Almana Shchora

Almana Shchora (from Hebrew: Black Widow) (Hebrew: אלמנה שחורה‎‎) is a heavy metal band originating from Tel Aviv, Israel.

History

The band was founded in 1991 and remain active, although the only surviving original member of the band is the guitarist and founder (and now also lead vocalist) Eli Zulta, who wrote and sang most of the band's songs. It was formed in 1991 by guitarist and occasional vocalist Eli Zulta, lead vocalist Assi Hason, bassist Avi Mualam and drummer Itzik Ovadiya.

In 1992, the band went into Eshel Studios to self-record and produce their debut album, but this album was eventually left unreleased, and the band started working on a new album altogether. In 1994, the band released their first single, "תסתכלי לי בעיניים" (Look into My Eyes) which was set to appear on their first album but was not included in any of the band's albums.

In 1995, the band was signed by Journey Records and started to work on their debut album. Their first self-titled album was released on February 14, 1997. Produced by Infected Mushroom guitarist Erez Netz, the album proved to be a commercial failure, although it gained the band a lot of loyal fans, and made the band popular in the Israeli heavy metal scene. Since the release of the album, and until 1997, the band toured Israel and played a shows throughout the country, up until the departure of founding members Avi Mualam and Itzik Ovadiya in 1998. The band toured with Ifa'at Netz (sister of the band's album producer Erez Netz) on bass, and Yael Cohen on drums, of Israeli all-female alternative rock band Ha-Machshefot (from Hebrew: The Witches), until 1999, the departure of the band's frontman Assi Hason.

In 2001, Eli Zulta re-assembled the defunct band with a new line-up, adding keyboardist Adush (Nir Rechani), lead guitarist Nanneq, bassist Yagel Cohen and drummer Yaniv Rozenfeld. Zulta himself switched duties from guitars to lead vocals. He had previously sung lead vocals on two songs on the band's debut album.

In 2003, the band started writing material for a new album, to be titled Phantom Pain. The band started recording songs and demos for the album since in 2004 in their own home studio, with the first single "הבריחה" (The Escape) being released in 2005, with the album having no release date at the time. It was then that drummer Yaniv Rozenfeld was replaced with Ha-Meteor (Yair Hanania).

In 2006, the band was signed by Zaza Recordings and started to record the album properly in 2007 at Zaza Studios in Tel Aviv, with producer Liron Sheffer. The second single from the album – "זמן מלחמה" (It's War Time) was released on March 17, 2007.

The band then announced that the new album was scheduled for release in spring 2008, though it was again delayed. A new single was released though, "דם צפרדע" (Blood, Frogs) – the third single from the album – was released on April 16, 2008. On October 31, 2008, the band was the opening act for ex-Nightwish singer Tarja Turunen on her first solo show in Israel at the Israel Trade Fairs & Convention Center in Tel Aviv.

After many delays, the band's second album Phantom Pain was released on March 21, 2010. It is the band's first album with Eli Zulta on lead vocals and unlike the first album's glam metal sound, the second album's sound consists of a mix of hard rock, heavy metal, alternative metal, metalcore and hardcore, all combined in a modern heavy metal sound.

On September 28, 2010, the band participated in the 2010 edition of Ozzfest taking place at Hayarkon Park in Tel Aviv, Israel, playing alongside Ozzy Osbourne, Korn, Soulfly and Betzefer.

Band lineup

• Eli Zulta – lead vocals, occasional guitar (1999–present) guitar, vocals (1991–1999)
• Nanneq – guitar (2001–present)
• Adush – keyboards, backing vocals (1991–present)
• Ran Miterani – bass(2014–present)
• Shaked Furman – drums, percussion(2014–present)

Former members

• Assi Hason – lead vocals (1991–1999)
• Avi Mualam – bass, piano, keyboards, backing vocals (1991–1998)
• Itzik Ovadiya – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1991–1998)
• Yaniv Rozenfeld – drums, percussion (2000–2005)
• Ifa'at Netz – bass, backing vocals (1998–1999)
• Yael Cohen – drums, percussion (1998–1999)
• Yagel Cohen – Bass(2001–2013)
• Yair Hanania (Ha-Meteor) – Drums, percussion(2005–2013)

Discography

Sources

• The band's page in Mooma

External links

• Official website