Rare gems to celebrate a unique band - A review of Orphaned Land's Orphaned Land & Friends 25th Anniversary

Orphaned Land & Friends 25th Anniversary is a limited edition of four seven inch vinyl records collecting rare cover songs introducing Orphaned Land's cultural and artistic background, live tracks from Israel and alternative versions or remixes of several tracks. This package was also released digitally. All eight songs were later re-released on the special edition of the brilliant studio record Unsung Prophets & Dead Messiahs about one year later. The material on this record could already be found on different limited editions, live records and singles but those who didn't collect some of those quite expensive and rare releases can find eight great songs in one compact collection. The quality of the material shows a band at the height of its career. 

The three live songs are calm, intimate and passionate as the band creates a bond with its audience. Especially the old pearl ''The Beloved's Cry'' has never sounded as great as the band has successfully revamped the track without forgetting about its initial charm. 

The second vinyl includes two different versions of the same song, performed in two different languages. This is a cover of Israeli singer-songwriter Yehuda Poliker. The English version was a bonus track on the outstanding last studio record All Is One and would have blended in very well on said album. The track has an epic and longing folk rock atmosphere that suits Orphaned Land's current style perfectly. Orphaned Land has managed to adapt the track to its very own symphonic folk metal style without denying the original's appeasing, melodic and rhythmic charm.

The two versions of single ''Estarabim'', a danceable and joyous cover of a song by Turkish singer-songwriter Erkin Koray, are quite catchy and dynamic. The two versions complement each other very well. Once again, Orphaned Land has respected the original's exotic festive vibe while adding some more punch to these two versions. It was an excellent choice to cover this vivid oriental party anthem.

The final vinyl includes a cover of Pearl Jam's Jeremy that was recorded with several collaborators in order to promote a visit of the band to Israel. The melodic grunge song was transformed into an inspired folk tune that easily outclasses the original version in my opinion. I have rarely witnessed a band that makes better cover songs than Orphaned Land.

To keep it short, fans of what Orphaned Land has been doing since the release of the epic Mabool - The Story of the Three Sons of Seven will definitely enjoy this release with its eight colorful, inspired and life-affirming tracks. Orphaned Land manages to be one of the most joyous bands in the metal genre while spreading one of the most serious messages of coexistence, hope and peace at the same time. If you don't want to overpay for this limited release, go grab the band's new studio album in the limited edition and enjoy these eight rare gems to celebrate a unique band that is more relevant than ever and that deserves our attention and support.

Final rating: 80%