EMMA SMITH RETURNS TO TEL AVIV

Emma Smith will perform five shows at Shablul Jazz Club in Tel Aviv on February 16, 17, 19, and two concerts on February 20. The multiple dates reflect the strong response to her previous appearances at the club, where she played a series of sold‑out shows that left local audiences asking for more. Once again, Shablul will host her in its close, club‑style setting, giving Israeli fans the chance to experience one of the UK’s most exciting jazz voices just a few meters from the stage.

Although yesterday I wrote that As I Lay Dying was the first international band to perform in Israel after October 7, they are not the first international artists to return. Emma Smith already came to Israel last year, including performances at Shablul and a wider theater tour in collaboration with Israeli vocalist Isaac Sutton. Her decision to come back again so soon underlines both her connection to local audiences and the importance she places on continuing to perform here.

A RISING STAR OF THE GLOBAL JAZZ SCENE

Emma Smith has built an impressive international career, performing everywhere from London’s Royal Albert Hall to leading jazz clubs around the world. A Parliamentary Jazz Vocalist of the Year winner, she has collaborated with artists such as Michael Bublé, The Quincy Jones Orchestra, Jeff Goldblum, and members of the Jeremy Pelt / Wayne Escoffery quintet, cementing her reputation as a powerful, expressive presence on the contemporary jazz scene.

Her solo work has drawn particular attention: her album “Meshuga Baby” was hailed as a breakout release, generating millions of streams and strong radio support from tastemakers including Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio 2), Cerys Matthews (BBC 6 Music), TSF Jazz and Jazz FM. In 2025 she followed this momentum with “Bitter Orange,” released on US label La Reserve, becoming the first UK artist to join its roster and further broadening her international reach.

MUSIC THAT BLENDS CLASSIC JAZZ WITH PERSONAL STORY

On stage, Emma Smith brings together classic jazz sensibilities with a modern, personal touch. Her shows will include a mix of songs from her new album, gems that thrilled audiences at her previous appearances, and a “delightful blend” of well‑known jazz standards in new arrangements alongside her own original material. Her performances emphasize melody, groove, and emotional storytelling, weaving together standards and self‑penned songs into a coherent, engaging set.

With roots in a musical family and experience ranging from big‑band singing as a teenager to work with vocal harmony group The Puppini Sisters and the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, Emma’s music reflects deep knowledge of the jazz tradition as well as a playful, adventurous spirit. Listeners can expect swinging up‑tempo numbers, intimate ballads, and arrangements that refresh familiar tunes without losing their original charm.

EMMA SMITH AND ISRAEL

Emma Smith’s relationship with Israel has deepened in recent years. Beyond the Shablul club dates, she has toured Israeli theaters in the show “Broadway & All That Jazz” alongside Israeli singer Isaac Sutton, performing in venues in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Ra’anana, Petah Tikva, Ness Ziona, and more. In coverage of her visits, she has been presented as a Jewish singer coming to Israel “to spread some joy,” with her appearances framed as a way of bringing light, classic songbooks, and a sense of connection to local audiences during challenging times.

Public interviews and profiles describe her delight in performing music by Jewish composers and classic songwriters, and her willingness to keep coming back even as international touring in the region has become more complicated. While she has not turned her concerts into political rallies, her choice to perform in Israel, and to return repeatedly, has been interpreted by many fans here as a gesture of solidarity and a desire to share music, warmth, and normalcy with Israeli listeners.

For Shablul’s February 2026 run of shows, Emma Smith’s return closes a circle: she is not only one of the first international artists to have come back to Israel after October 7, but also an artist who continues to deepen her bond with Tel Aviv’s jazz community, one sold‑out, soulful night at a time.

VENUE DETAILS

Tickets for all five Emma Smith shows are sold out, but you should definitely keep an eye on the Shablul website for future events.

Shablul Jazz Club is located at 23 Karlibach Street in the heart of Tel Aviv, a central spot that makes it easy to reach from all over the city. The club is known as one of Israel’s leading jazz venues and is designed as an intimate, cozy room where the audience sits close to the low stage, creating a feeling that you are inside the music rather than just watching it from afar. Inside, you’ll find full bar and kitchen service, with doors typically opening around 20:00 so guests can eat, drink and settle in before the show starts. The vibe is often compared to classic New York or London jazz clubs: warm lighting, attentive but relaxed staff, and a crowd that is there first and foremost to listen.

