Released By: earMUSIC
Release Date: March 8th, 2024
Genre: Folk/Symphonic/Progressive Metal
Links: https://www.myrath.com/
Line Up:
Zaher Zorgati – Vocals
Malek Ben Arbia – Guitars
Anis Jouini – Bass
Kévin Codfert – Keyboards
Morgan Berthet – Drums
Tracklist:
1. To The Stars
2. Into the Light
3. Candles Cry
4. Let It Go
5. Words Are Failing
6. The Wheel of Time
7. Temple Walls
8. Child of Prophecy
9. The Empire
10. Heroes
11. Carry On
There are plenty of metal bands that specialize in one or two styles, perhaps occasionally mixing in other sounds here and there. However, there are also some who can fluidly blend many styles together. They may start off with one sound or another, but over time, they evolve and find new ways to push their sound further. One such band is the Tunisian melodic metal band Myrath. They started out mostly as a prog band with some power metal influence, enhanced by a unique Middle Eastern flair. Over time, the Middle Eastern influence has become more prominent, and the band has moved towards more of a folk metal sound. This distinct flavor is strongly felt in their music. At the same time, they have incorporated more cinematic symphonic influences, as seen in albums like Legacy and Shehili. They have managed to maintain their prog roots, evident in the complex rhythms, chunky guitar work, and technical instrumental elements in their music. Despite having many aspects to their sound, the band’s music has remained accessible, catchy, and consistently outstanding. With their upcoming sixth full-length release, Karma, the band keeps their momentum going, producing what is quite possibly their best album to date and one that is sure to instantly satisfy their fans!
In their early days, Myrath was a progressive band with complex structures, often lengthy songs, and a good amount of power metal influence. Over the years, they shifted to a more melodic, accessible sound, showing signs of it on their third album, Tales of the Sands, before fully committing to it with Legacy and Shehili. Their evolution continues with Karma, showcasing the band’s further emphasis on cinematic symphonic arrangements that are often very epic sounding. While folk elements are still prominent, they are mostly used in the background and during softer passages. Most heavier sections lean more towards a symphonic nature. Overall, the band has leaned more into symphonic elements this time around, with folk elements playing more of a supporting role, outside of a couple of tracks. Nevertheless, the folk aspect adds a unique flavor to their music, contributing to the catchiness of some of the choruses, which are among the band’s best to date.
Karma is a very melodic album overall, with elements such as folk and symphonic arrangements, vocal melodies, and much of the guitar work being light and melodic. It is a joy to listen to, especially for fans of melodic metal. The choruses are often highlights, but even the verses are enjoyable, with many having an addictive quality due to the vocals, strong melodies, symphonic and folk arrangements, and funky rhythms. While the album is very melodic and vocal-driven, with vocalist Zaher Zorgati delivering smooth and powerful vocals, the musicianship is also fantastic. Although many tracks may seem fairly simple and accessible at first glance, there are often layers to the music, not just from the expected symphonic and folk elements but also from the keys, guitars, and drums. The instrumental elements can be fairly complex and very involved at times. The music features complicated rhythms, atmospheric, prog-infused keys, chunky guitar work, and technically stunning instrumental passages, all without sacrificing the fun or catchiness of the tracks.
Songwriting is an area where the band has always excelled, and that’s once again the case on Karma. While there aren’t any outright ballads, there are softer tracks with a very light melodic metal feel, alongside more upbeat tracks dominated by symphonic elements and a hint of power metal. The mid-paced, chunky guitar-driven tracks can get pretty intense at points. The album is a pleasure to listen to from start to finish.
The opening track, “To the Stars,” kicks things off without wasting any time. It begins with chunky guitars, funky drum patterns, and percussion before transitioning to a fun, upbeat opening verse with a nice blend of prog and folk. The cinematic symphonic arrangements take over during an epic, super melodic, and catchy chorus with fantastic vocals. The keyboard solo is a highlight, featuring a classic prog sound mixed with bursts of heavy guitar work.
The momentum continues with “Into the Light,” another fantastic track. It is a bit slower, more mid-paced, with sweeping symphonic arrangements dominating throughout, while folk plays a more minor role. The chorus is very light, melodic, and powerful, with Zorgati offering some of his deeper, more intense vocals. The instrumental section, more keyboard-driven but restrained, is another highlight. Overall, it’s an amazing track and a personal favorite.
“Candles Cry” follows, featuring funky, complex drum patterns and rhythms, and moments of alternative metal feel. The verses are light but epic, while the chorus is melodic, catchy, and intense, showcasing Zorgati’s excellent vocals. The track took some time to get used to but proved to be impressive in the end.
Next is “Let it Go,” one of the singles, with melodic guitar work, slight power metal feel, and an upbeat, keyboard-driven opening. The chorus incorporates folk elements, slightly heavy guitar work, and symphonic arrangements for a very catchy yet epic result. It’s one of the simplest, catchiest songs on the album, with flourishes of brilliant musicianship, especially in the guitar solo.
One of the slowest, most folk-infused tracks on the album is “Words Are Failing.” It opens with distinct Middle Eastern folk melodies, which continue throughout the track. Verses are soft, melodic, and dominated by keys and vocals. The chorus is heavy and intense, with powerful vocals, and the solo section features some of the most complex guitar work on the album, reminiscent of Dream Theater.
“The Wheel of Time” maintains a slower pace with unique, funky rhythms, complex drum patterns, and chunky guitar work during the verses. The chorus is light, melodic, and beautiful, with a pop feel to the vocals. The instrumental section features heavy, complex guitar work and classic prog-sounding keys.
“Folk elements are once again prominent on “Temple Walls,” opening with the distinct folk flavor. The track slows down for an opening verse with odd rhythms, stop/start guitar work, and intense vocals. The chorus, with pounding drums and well-timed vocals, is stunning, and the solo section features melodic guitar work.
“Child of Prophecy” starts off in ballad territory with piano, beautiful folk melodies, and emotional vocals. It turns into a heavy mix of folk and prog, featuring complex guitar work, a light, melodic chorus, and a stunning guitar solo. The chorus, with favorite vocal melodies, is a perfect contrast to the heavier verses.
“The Empire” is a more progressive-sounding track with slow-paced rhythms, heavy guitar work, and soft vocals during the verses. The chorus is epic, cinematic, and melodic, featuring symphonic elements. The instrumental work shines on a melodic yet technically impressive solo section near the end.
Lead single “Heroes” is a simple, fun, and immediately engaging track with heavy guitar work during the verses. The chorus is melodic, catchy, and epic, showcasing favorite vocal melodies. It strikes a balance between the band’s heavy and melodic sides, with a guitar solo adding complexity.
Closing out the album is “Carry On,” a very epic, symphonic, and cinematic track. It opens with a tease of the chorus, followed by heavy drums and atmospheric keys. The pace picks up for a faster section, leading to a beautiful and melodic chorus with symphonic arrangements. The track alternates between heavy and softer sections, with the chorus and symphonic arrangements standing out.
Myrath has always had a unique sound, blending prog and folk elements and, more recently, adding cinematic symphonic metal to their repertoire. Karma offers more of what fans expect, with excellent musicianship, fantastic vocals, a distinct flavor, and epic symphonic arrangements. The songwriting is perfect, balancing heaviness, technicality, and high-quality melodies. While Shehili may still be a personal favorite, Karma is every bit as fantastic, showing Myrath as one of the best bands in the world at what they do!
Ratings: 10/10
Written by: Travis Green
My Global Mind – Staff Writer
Travis Green is a Canadian based writer for My Global Mind, with a particular passion for power metal, as well as an interest metal in all its forms.
Editors Pick 
About Author
