil Finest”. Arallu also use percussions and a flute, as in “Bloodshed Around”, to get this oriental effect, which I find sincere and meaningful. Many influences come also from thrash metal in my opinion; there is a lot of crushing riffs and grooves, and I also hear reminiscences of Metallica, as in “Metal Troops 666”. Geniewar contains also a cover of Iron Maiden, and which could it be but their most oriental song, “Porweslave”! One thing I really appreciate is the excellent production and the clear sound, which is not always obvious.
As for the lyrics, they are nearly all in English, some in Jewish, I believe. The lyrics in English that I am able to read are based on the culture of the country of the band, especially mythology (the band's name is derived from Mesopotamian mythology), but not only; some lyrics deal with topical subjects such as civil war, as in “Bloodshed Around”.
In short, Geniewar is an excellent album that deserves to be listened to.
Notes:
Geniewar was self-reliesed on February 18 2015 and is purchasable digitally and physicallyh through the Bandcamp player beow. In Mesopotamian mythology "Arallu" is the underworld kingdom ruled by the goddess Ereshkigal and the god Nergal where the dead are judged.
Personnel:
Butchered (Genie King): Bass, Vocals, Guitars
Gal Pixel: Guitars
Assaf Kassimov: Drums
Session musicians:
Yaniv Zada: Percussion
Sami Bachar: Flute
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com