Parking around Shablul is relatively straightforward for a central‑city venue. The club itself lists several nearby options: blue‑and‑white street parking on Karlibach, Zacklag and Sa’adya Gaon streets, along with several parking garages including the Even‑Ziv lot on Sa’adya Gaon 22, the TLV Mall parking with an exit via the Karlibach gate directly opposite the club, the Sa’adya Gaon parking on Zacklag 7, and the Givon parking on Aranya 32. Many visitors mention that parking at the TLV Mall just across the road is especially convenient and feels safe, making it a popular choice for evening shows.

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It appears that the drought of international bands performing in Israel has ended. American band, As I Lay Dying will visit and play for the very first time in Israel at Zappa Tel Aviv (Midtown), Tel Aviv, on March 23, 2026. This long‑awaited show, marking 20 years since the release of “Shadows are Security,” will bring the band’s signature mix of ferocious heaviness and soaring melody to a club setting, giving Israeli fans an intense, up‑close experience of songs they have known for years only from albums and live videos.

The band also teased that they would perform with another band:

We hope to have a special announcement soon for one other band from there as well that we love and look forward to playing with  

#AILDisback #AnEveningWithAILD #StrengthThroughFire

— in Tel Aviv.

Formed in San Diego in 2000, As I Lay Dying rose to prominence as part of the early 2000s metalcore wave, becoming one of the genre’s flagship names. Across eight studio albums and additional releases, the band helped define a sound built on aggressive riffs, rapid‑fire drumming, harsh vocals, and powerful melodic hooks, a combination that pushed them from the underground into the global metal spotlight. Their breakthrough album “An Ocean Between Us” reached No. 1 on the Top Rock chart and No. 8 on the Billboard 200, cementing their status as a major force in heavy music.

Over the years, As I Lay Dying’s relentless touring schedule has taken them to some of the world’s biggest metal festivals and stages. They have appeared at Wacken Open Air, With Full Force, Soundwave Festival, Warped Tour, Bloodstock Open Air and Taste of Chaos, sharing bills with many of metal and hardcore’s most influential acts and winning over audiences with their tight musicianship and intense stage presence. Despite this extensive global touring history, there is no record in major tour reports of a previous As I Lay Dying concert in Israel, making the Tel Aviv date a particularly special and historic night for local fans.

Musically, As I Lay Dying are known for their precise twin‑guitar work, harmonized leads, and rhythm sections that shift seamlessly between galloping thrash‑influenced passages and crushing breakdowns. Their songs often balance raw aggression with anthemic, emotionally charged choruses, inviting audiences to scream along, jump, and move as one. It is this blend of technical skill and cathartic energy that has kept the band relevant and beloved across multiple generations of heavy‑music listeners.

The band arrives in Tel Aviv with a lineup that features Tim Lambesis on vocals, Chris Clancy on bass and clean vocals, Bill Hudson on guitar, Don Vedda on guitar, and Tim Yeung on drums. Together, they bring experience from across the metal world, injecting new energy, precision and creativity into As I Lay Dying’s catalog and live show.

Tickets for the Tel Aviv concert are available from Eventim Israel for ₪ 334 , with the show set in the intimate, club‑style environment of Zappa Tel Aviv in the Midtown complex. The venue’s modern production and focused layout make it an ideal setting for As I Lay Dying’s dense, high‑volume sound, promising a night where the band’s riffs, drums and vocals will hit with full force. For Israeli metal and hardcore fans, this first‑ever As I Lay Dying appearance in the country is poised to be one of the standout heavy music events of 2026.

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Last week’s ESP Metal Day delivered an outstanding showcase of Israel’s vibrant metal scene, featuring four distinct bands that each brought their unique flavor to the stage. The event, to mark 50 years of ESP, was sponsored by Halilit Music Stores, and took place in Papaita in Tel Aviv.

The event’s format—half-hour sets followed by an all-star Ozzy Osbourne tribute—created the perfect balance of variety and cohesion.

Across the Border: Raw Youthful Energy

The evening opened with Across the Border, a rap metal quintet whose youthful energy was absolutely infectious. Fronted by Assaf Bar-on’s dynamic singing and rapping, the band demonstrated impressive chemistry between guitarists Noam Guri and Ofir Shapira, while the rhythm section of drummer Yair Ben Shalom and bassist Ohad Baumgarten laid down crushing grooves that perfectly supported their hybrid sound.

They performed a few songs from their forthcoming debut album release, mostly in Hebrew, but “Under Pressure is in English.

This is a band that is going places, definitely a band to watch.

