MYRATH – Tales Of The Sand

The ever-intriguing Myrath have released their third full-length album, Tales Of The Sands, and they pick up right where they left off from their 2010 release Desert Call. Myrath began turning heads with their previous album as they introduced the world to a new genre, which has become known as “Oriental Metal.” Although the themes Myrath produces are typically more “Middle-Eastern” than Oriental, it is still a very heavy Metal album nonetheless. Myrath are one of the few (if not only) Prog Metal bands hailing from the North African coastal Republic of Tunisia, and they represent their country well by taking a relatively mainstream Prog Metal style and escalating it to an exciting and unique level.

Myrath is led by vocalist Zaher Zorgati, who has the look and swagger of a dashing young rock star. His smooth vocal style is reminiscent of former Kamelot singer Roy Khan. He brings an intense level of theatrical presence to each of the tracks on Tales Of The Sands, which allows the listener to follow the musical journey that he creates. Zorgati may not be the most overpowering vocalist, but the subdued nature of his singing technique provides for an excellent mesh with the material in general. This is best exemplified during the title track “Tales Of The Sands”, which is a great mid-tempo song with many Middle-Eastern themes. He flows through the track with a majestic melodramatic precision similar to some of the later solo projects by the great Robert Plant.

The other key ingredient to the sound of Myrath is guitarist and band founder Malek Ben Arbia, who started playing professionally at the age of 13. Given that Myrath started out playing Death Metal cover songs, Arbia’s style is somewhat heavier than contemporary Prog Metal guitarists. Once again, though, it works very well and meshes nicely with Zorgati’s subdued vocals. There is an excellent balance between the two member’s performances. Arbia gives the listener a more “in-your-face” style of guitar playing and doesn’t try to wow the listener with intricate and digressing solos.

Arguably the best track on the album is the intensified “Wide Shut”. This song is a thrill ride from start to finish; it has a strong, fast guitar riff with extraordinarily passionate vocals. Also, there is a powerful instrumental section in the middle that will literally blow you away. “Wide Shut” shows off all levels of this band’s talent both musically and materially.

Overall, Myrath offers something new and exciting to the world of Metal. This band has the look and sound to become an international success, and there is no doubt they are certainly on their way. The only downside would be that some of the tracks take a more safe or traditional route thematically, and this band has far too much raw talent to go down an easy path to stardom. Regardless, Tales Of The Sands comes off a winner.