Now THAT is how you start an album. Myrath’s 2019 fireball “Shehili” kicks off with the haunting enchantment of “Asl” (“Asl,” not the old-tyme internet question, “A.S.L?”), which leads into the thunderous riff for “Born to Survive.” They began in the Metal hotbed of Republic of Tunisia, and impressively carry elements, voices, and instrumentation of their heritage into their Prog Metal sound. The Western part of them invokes Dream Theater, The Royal Hunt, Symphony X, Pretty Maids, Europe, but the more Worldly components recall other cultural mixologists Sepultura (Brazilian Tribal) and Shumaun (Indian Traditional). Yes, the latter two bands and Myrath all come from different backgrounds and global regions, but the combination of the heritage drums, chants, strings, and flutes with the heavy muted guitar distortion and Metal drumkit engines sometimes lead to similarities.

This album is full of triumphs; it’s half filler, half brilliance. How cliche is it to call a song, “No Holding Back” with a “take my hand” lyric in the chorus? What is this, a Survivor B-side? But damn, if the song isn’t one of the best of the year - - from any artist! I unabashedly love it, and it’s stuck in my head as I write this. I’d have serious trust issues for anyone who disliked this one.
Myrath blend their cross-cultural elements extremely well, but “No Holding Back” showcases their ability to combine melody and power, while remaining accessible. “Lil Twil” is another that successfully straddles the line between beauty and cheese. They have a knack for the melodramatic that makes them sometimes sound like they could have a Cirque du Soleil show dedicated to them; the songs invoke fantastical, heroic imagery. Singer Zaher Zorgati has an effortless beauty and grace to his voice, which help Myrath to soar.
This one is a victory. Check it out.