The post-set songwriting masterclass with Ben Shalom and Baumgarten offered insights into their creative process, with incredible two-handed tapping and polyrhythms.

StormbounD: East Meets West in Symphonic Splendor

StormbounD provided an adventurous musical journey, seamlessly weaving Middle Eastern scales into their symphonic metal framework. Yael Horwitz’s soaring lead vocals were perfectly complemented by Ofer Friedman’s harmony work and growling vocals, creating a dynamic that kept the audience captivated.

The band’s instrumental prowess shone through Rotem Sadia’s keyboard orchestrations and the surprising addition of violin, which added authentic folk elements to their sound. The highlight came when Friedman picked up an Irish Bazouki for one song—a bold choice that somehow worked perfectly within their eclectic sound palette. Pavel Kleiman’s bass work and Yuval Partush’s drumming, alongside a replacement guitarist (I don’t know what happened to Shani Friedman), created a solid foundation that allowed the band’s symphonic strength to truly shine.

Sinnery: Death Metal Precision with Special Recognition

Sinnery brought crushing death metal intensity to the proceedings, demonstrating why ESP Guitars recently endorsed two of their members. Rhythm guitarist and vocalist Alon Karnieli took a moment to thank both ESP and Halilit for making the endorsement happen—a well-deserved recognition for the technical prowess displayed by both him and lead guitarist Idan Kringel.

The quartet’s performance was tight and brutal, with bassist Saar Tuvi and drummer Liam Fine providing a relentless foundation. Their mix of original material showcased their songwriting chops, but their cover of Black Sabbath’s “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” was a particular crowd-pleaser, paying homage to metal’s foundational masters while adding their own death metal intensity. There perfectly coordinated headbanging was as good as Judas Priest at their peak.

Subterranean Masquerade: Theatrical Jewish-Oriental Metal

Subterranean Masquerade played theatrical east-meets-west high-energy rock. Fronted by the larger-than-life Davidavi “Vidi” Dolev—whose Tevye-esque appearance belied his explosive stage energy—the band delivered a memorable sets. Watching Vidi climb amplifiers and jump around the stage with infectious enthusiasm reminded everyone why live metal can be such a visceral experience.

The seven-piece ensemble, featuring the triple-guitar attack of Tomer Pink, Or Shalev, and Omer Fishbein, created rich sonic landscapes that perfectly complemented Shai Yallin’s keyboard work. Bassist Golan Farhi and drummer Jonathan Amar held down the complex rhythmic foundations while Vidi’s vocals soared over their Jewish-oriental metal fusion.

Their premiere of “Uman Inshallah” was a highlight of the entire evening, perfectly encapsulating their unique ability to blend Jewish and Arab musical themes into a cohesive metal statement. It’s rare to hear such culturally specific music that feels both authentic and universally compelling.

Educational Interludes: Beyond Just Performance

Between sets, ESP Metal Day proved its commitment to education with masterclasses that went beyond traditional musicianship. Assaf Geranot’s metal beatboxing demonstration opened minds to percussion possibilities beyond the drum kit, while Yotam “Defiler” Avni of Prey for Nothing shared insights into the art of growling vocals.

The Ozzy Tribute: A Fitting Finale with Unexpected Flair

The all-star finale brought together musicians from across the lineup for an Ozzy Osbourne tribute that felt both reverent and celebratory. The finale added a a Zakk Wylde element with both guitarists wearing kilts. Songs included “Paranoid,” “Crazy Train,” “Bark at the Moon” and “No More Tears.”

Seeing these diverse artists collaborate on classic material demonstrated the unifying power of metal music and provided a perfect capstone to an evening and a fitting tribute to Ozzy.

Final Thoughts

ESP Metal Day succeeded in showcasing the incredible depth and diversity of Israel’s metal scene. From Across the Border’s modern rap metal fusion to StormbounD’s symphonic Middle Eastern experiments, from Sinnery’s crushing death metal precision to Subterranean Masquerade’s theatrical Jewish-oriental fusion, each act brought something completely unique while maintaining the quality and passion that defines great metal music.

The combination of stellar performances, educational masterclasses, and collaborative spirit made this an event that satisfied both casual fans and serious metal devotees. The only minor critique would be the missed opportunity to properly introduce band members and all-star participants—giving credit where it’s due would have made great performances even more memorable.

Events like these remind us why the metal community remains so vibrant—it’s built on both respect for tradition and openness to innovation, exactly what ESP Metal Day delivered in spades.

