Album Review: MYRATH Shehili (05/03)

Myrath (meaning “legacy” in Arabic ) is a progressive power metal band from France and Tunisia. This may be my first metal record from the African continent. The band’s first album Hope was released in 2007 but it was with 2016's Legacy that they received high international acclaim.
Evolving from a cover band in Tunisia, later Myrath found their own unique sound, a mix between Power Metal and traditional Tunisian music (meaning, Arabian flavor sounds and sometimes even some lyrics). Except for some drummer changes, the line-up has been the same since their second album.

Now Myrath is back with 12 new tracks in the form of Shehili. The album opener is a clear statement, an Arabian chant that flows seamlessly into "Born to Survive" with violins and percussion. But then the drums and guitars kick in and deliver an energetic, bombastic power metal hymn. "You've Lost Yourself" follows and maintain the same vigor. The first tracks already show that singer Zaher Zorgati, who made an appearance in 2017's Ayreon The Source, delivers a strong performance which is sustained throughout the album. He has a distinct and beautiful voice that resembles Gotthard's late Steve Lee.

While the Arabian/regional music influences are all over the band's sound, in tracks such as "Dance", "Monster in My Closet", "Mersal" and "Shehili" this influence and instruments are particularly prominent and on the foreground. Myrath is able to do so in a natural way and it does not feel like gimmick. For me personally, it does help that I am slightly familiar with this sound due to my trips through the region. But their sound is much richer than just that. The band mention that while always sounding like Myrath, they look for new influences and experiment constantly. One example is "Wicked Dice" which seems like a direct influence from touring with Symphony X. In an elegant and unique way, not only the great guitar riff but also the singing reminds me of the great prog masters. Even though mostly labeled as progressive, Myrath does not overuse instrumental passages or solos. But when the solos exist, they are excellent. The best example is on "Darkness Arise". I actually wished that the guitar and keys solo would've been significantly extended.

I don't have much to complain about Shehili. There are just a couple of songs in the middle section that are too slow tempo and the albums looses some steam. It fits my theory that great album follow the 35-55/8-10© If they had cut one of those songs the album would follow the rule and gain more fluency. Yes, and there are some traces of cheese, but I am not lactose intolerant. Jokes aside, overall Shehili was a pleasant surprise and a fantastic album to listen to. From song writing to production, Myrath delivers their unique take on power prog metal with great musicianship and powerful catchy metal gems. Shehili has the potential to put this competent Tunisian band once and for all in the international prog map.

SCORE: 82/100
DR: 6
Genre: Progressive Power Metal
Released by earMUSIC on May 3rd, 2019

Note: 35-55/8-10© Rule - The best albums last between 35 and 55 minutes and (intros aside) feature 8 to 10 songs.