Guitarist Yossi Sassi, founding member and main composer of Israel-based oriental folk metallers Orphaned Land, has announced his departure from the band. Read the band’s & Yossi‘s statement below:
Kobi Farhi: It is a sad day for us, I remember the day me and Uri were looking for a guitarist and put an ad on one of the record shops in Israel, no one called for some time, until we got only one response, and that was Yossi’s.
Since our youth we were veins of the same body and soul, and built something which was but a realm of light. However, we respect the fact that taking different paths is a part of life. These situations had happened to even bigger and greater than Orphaned Land and the important thing here is that we are still and forever brothers, and the door remains open for both sides. Writing or sharing the stage is something we could easily keep on doing in the near future. Until then, we offer Yossi a warm hug, and wish him the very best! As for Orphaned Land, we keep on going with full force unto our next goals.
We never had a main composer or a mastermind in the band, Orphaned Land was always an adventure in which all members are partners in the writing process and in the shaping of the band’s concept, therefore Orphaned Land will always be an idea, a concept, a whole which is larger than the sum of its parts. We are planning and will soon announce many shows for 2014 as well as write new material for our next albums.
With endless love, Let there be light.
Kobi Farhi on behalf of Orphaned Land
***
Yossi Sassi: I never thought that someday I’ll write these words.. yet if there’s something stronger than our past – it is our future, and our dreams, as we evolve and understand what is right for us in the path ahead.
You know I always strive to be creative, innovative, compose the next authentic thing, and devoted my life to fuse and mix together the East and West, Acoustic with Electric, Rock with Folk traditional music, all with authenticity and full heart.
Books could be written from the what I’ve done for and gone through since founding “Orphaned Land” (initially named “Resurrection” in 1991), from every fan mail in the early 90’s, through signing the 1st deal with ‘Holy Records’, endorsements, budgeting, website development, pledging …the list goes on and on.. above all, I’m proud most of my vast compositions, arrangements, production and musical boundaries explored.
“Orphaned Land” has been a dream turned into reality with tremendous hard work and accomplishments. It is my life’s work, spanning over more than 22 years as a Founding member, composer, producer and many other roles. But mainly being ‘the heart’ I always believed O.L should reflect through.
I feel that now, from all the right reasons that I can and cannot change, the time has come for new dreams.
The first dream is on it’s way already,- The new album I’m working on these days will be called ‘Desert Butterflies’, a conceptual piece, rich and diverse, continued to my debut solo release ‘Melting Clocks’, and the ‘Oriental Rock’ genre I’ve been pioneering & redefining. It includes musical collaborations with Ron ‘bumblefoot’ Thal (Guns’n’Roses), Marty Friedman, Mariangela Demurtas (Tristania) and more. it’ll be worth the wait
I’m never leaving you.
I’m not closing the door, not on O.L members, and certainly not on YOU, my beloved & loyal fans, friends and followers.
The best is yet to come… I guarantee it to you, personally
Always with you, always yours,
Yossi
***
Orphaned Land’s latest album “All Is One” was released in North America on June 25 2013 [one day earlier internationally] via Century Media Records. The cover artwork for the follow-up to 2010’s “The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR” was created by the French artist Metastazis [Paradise Lost, As I Lay Dying, Sonne Adam, Watain] by perfectly incorporating the three biggest religious symbols into one piece of art.
“All Is One” was made available as a limited deluxe book edition, including three bonus songs and a bonus DVD, as well as limited double gatefold LP, including the three bonus songs and in different vinyl colors. A standard jewelcase CD format and digital download is also available.
The limited-edition version of “All Is One” contains a very special bonus DVD with some very exclusive music clips and an interesting documentary about the genesis and recording of the album.
Orphaned Land‘s new effort is the band’s first to feature guitarist Chen Balbus following the departure of Matty Svatizky in June 2012 due to “personal” and “professional” issues.
“All Is One” was mixed by Jens Bogren [James Labrie, Devin Townsend Project, Opeth] and was recorded in three different countries: Israel, Turkey and Sweden. Ironically, these countries are Jewish, Muslim and Christian, respectively, which strengthens the Orphaned Land message of unity through music. Over 40 musicians were used to flesh out the sound of “All Is One”, including 25 choir singers and eight classical violin, viola and cello players from Turkey.
To read our review for “All Is One” , click here.
Upcoming O.L Shows:
27-31 Jan, 70000 Tons Of Metal, U.S.A
20 Mar The Factory Theatre, Sydney, Australia
22 Mar The Epsy Gershwin Room, Melbourne, Australia
23 Mar The Rev, Brisbane, Australia
27 Mar Triumph Club, Tbilisi, Georgia
28 Mar Zal Ozhidaniya, St.Petersburg, Russia
29 Mar Volta club, Moscow, Russia
6 Jun Heidnisches Dorf, Leipzig, Germany [Acoustic show}
7 Jun Kohlrabizirkus, Leipzig, Germany
8 Jun Rock Hard Festival, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Related articles:
‘Orphaned Land’s’ ‘Kobi Farhi’ To Embark On U.S. Acoustic Performance And Conversation Tour [Jan. 2013]
‘Orphaned Land’ Announce European Tour And New Album [April 2013]
‘Orphaned Land’ Lyric Video Released For ‘Our Own Messiah’, European Tour Dates [May 2013]
New Video Interview With ‘Orphaned Land’s’ ‘Kobi Farhi’ [May 2013]
‘Orphaned Land’ Lyric Video For ‘Let The Truce Be Known’ Released, European Tour Dates [May 2013]
‘Orphaned Land’ Video Released For ‘Brother’ [May 2013]
‘Orphaned Land’ Making Of ‘All Is One’ Documentary Teaser Posted, Support Acts For Upcoming European Tour Announced [June 2013]
‘Orphaned Land’ Release Teaser For ‘All Is One’ Music Video, European Tour Dates [July 2013]
‘Orphaned Land’ Music Video Released For ‘All Is One’, European Tour Dates [July 2013]
Israeli And Palestinian Metal Bands Join Forces For European Tour [July 2013]
Orphaned Land – “All is One” [Album Review]
‘Pearl Jam’ Cover By Members Of ‘Orphaned Land’ And Friends, Video Available [Nov. 2013]