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The Bench (Lior Itzhaki – Drums, Matan Shatit – Lead Guitar, Guy Strier – Rhythm Guitar, Or Ben Itzhak – Bass and Raziel Mantzur – Vocals) was smoking hot. Their songwriting is phenomenal and their musicianship up there with the best. Their playing was so tight that you couldn’t separate them with a crowbar.

Guests for the evening included Nimrod Shemesh and Sharon Sexton from Blues and Booze; Gal De Paz (Hebrew Wikipedia page); Hadar Levi Gagi and Yali Sharon from Dazy’s Fasulia; and Yali Sobol (Hebrew Wikipedia page).

Maktazith (Guitar – Hadar “GAGI” Levi, Bass – Danny Shnaiderman and Drums – Dor Kelman) opened the evening with their unique blend of punk, rock and talk box. The trio’s mastery of their instruments was as sharp as their boot toe-caps.

Setlist

• Mess
• Spiders
• Haze
• Elvis Medley (with Ninmrod Shemesh and Sharon Sexton from Blues and Booze)
• Mosquito
• Hi Girl
• Not a Morning Person
• Tell Me (with Hadar Levi Gagi and Yali Sharon from Dazy’s Fasulia)
• G-Spot — נקודת הג׳י (with Hadar Levi Gagi and Yali Sharon from Dazy’s Fasulia)
• Fu Fu fu
• Something (with Gal De Paz)
• Wet dream (with Gal De Paz)
• Hummingbird
• You’ll Never Be Mine
• Won’t Let You
• שנים חסומות (with Yali Sobol)
• השמלה ממדריד (with Yali Sobol)
• על הריצפה (with Yali Sobol)
• Enough is Enough
• Encore: Somebody to Love

Opening Act – Maktazith

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More details on the Hall of Fame Festival website. Tickets from Zappa Club.

Gates open at 4:00pn. Times and bands for the main stage:

• 5:00pm The Sultans Live (Dire Straits)
• 6:00 pm Ummagumma (Pink Floyd)
• 7:00pm Whiplash (Metallica)
• 8:00pm OasisIsrael (Oasis)
• 9:00pm Nirvana Experience (Nirvana)
• 10:00pm Guns n’ Moses (Guns n’ Roses)

I heard The Sultans Live last year at a similar event. They are excellent. I can’t vouch personally for the others, but based on these YouTube clips, it promises to be a spectacular event.

Don’t forget to use the “I’m With The Band” discount code kindly provided by Stellar Lane: 276310

The Sultans Live

Ummagumma

Whiplash

OasisIsrael

Nirvana Experience

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/ifvkypgMfFnw1TYj

Guns n’ Moses

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Stellar Lane is a five-piece alternative rock band comprised of: Brothers Yonatan Vogelsang and Udi Vogelsang (vocals/acoustic guitar and vocals/keyboards respecively), Dotan Kalmar (electric guitar) David Sarussi (drums) and Adam Younger (bass).

The Vogelsang brothers harmonize together fantastically, the musicianship of the quintet is brilliant, and they put on a great show. Their original songs are excellent, and their cover versions are unique. I have been listening to them on Spotify almost non-stop for the past few days.

On Bands In Town, they write about themselves:

Stellar Lane, an alternative-rock band rooted in a thriving musical community, was co-founded by siblings Jonathan and Udi Vogelsang, both immersed in a diverse musical background. Shaped by the Grunge scene in Seattle during their formative years, Stellar Lane effortlessly blends nostalgic nineties tones with the contemporary vibes of today’s indie and alternative rock.

The Vogelsang brothers’ dual-vocal delivery is a standout feature, infusing their performances with an energetic and diverse dimension that captivates audiences. After the release of their EP “Follow Your Mind” in 2014, the band embarked on an extensive tour across North America and Europe, gaining recognition at notable festivals like Canadian Music Week and Deichbrand Festival.

I videoed one song from the gig, their cover of the Beatles’ “A Day in the Life”:

The sound mix at Blaze, and the quality on my camera were not great, so also check out their live stream from a year ago.

If you didn’t catch them in Jerusalem, you can see them live at

• Third Ear (Tel Aviv) on October 18, for free.
• Hall of Fame Fest (Tel Aviv) on October 22, Tickets available here – use code 276310 (click on “I’m with the band) for a discount
• Rocktopia Festival (RIshon Lezion) on November 21.

