Guitarist Matti Svatizky has left Israeli progressive folk metal masters Orphaned Land. His statement reads as follows:
“To all of Orphaned Land‘s fans, from this moment on I will no longer be a part of the band. We had great years together and I think that our achievements were beyond only the musical grounds. However, it is time for me to move on with my life. There are issues both on the personal and the professional levels that made me come to this decision, which has not been an easy one, and which I’m whole with and sure that will bring many positive things in the future. I wish the band many more fruitful years of creation and joy, and I wish you, the fans, many more years of enjoyment of what Orphaned Land has to offer, and who knows, maybe we’ll meet again someday in the future, this way or another. Forever Orphaned…”
Added the remaining members of Orphaned Land: “How can you sum up two decades with a brother and a partner? The answer is simple: you can’t. Matti is deeply immersed in Orphaned Land history and his uniqueness will surely be missed. All we can do is respect Matti‘s decision and wish him the best the future can offer for him. Orphaned Land was always a home for friends and shall remain such a place for Matti. Forever Orphaned, beloved brother!”
Orphaned Land‘s concert DVD, The Road To OR-Shalem, was released last October in Europe and November in the U.S. via Century Media Records.
According to a press release, “The Road To OR-Shalem” “is the premier Middle Eastern progressive metal crusaders’ DVD debut and documents the band’s incredible mission to unite warring factions in their home region through the power of music. Filmed in Tel Aviv, Israel in December 2010,‘The Road To OR-Shalem’ features nearly two hours of stunning live material, as well as a second bonus DVD. The bonus DVD material includes additional live footage, a behind-the-scenes documentary and video clips.”
Related articles:
‘Orphaned Land’ ‘The Road To OR-Shalem’ DVD Details Revealed [August 2011]
‘Orphaned Land’: ‘Heavy Metal Envoys To Muslim World’ [Sept. 2011]
‘Orphaned Land’ Guitarist Working On Solo Album [Sept. 2011]
Interview with ‘Orphaned Land’ [Oct. 2011]
‘Orphaned Land’ Guitarist ‘Yossi Sassi’ Releases Solo Debut [March 2012]
‘Orphaned Land’ Receives Turkish Peace Award [March 2012]
‘Orphaned Land’ ‘The Beloveds Cry’ 20th-Anniversary Edition To Receive North American Release [May 2012]