Tunisian Quintet MYRATH are a band that push the boundaries when it comes to metal, you can hear this in their upcoming album Karma; it’s been seven years since the release of their last studio album Shehili so understandably this has been a highly anticipated release.
The album wastes no time with the opening track To The Stars. Long time fans or casual listeners of the band may notice a slight change in their sound. These can be heard within this sweeping, majestic melody. They will also be able to tell that it is MYRATH as their core sound that has earnt them a huge following around the world over the years is still present.
After To The Stars, Karma continues to offer up gems that show more indication of the band trying something new and it works really well. The strongest examples of these can be found in The Wheel Of Time, Words Are Failing and Candles Cry.
The Wheel Of Time manages to merge laid back RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS style bass riffs with an action packed melody that wouldn’t be out of place in an eighties movie. You can hear these elements again later on in the track Heroes. Words Are Failing for me is a nostalgic throwback to metal from 2000 and 2010 that I used to listen to when I was discovering metal; it also has that hint of epicness that MYRATH are well known for.
I’m personally glad that they released Candles Cry as a their latest single, this was the first obvious hint of the band trying something new with their sound; the impactful yet chilled Southern Rock vibe makes you stand to attention.
Having said they are trying some new things, there are a handful of tracks that are the usual sounds you can expect from MYRATH. Strong examples of this include Into The Light, Temple Walls and The Empire.
Into The Light was the first single I heard from the band; it’s a song about finding that light in rough times and this can be heard within the powerful lyrics and uplifting melody. This track came at the right time in time in my life currently due to a lot of things going on.
Mindfulness is a term we are hearing more about everyday, it’s looks at giving yourself to every moment to experience every feeling. The track Temple Walls allows you that experience to immerse yourself into the track; it requires your undivided attention. I would also like to note the piano melody is enchanting on this track.
There is an aspect of meditation called Beginner’s Mind where you approach everything like you are experiencing it for the first time. The Empire allows you to practice this as there is so much going on in this track; not too much that leaves you confused but enough to notice it. This will be down to the progressive elements in this track.
It closes with Carry On; this triumphant ending makes you feel sad that the journey is over but thankful to have taken it.
Karma is a magnificent album that takes you on a journey of many twists and turns, by the end you feel empowered and ready to conquer anything that comes your way. I can tell this will be MYRATH’s year and Karma is solid proof of this.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Lotty Whittingham
Karma will be released Friday 8th March via EarMusic.
Find MYRATH on Facebook.
