Orphaned Land / Klone / Khalas

Tonight is a possible first in that Israel's Orphaned Land will tour with the Palestinian band Khalas in an effort to prove that the two regions can peacefully coexist – a highly noble statement from a metal band. Events appear to be rising steadily for Orphaned Land, with this being their third headlining show in London, now playing the Garage - a fantastic accomplishment for the unconventional progressive folk metal band.

Palestine's Khalas set the tone for the evening with a heavy rock take on Arabic folk music. Typical heavy guitar riffs are paired against meandering Middle Eastern folk melodies and Arabic vocals. The five-piece are energetic on the cramped stage, with frontman Mahmoud Shalabi indulging in bizarre yet entertaining dance moves. Stage banter is light-hearted and the audience are very receptive. The front row is particularly rowdy, being formed of people from Syria, Tunisia and Turkey to name a few. Their Middle Eastern sounds are not commonly heard here and the audience appears thankful for the change.

Coming from France, Klone are a far cry from the last act with an offering of heavy progressive metal. Formed in 1995 under the name Sowat, the Frenchmen have four full-length albums to their name. Their technical prowess definitely positions them in good stead as learned musicians. The music is equipped with a very modern yet occasionally ethereal sound, weaving elements of groove, alternative rock, stoner and grunge styles together.

Perhaps an odd support choice for Orphaned Land, Klone's music lacks any wide form of variation and the audience reaction becomes less enthused as the set continues. The highlight of the performance is when vocalist Kobi Farhi from Orphaned Land provides vocals for one track. Their set concludes with a particularly dark cover of Iceland musician Bjork's 'Army of Me', armed with a significant volume of heaviness and machine-like power than the original.

Opening with 'Through Fire and Water' from the new 'All is One', folk metallers Orphaned Land take the stage, unfortunately hampered by the guitars being too low in the mix but this is quickly rectified after the opener. The audience are very animated throughout the performance, helped along by the dance-inducing music. The fusion of Israeli folk metal and progressive metal is very complimentary and works well in the live environment, despite the folk instruments and female vocals being taped.

The majority of 'All is One' is included in the setlist, with titles such as 'The Simple Man', 'Brother' and the title track attaining muscular reactions from the fans. Other Orphaned Land favourites including 'Sapari', 'Ocean Land (The Revelation)' and 'The Kiss of Babylon (The Sins)', all performed passionately. Rarity 'El Meod Na'Ala' The less upbeat 'Children' is admirably dedicated to the children in Syria in their time of conflict. This rendition also has Sébastien Ollive from Klone providing additional vocals. Farhi appears benevolent when he states Jews and Muslims are both descendants of Abraham and if Orphaned Land can share a packed tour bus with the Palestinian Khalas, it would be fantastic if Palestine and Israel could share the Gaza strip. The crowd reaction is nothing but positive throughout the venue.

Drummer Matan Shmuely treats the audience to a tricky drum solo before the remainder of the band return on stage for 'Our Own Messiah', complete with Devy Diadema from The Mars Chronicle on vocals. Closing with 'In Thy Never-Ending Way', Orphaned Land leave the audience baying for more songs. The encore fills the obvious hole, the Israelis' group's most popular anthem 'Norra El Norra (Entering the Arc)' harnessed with 'Ornaments of Gold', with Abed Hathoud and Fadel Kandil from Khalas aiding with guitar and vocals. The mood is incredibly celebratory and suits the harmonising aim of the tour with these two bands.

Such an alternative night of world music infused with metal is a welcomed sight in the capital and hopefully Orphaned Land will continue to create peace-making music and tours while visiting London. This is definitely a night that metalheads that spits in the face of man-made religious warfare.