Since their formation back in 2001, the prog-metal band heralding from Tunisia have made a name for themselves as being one of the most unique and interesting bands of their scene in the past few decades. Their unusual combination of folk and more melodic, symphonic metal is unlike most music out there. Will Shehili (earMUSIC)keep up the innovative flow left by their last album?

From the get-go, Myrath display their prowess in creating a harmonious sound illustrating their heritage with pipes and Eastern-influenced music before crushing into the second track of the album, ‘Born To Survive’ bringing out their symphonic-metal side. The dramatics are completely overboard, but the band uses that in their favour resulting in powerful ensemble that’s impossible to take your attention away from, forcing you to headbang along to the rhythm.

The true height of the band’s album presents itself in the track ‘Stardust’ and ‘Mersal’. Beginning with an intricate piano sequence, the song explores all of the different sides of the band from the more delicate light piano-work, to the magnificent, grandeur of the symphony of the guitars working in sync with classically styled instruments, then into the heavier Alter Bridge sounding riffs, all tied together by Zaher Zorgati’s transcendent vocals weaving between the instruments.

Shehili is an example of what happens when a band isn’t afraid to bring in outside influences that in theory should sound odd and clashing. In turn, creating a whole new sound that brings out the best in either genre of music. This type of risk-taking should be taking Myrath to the front of their scene alongside their inspirations in Dream Theatre to the monoliths in Nightwish. Undoubtedly, if this is the level we should expect to hear from Myrath, they should take over any day soon.

8 / 10

CHARLIE HILL