Opinions on oriental metal?

funny, Whispered are actually a Finish band. For me, they're a decent by the numbers Melodeath band which has the "samurai theme" or "oriental" thing going for them in the keyboards. I won't call them an oriental band by any means though.

Many people sure jump on stuff which uses exotic or unorthodox elements, then others jump on the bandwagon with the "ughh Japanese woodwind instruments <3" stuff. Personally I only pay attention to uncommon instruments if they're fully integrated in the songwriting and structure and not as a gimmicky sidekick which it might as well be.

Definitely won't stand out. It doesn't stand out to me at all, I mean the band is very solid but not "interesting" musically. As an Israeli, I find Melechesh, Orphaned Land and to a lesser degree Amaseffer to be very interesting.

I usually don't associate "Oriental" with "Asian". Japanese bands I like are Sigh and Versailles, among others. Definitely have their own kinky vibe and melodies.

MELECHESH - REBIRTH OF THE NEMESIS ~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ8WPlZoZiY

Orphaned Land - Mabool ~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeKWWIGj3ak

I think they are awesome but there are not a lot bands to listen to...

But is it awesome only because it uses instruments not associated with metal?

- Maybe... I like it because they sound really different from the usual stuff I listen to.

If hundreds of bands did this, would this still stand out?

- I think if more bands play like this, it will draw more attention.

Listen to these songs...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVQ8AbN3Lvo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSgIclwhNgo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnntqqJ2uYY

thats finnish band..

Dude, "oriental" is not the preferred nomenclature. "Asian", please.

Frieza: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYOzUHnPJvU

I was being a smartass =/