I love it when I can watch a band’s evolution from the very beginning. It’s one thing to jump on the bandwagon after the latest album, but I somehow have more attachment to a band when I discovered them at the start of their career. Myrath is one such band, and they are releasing a new album called Karma on March 8th, after a few delays.
Myrath are the resident progressive metallers from Tunisia. I remember very clearly in 2007 when their album Hope dropped, and I was smitten with their style. Desert Call followed in 2010 and expanded their sound immensely, gaining their comparison to Symphony X. Tales of the Sands in 2011 is still my favorite, though, because I believe it is where they found their own sound. Legacy in 2016 was and still is a bit of a disappointment for me, and I can’t even explain why. Finally, 2019’s Shehili is probably my second favorite and perhaps their most balanced and consistent.
So here we are at Karma. There are certainly some significant gaps in their release schedule, and I’ve always wondered why that is, but I’m just glad they are back. The band consists of Anis Jouini on bass, Malek Ben Arbia on guitars, Zaher Zorgati on vocals, and Morgan Berthet on drums. Kévin Codfert offers keyboards and backing vocals, as well.
The band still plays their signature brand of progressive metal. I would say the sound has become less progressive since 2011, but, again, that is when I feel they found their own expressive niche. The band loves clear Eastern and Middle Eastern melodies, ones that will flow through your brain constantly. They love heavy guitar work, flashy rhythm sections, and gorgeous keys. Zaher’s voice is instantly recognizable and formidable from both catchy and technical perspectives. On this record, I feel like the keys are a real highlight with how sparkling and even New Wave-esque they sound at times, and Zaher’s vocal melodies are definitely pop-influenced this time.
For me, Karma is one of the most energetic albums the band has created. From the very beginning, the music has an electricity that slashes and sparks with color and even happiness. There is something joyful that takes hold of me as soon as this album begins. It’s hard to describe; even if the lyrics are dark and meaningful, the music still carries me away with it.
This is a beautifully balanced record. By the time you reach the middle, you’ve already experienced several amazing tracks that just won’t quit. The opener “To the Stars” rocks with its riffy personality and monastic vocal harmonies, but “Into the Light” outshines it with its classic Myrath sound, glorious Middle Eastern melodies, and climactic song structure. It’s certainly a favorite.
There are two more favorites in the first half, though. “Let It Go” is infectious as hell, featuring a punchy chorus, intense encouragement, and beautiful keys. I love it so much. Yet, even better is the next track, “Words Are Failing”; I love the vocal melodies of the verses, and the chorus launches from that pad into space. It is oddly personal and yet cinematic. These songs are absolutely in-your-face, but not in a gaudy fashion—they simply infect your brain almost immediately.
The second half of the album doesn’t let up. “Temple Walls” changes the tempo somewhat with its ominous melody and lumbering style. “Child of Prophecy” was an immediate favorite for its storytelling atmosphere, its lovely piano lead-in, and how ancient and yet hopeful for the future it feels; I love the main riff, too, which is like icing on the cake.
“Empire” builds on this framework with an epic and solemn sound that really sells the lyrics. “Heroes”, one of the singles, comes next, and I love how familiar and heavy it has become; I love when a single hits near the end of the album, like a touchstone for our ears. The closer “Carry On” feels unorthodox in how its main melody is downtempo, and while the guitars are heavy and the blast beats come out of hiding, the song really leans on the keyboards most of all, and that makes for a stunning and memorable finale.
Myrath are still at it, and this album is as good as any they have done. It is quickly becoming a favorite of the year, and I love that I can put it on and leap directly into something so illuminating and vigorous. It is a fast-flowing river of sounds and colors, and fans will absolutely love it.
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