#69 - Orphaned Land - Building the Ark
Orphaned Land's "Building the Ark" story - how this acoustic masterpiece became the emotional centerpiece of the groundbreaking Mabool concept album in 2004.
Story Behind "Building the Ark"
The Gentle Heart of an Epic Concept
"Building the Ark" emerged as a pivotal moment in Orphaned Land's ambitious Mabool concept album, which reinterpreted Noah's Ark through the perspective of three sons representing each Abrahamic religion. The track marked a dramatic shift in the album's direction, transitioning from the heavier opening tracks to become an acoustic song with amazing vocal delivery. Vocalist Kobi Farhi crafted the piece as the emotional preparation for the flood narrative, representing the solemn task of building humanity's salvation vessel.
From Metal Aggression to Acoustic Revelation
The album's structure was deliberately designed to "begin strong" with headbanging tracks, then completely change direction at "Building The Ark." The song exemplified the "far gentler and relaxing material" that balanced the album's heavier progressive metal sections. This creative decision reflected the band's commitment to matching musical dynamics with narrative progression, using acoustic arrangements to represent the contemplative nature of preparing for divine judgment.
"Building the Ark" Recording and Production Details
Acoustic Craftsmanship and Choral Arrangements
The track featured choir assistance, creating a 5:02 composition that received perfect ratings from reviewers. Built around a D minor key signature with a deliberate 88 BPM tempo, the song utilized chord progressions of G minor, E♭ major, F major, and D minor. The acoustic guitar work was layered to create depth while maintaining the intimate, contemplative atmosphere essential to the narrative moment.
Oriental Metal Meets Traditional Instrumentation
The recording retained the "oriental" instruments from their previous albums, incorporating traditional elements alongside acoustic arrangements. The track concluded with "an outstanding acoustic guitar outro" that bridged the album's gentle middle section with the approaching flood narrative. The production balanced Middle Eastern musical traditions with acoustic metal sensibilities, creating Orphaned Land's signature "Oriental Metal" sound.
Notes About "Building the Ark" by Orphaned Land
Release Date: July 13, 2004 (on Mabool - The Story of the Three Sons of Seven)
Duration: 5:02
Genre: World Metal / Oriental Metal
Key Signature: D minor
Tempo: 88 BPM
Label: Century Media Records
Album Position: Track #7 of 12
Orphaned Land "Building the Ark" Era Band Details
Album Details
Album: Mabool - The Story of the Three Sons of Seven
Release Date: July 13, 2004
Label: Century Media Records
Concept: Noah's Ark reinterpretation through three sons representing Christianity, Judaism, and Islam
Genre: Oriental Metal
Band Members/Personnel
Kobi Farhi - Vocals
Uri Zelcha - Bass
Yossi Saharon - Lead Guitar, Traditional Instruments
Matti Svatizki - Rhythm Guitar
Eden Rabin - Drums
Avi Diamond - Additional Instrumentation
Album Production Notes
Third release by Israeli oriental metal outfit, "heralded as one of their finest pieces of work"
Eight-year hiatus ended with this ambitious concept album that expanded heavy metal boundaries
Featured traditional Yemenite Jewish chants and biblical verses from Genesis chapters 6-9
Established the "World Metal" subgenre alongside bands like Sepultura and Amorphis
Interesting Facts About "Building the Ark"
The Acoustic Bridge That Defined Oriental Metal
Critics rated "Building the Ark" a perfect 10/10, calling it one of the album's highlights alongside "Mabool (The Flood)" and "The Storm Still Rages Inside." The track's gentle approach proved that "World Metal" could traverse vast stylistic ranges, from belly dancing rhythms to head-banging intensity. The song became a template for incorporating traditional Middle Eastern acoustic elements into metal compositions without losing emotional impact.
Eight Years in the Making, Instant Classic Status
Following an eight-year hiatus, "Building the Ark" helped justify the extensive wait with "impressive, at times unprecedented, achievements in expanding the boundaries of heavy metal." The track's position as the album's turning point demonstrated how acoustic passages could enhance rather than detract from metal albums, influencing countless progressive and folk metal bands. The album established Orphaned Land as "one of the most revolutionary bands in the history of heavy music," with this track serving as a perfect example of their innovative approach.