Blackfield

Blackfield is the result of a collaboration between Steve Wilson (Porcupine Tree) and Israeli pop singer/songwriter/peace activist Aviv Geffen. Their music is a dreamy sort of pop/rock with some atmospheric as well as prog moments (it is Steve Wilson after all). With this self titled first release (2004) they've created a very accessible and lush sounding album. At times, the duo seem to summon the likes of Pink Floyd as well as John Lennon. That's definitely a compliment.

I had the pleasure of catching these guys during their NYC show in March of '07. There was a ridiculous snow and ice storm that night and the trek to the show was like that time in Voyage of the Mimi when that creepy captain almost died of hypothermia. Did you know Ben Affleck was on that show? Crazy huh? Anyway, trust me, it was cold that night. The show was great, you really screwed up by not being there.

..enjoy..

Bonus Video NYC

Sahara

Combining the rich and historic musical elements of the Jewish and Arabic cultures, Israel's Orphaned Land are unique in the world of metal. In pure metal logistics, they would be defined as a death/doom band with serious progressive tendencies, but they have always been more than the sum of their parts. Their songs are spiritually conscious, reflecting on questions of good and evil, light and darkness and draw influence from a variety of ancient spiritual texts and stories. The music and vocals are rooted in traditional Eastern melodies, both Jewish and Arabic. Sahara, their 1994 debut, is the starting point for what has been a prolific career. With each release the band has honed and polished their sound and direction. But it all started here. Where many metal musicians celebrate their spiritual and national heritages with cartoon caricatures of the past, Orphaned Land embrace, expand and recreate the knowledge of their spiritual forefathers. Their music is both keenly aware and respectful of tradition. What is perhaps most impressive though, is their ability to unify what is too often perceived as opposing forces in the modern world: East and West, Judaism and Islam.

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