Orphaned Land Interview: SXSW 2010

If art imitates life, then heavy metal is the perfect accompaniment to a war zone. This very combination is the backdrop for Israel's Orphaned Land, as they seek to remove the masks that force people to see everything in terms of opposites. Spinner recently sat down with vocalist Kobi Farhi in anticipation of the group's SXSW appearance to discuss the power of metal music and how it may be the Middle East's hope for a better tomorrow.

How did the band form?

We were teens going to high school back then, and we were just trying to get familiar with the metal scene. Israel is very open to the world, and so when metal CDs started to come, we wanted to make it ourselves. Being in a band was the greatest way to express ourselves -- a great way to show the region to the worldwide metal scene, which was mainly US and Europe. We felt like we would be a great contribution to the metal scene.

Why metal music?

In many ways, and especially in our youth, you really feel that everything around you is pretty fake: government, priests, society. TV and commercials, they always try to capture your mind with manipulation. I remember I bumped into heavy metal music, and I saw it doesn't wear masks. What you see is what you get -- no compromising. Metal is the real s---.

How big of an influence was growing up in the Middle East?

Life is pretty intense. [You] can't find stability for the long term. The great things in Israel and the bad things, they all shaped my inner shelf and personality. I chose metal as a tool of expression, and I think metal music pretty much fits into an area like the Middle East, a war zone. I really find it to be the greatest form of expression about this region.

Who would you cite as the musical influences on your sound, both metal and non-metal?

Being Israeli is a very multicultural experience. All Jewish nations are so spread out, and 64 years ago they came back for the country's formation. So many people -- Moroccans, Yemenis, Polish, Iraqis and Egyptians, eighty kinds of nations -- were coming to the homeland. So many sounds are a result. Our sound is a reflection of that. What you can hear is very Middle Eastern music, while remaining metal.

Would you say this idea of reflection upon opposites, to the point of realizing they are the same, is a major theme of your work?

Couldn't agree more -- to unite into one. We stretch the line from the most shining light to the deepest darkness. I like to say when we play it's like God and Satan [are] dancing tango. In a way, it is a reflection of being an Israeli. This is described as the Holy Land, but [there are] so many wars and bloodshed. If that is true, it means Heaven on earth should begin here. Yet, it's the greatest war zone on the face of the earth.

How did you come up with the band name?

This paradox is why we are called Orphaned Land. It is always the game between black and white. This is, of course, reflected in our music. Very eclectic -- light lyrics, and then growling in the next song. In terms of art, I am living in the richest land on earth because you can listen to our music and you can never say it's not very rich and diverse. This is the privilege we are given in our life over here, surrounded by so many different elements, all compressed in a holy orphaned land.

How would you describe this sound?

I think you can really feel this is Middle Eastern. [The] sound, it's different -- not American sound. We always insist to record in Israel. Even having a producer in Sweden, we insisted on recording over here because we are a complete reflection of our surroundings.

What is it about the album as an art form or media outlet that suits the message of the band?

Music is a global language. Everyone likes music. It's part of our lives. If you and your worst enemy like the same song, then it enters your heart like a bullet. It means at that moment you have a common ground. It is not uncommon to witness this power of music in our concerts. We have Muslims and Jews, and they may not communicate, but they like the same band. Music is one of the holiest tools we have, and it is one of our only hopes.

Is this why you prefer the concept album to the traditional LP format?

Yes, they are stronger because it makes it all be one. [There are] different pieces creating one very long song. It gives more freedoms to be able to sit back with headphones and the lyrics, and then go through a musical journey. That is the power of concept albums.

Any particular favorites?

So many. [Pink Floyd's] 'The Wall' is one of the greatest. Dream Theater's 'Scenes From a Memory' and Iron Maiden's 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son,' as well.

Will SXSW be your first festival?

Yes.

Why did you decide to perform at SXSW?

Well, I know and have heard about it, that it's pretty much a big convention with so many musicians and people coming together, [that] it's a paradise. [It's a] great opportunity to meet people very much excited to be there and experience this. I think it's going to be very successful.

What are you goals for the festival?

To get the attention of America. I hope it's a place to gather all these people so we that we can set ourselves to a higher position by showing what we represent as a band. Also, to gain a philosophy to help the band be more than it already is.


Nick Scott is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.