Review: Myrath – Karma

earMUSIC (March 8^th 2024)

Reviewer: Jason Hopper

When I was asked to review a band called Myrath, I was under the impression they were a new band. Little did I know that this progressive power metal band from Tunisia has been around for two decades. Admittedly, my knowledge of power metal is limited, and I generally stay away from anything progressive as its complexities are not my cup of tea. Website owner Dan took a quick listen and believed I would dig this band…and he was right. This is a solid release with the band utilizing elements of progressive while not overusing it to the point of a loss of melody.

A perfect example is a standout favorite ‘Let It Go’, a fabulously catchy, almost pop metal track.  A solid melody beat by bassist Anis Jouini and drummer Morgan Berthet allows for guitarist Malek Ben Arbia and keyboardist Kevin Codfert to showboat their talents.  The progressive melody change up right before the solo is also effective in adding a dynamic that was not expected, but welcome.

It was with this song that I noticed a parallel between lead singer Zaher Zorgati’s vocals and that of Revolution Saints and Journey drummer Deen Castronovo. To have a singer bring that type of approach to a band with various influences and complexities keeps the material in a melodic and soulful realm.

Another example of their masterful way of blending appealing yet complex tracks can be found in ‘Heroes’, a dynamic track with both power and precision. As the title suggests, it’s an uplifting track that showcases what this band is capable of. Everyone here has their moment to shine in a track that builds throughout until reaching its explosive chorus…and what a chorus it is! An energetic blast of pure melodic bliss.

This album is chock full of interesting dynamics. ‘Into the Light’ is a mid-tempo tune that has keyboards that remind me of something I would find on a Rocky movie soundtrack. The lyrics reflect that as well, making it a great workout song. ‘Candles Cry’ adds a smidge of funk and constructs a chorus where Zaher doubles his vocals and creates a spoken, forceful enunciation of every word, bringing a vigor that makes the song pop. ‘Child of Prophecy’ has Arabic undertones and syncopated rhythms that left me guessing where the melody would go next.  The most progressive sounding track but still captivating.

What I love about this release is that all the songs are under five minutes. While I have no issues with a band having a few longer songs, a lot of progressive bands tend to make songs longer and throw a bunch of change-ups for reasons that can only be perceived by me as boasting. I am all about hooks and melodies. Glad to see the band was able to ride that line and create a fascinating blend of constructs.

With that said, there is one critique. The band creates an interesting song paradigm by performing a tempo change or melody interlude right after the second chorus (and before the guitar solo) on many songs. While that is unique, by the end of the album it became predictable as this paradigm is the construct of most of the tracks. Other song structures and experimentations would have been welcome.

To label this band as progressive power metal is to undersell what they are capable of and limits the band in ways that do not properly define them. I have never heard a band with so many elements and influences pull off something this appealing to create a sound that is truly their own. This album must be heard to be believed. There’s something here for everyone, so do check it out.

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