Already the introducing part The Rise plucked on the acoustic guitar pricks up my ears, because this song is trend-setting for the adequate entitled album of Israeli band ARAFEL.

The speed is quite fast most of the time, but fine arcs of melody are tightened in the background and contribute the folk part because of the use of a violin. The way of composing commemorates me of Russian band Tvangeste and therefore it is no surprise that lead singer Miron performs vocal parts on this record. The guitars are omnipresent and so a genial mixture of driving guitar power and danceable folk rhythms is developed which can elate me. In the centerpiece The Saga Of The Vengeance ARAFEL show all their strength in composing; during 11 minutes there is a lot of space for numerous details and boredom does not have a chance. ARAFEL invite us for an expedition, which brings some new treasures to the surface each time. A certain portion of concentration is needed; I would not recommend listening to The Second Strike as background irrigation – that would not be suitable for this detailed music. The compositions turn out to be multilayer and complex, they can cause the one or other knot in auditory canals. Fortunately a melody played by the violinist Monika or an acoustic intermezzo solve the tense and extensive matter. Nevertheless the band looses the plot every now and then and seems to be confused and unoriented. The keyboard also got its place in ARAFEL’s musical cosmos; it is responsible both for melodies and for atmospheric background sounds.

In the end many positive impressions stay in my mind, some nice folk melodies, guitar power and varied speed; for some listeners the multi dimensional way of composing could be stodgy; one needs some patience to comprehend (and to enjoy as a consequence) The Second Strike: The Flame Of The Ages…but it is worth it for sure!