The sophomore album from Tomorrow’s Rain, Ovdan is set to be released on April 19, but it’s so much more than just a collection of songs, but proof of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Ovdan, the Hebrew word for loss, carries a weighty significance for Tomorrow’s Rain. The word resonates deeply with vocalist Yishai Sweartz, who, by March 12th, 2023, found himself fighting for his life after a severe heart attack.His harrowing journey, from the brink of death to a triumphant return is the the backdrop for the album’s themes of loss, redemption, and the fragility of existence.
Written over the course of two years, Ovdan is a departure from their debut Hollow, both thematically and musically as Yishai’s brush with mortality imbues the songs with a sense of urgency and introspection.
On the change, Yishai comments,
“I believe we have to bring something fresh to the table with every album as I see ourselves as artists and not as entertainers, I prefer to ‘be’ David Bowie than let’s say Motorhead, to explore ourselves is the cause of the whole idea and the way I see art in general.”
Collaborations with esteemed artists such as Attila Csihar of Mayhem, Michael Denner of Mercyful Fate, and Ben Christo of Sisters Of Mercy add layers of depth and complexity to the album’s sonic landscape. Tracks like “Roads” and “Muaka” showcase Tomorrow’s Rain’s ability to weave intricate melodies with blistering riffs and atmospheric textures, while “Turn Around” and “Convalescence” offer moments of catharsis and introspection.
What’s wonderful about Ovdan is that it proves that metal is more than just harsh vocals and bombastic beats, but that it can be poignant, melodic, sombre, and haunting. Yishai’s journey from the brink of death to a triumphant return serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope and Ovdan showcases the power of music to heal, to inspire, and to transcend.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Roads”, “Muaka”, “Turn Around”, “Convalescence”
