Orphaned Land is an Israeli heavy metal band formed in 1991, recognized as pioneers of oriental metal. Their music fuses metal with diverse sounds from the Middle East and North Africa, blending Mizrahi and Maghrebi Jewish, Arabic, Turkish, and Mediterranean influences, as well as elements from Sephardic and Yemenite Jewish music. Since their album El Norra Alila, they have incorporated metal adaptations of traditional piyyutim into their work. The band delivers a message of peace and unity, especially among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and often uses biblical imagery to promote coexistence across cultures. While their songs reference spiritual themes, most members identify as atheist or agnostic and are critical of organized religion. Orphaned Land’s lineup centers on founding members Kobi Farhi (vocals) and Uri Zelcha (bass), with current members including Matan Shmuely (drums), Chen Balbus (guitars, saz), and Idan Amsalem (guitars, bouzouki). Widely respected throughout the Middle East and beyond, they have been called ambassadors of peace for their cultural outreach. Notably, in 2013 they toured Europe with Palestinian band Khalas, demonstrating their belief in musical coexistence. Their collaborative album, The Peace Series Vol 1, was released in 2021. Four of their six albums are concept albums exploring themes of light and darkness.