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This site focuses mainly on overseas bands performing in Israel, but I recently discovered an Israeli band, The Bench, which sounds as good or better than many international bands.

The Bench are celebrating the release of their latest album, “Wet Dream” with a concert on Tuesday, October 1st, at Reading 3, in Tel Aviv. Tickets are available from Eventbuzz — only NIS 90 (or go with your partner and get two tickets for NIS 160).

I don’t know much about the band, except that I’ve been listening to their music on Spotify and YouTube non-stop for many hours.

According to what they wrote on BandCamp, The Bench was formed in 2011 by two 16 year-old kids: Or Ben Izhak (Bass), and Raziel Mantzur (Lead Vocals). They started playing music on a bench at their neighborhood.

Today, The Bench consists of 4 members with the addition of Or, Raziel, Lior Izhaki (Drums), and Matan Shatit (Lead Guitar).

The Bench members get their kicks out of rock’n’roll, Motown and groove.

Check out this concert from two years ago at Barby.

And check out The Bench’s new album, “Wet Dream” on YouTube or Spotify.

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Michale posted on X (Twitter) that, “The night will celebrate the music and legacy of The Misfits from all eras featuring a blistering set of over 20 songs spanning the decades.”

MICHALE GRAVES TO PLAY IN TEL AVIV
Michale Graves will visit and play for the very first time at the Gagarin Club Tel Aviv, Israel on July 16th 2024 . The night will celebrate the music and legacy of The Misfits from all eras featuring a blistering set of over 20 songs spanning… pic.twitter.com/5LlQ9PQOpa

— Michale Graves (@RadioDeadly) May 20, 2024

Graves replaced the iconic Glenn Danzig, as vocalists for the Misfits, and carried the torch of their distinctive sound and helped usher in a new era for the influential horror-punk outfit.

Born in 1972, Michale Graves (born Michael Emanuel) first gained recognition as the frontman of the Misfits from 1995 to 2000. During this period, he lent his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence to the band, breathing new life into their iconic catalog of songs while also contributing to the creation of several acclaimed albums, including “American Psycho” and “Famous Monsters.”

Graves’ tenure with the Misfits was marked by a fiendish flair and a penchant for the macabre, a hallmark of the band’s signature style. His vocal style perfectly captured the band’s dark and sinister aesthetic, elevating the Misfits’ already legendary status within the punk rock scene.

Musically, Graves’ contributions to the Misfits’ sound showcased a blend of classic punk rock energy with a touch of horror-inspired melodicism. His powerful vocals and the band’s driving, distortion-heavy instrumentation created a sonic experience that was both visceral and atmospheric, perfectly complementing the band’s lyrical themes of horror, the occult, and social outcasts.

During his time with the Misfits, Graves also collaborated with other notable musicians, contributing to projects outside of the band and further expanding his creative footprint. His versatility and willingness to explore new musical avenues have earned him a respected place among the pantheon of punk rock icons.

Since his departure from the Misfits in 2000, Graves has continued to captivate audiences with his solo work and various other musical endeavors. His solo albums, such as “Web of Dharma” and “Wanderer,” showcase a more introspective and eclectic side of his artistry, delving into themes of personal growth and spiritual exploration.

In the years since, Graves has remained a vital figure in the punk rock and alternative music scenes, inspiring a new generation of musicians with his unapologetic and fiercely independent approach to his craft. As the Misfits’ post-Danzig era, his legacy as a crucial contributor to the band’s enduring legacy is cemented, solidifying his place as a true icon of the genre.

Tickets cost ₪179.00 and are available from Raven Music

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The Spirit formed in 2015 in Saarbrücken, Germany. They released their debut album “Sounds From the Vortex” on their own label Eternal Echoes. Word quickly spread of their chilling blend of black and death metal influences, drawing rave reviews from underground metal publications. Their haunting songs and live performances soon caught the attention of Nuclear Blast Records. Their 2020 album “Cosmic Terror” was well received but their touring plans were cut short by the COVID pandemic after only one month of shows. They were eager to get back on the road and conquer the world with their music.

Their third album “Of Clarity And Galactic Structures” pushed their progressive influences further. Lead singer and songwriter M.T. was more confident exploring these elements after challenging himself creatively. He took influence from classic progressive rock bands and discovered new artists in the genre through the pandemic. The band enjoyed experimenting with these progressive textures but ensured the songs still flowed well.

The band is currently working on their fourth album.

Opening for The Spirit will be Israeli band Srefa

Tickets cost NIS 179 and are available from Raven Metal

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