One of Israel’s favourite metal outfits, Orphaned Land, will venture Down Under for their first ever series of headlining shows in 2014.
Taking in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane the progressive four-piece will show local audiences just why the band have become renowned throughout the Arab world.
Fusing progressive metal elements with traditional Middle Eastern music Orphaned Land have supported Metaliica, Amoprhis and Dio, played Sonisphere, Hellfest and Wacken Air Open and regularly play massive outdoor shows in Turkey.
In celebration of the band’s first ever Australian tour the band took us through the best places to shop, listen and experience the music scene to their native homeland for our music travel guide series.
For more information on Orphaned Land’s Australian tour click here. You can also read our very own music travel guide to Tel Aviv here.
Shop
Tel Aviv Metalshop, 27 Pinsker St, Tel Aviv
The only place in Israel where you can find new and old metal music. In this shop you can find CDs, vinyls, shirts and merchandise such as flags, patches, mugs and much more.
The Third Ear, 48 King George St, Tel Aviv
It’s the longest running record shop in Israel, specialising in second hand records. There you can find music of all different kinds of genres. This place has also the biggest video renting library and a cool bar for small shows.
Disc Center, Dizengof Center, Tel Aviv
If you’re looking for the best prices for buying CD’s and records in Israel, you will probably find it at Disc Center. It’s the best location for shopping and 5 minutes away from the two other stores (mentioned above). You will get the best team there to help you with your record shopping!
Listen
Reading 3 , Exhibit 3, North Port, Tel Aviv
Probably the best venue in Israel. Most of the international touring metal bands shows will be there. Capacity of 900 people.
Ozen Bar , 48 King George St, Tel Aviv
Ozen in Hebrew means ear, and funnily enough you can find the Ozen Bar above the Third Ear Record shop! There you can find small gigs, mostly of local bands. You can drink, watch a show and then buy some cool CDs at the Third Ear Record Shop after the gig!
Barby Club , 52 Kibuts Galuyot Way, Tel Aviv
One of the oldest clubs in Tel Aviv and probably the most popular. It’s not that fancy but the sound there is really great. Most Israeli artists have played there at some point in their careers, so over the years it has become the house of Israeli rock music.
See
Imagine watching a show in front of an ancient Roman fortress built in 37 BCE in the middle of the desert, while the sunsets. An amazing experience which is worth catching, with shows ranging from a touring Opera to Israeli acts such as Idan Raichel performing there. An historic place that comes alive from time to time!
The Jerusalem International Oud Festival
The Jerusalem International Oud festival began in 2000 and annually hosts performances from artists who play Middle Eastern music from Israel and around the world.
Maccabiah – Opening/Closing Ceremony Concerts
The Maccabiah games is like a Jewish Olympics, which takes place every 4 years in Israel. But it is the opening and closing ceremony concerts, which are the highlight! These musical events have the best lineup of Israeli artists, last years closing ceremony involved performances from internationally touring Israeli acts such as Infected Mushroom, Balkan Beat Box, Ofer Nissim, The Young Professionals, Riff Cohen and of course Orphaned Land!
Israeli Acts You Should Check Out
Balkan Beat Box – Soundcloud
Balkan Beat Box mix Balkan and Middle Eastern flavours with solid rock reggae foundations to form this live electro/world sensation! Founded by Tamir Muskat, one of the most talented producers in the world, Balkan Beat Box comprises of ex-members from Golgol Bordello and Firewater. They regularly play at major festivals all around the worl. They’re simply one of the best live bands around!
Riff Cohen – Facebook
Riff Cohen is one of the most original artists in Israel. A mix of electro-pop music with oriental grooves and French singing – in homage to her French mother. In her music you can find many oriental instruments, such as the oud. It’s music that makes you want to jump and go crazy and songs that will stick in your head long after listening!
Boom Pam – Official Website
Boom Pam sound like a 60s psychedelic surf-rock band…playing at your barmitzvah! It’s a Mediterranean surf rock tuba driven power trio seasoned with alcohol soaked barmitzvah party ecstasy…seriously!! These crazy dudes have taken their instrumental focused psych freakout to almost everywhere from private houses to the Maldives lslands to the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra! Check them out!
Orphaned Land Australian Tour 2014
with Voyager (WA) and Orsome Welles (VIC)
THU 20 MAR 2014 – THE FACTORY THEATRE, Sydney
SAT 22 MAR 2014 – THE EPSY GERSHWIN ROOM, Melbourne
SUN 23 MAR 2014 – THE REV, Brisbane
Tickets and info at http://www.orphaned-land.com
