MYRATH – Tales Of The Sand (2011)

*

“Tales Of The Sands” is the third album from the original sounding Tunisian band Myrath.
Forget your possible prejudices or doubts about the band’s skills by their origin, Myrath is on pair to any major act out there.
Their music could be tagged prog metal, but the addition of ethnic elements and some modern pomp gives to Myrath’s art it’s very own identity.
Absolutely stunning in it’s originality and with sleek powerful arrangements, on “Tales Of The Sands” there are truckloads of distorted metal riffs to divulge in, but the real draw card is the way the band integrate Arabian/Tunisian melodies and instruments into the mix creating a sound that is unique and compelling.

Myrath (which means Legacy) favors a large and bright production style, including middle-eastern string sections, hand percussion, acoustics, and extensive attention to background details.
Guitarist Malek ben Arbia makes for a formidable presence and will easily be appreciated by fans of chunky groove-laden riffs with numerous solos.
Vocalist Zaher Zarguatti manages to bring a thankfully accent-free, fire-laden, and full vibrato strong into the picture. He’s not overstated, far removed from most of the operatic high-pitched wailers in the genre, with a low, midrange voice which he utilizes to integrate quarter-step vocal lines to achieve a more Middle Eastern vibe.
There is some Arabic singing on many songs which is used for bigger effect during the choruses.
Thankfully, the drums are not overdone either. They’re balls to the wall technical, but not for technicality’s sake, making rhythmic jabs that are real feasts of style and balance.

From opener “Under Siege”, there is no mistaking the fact the band are staying close and true to the style of their country, and not only is this commendable, it is refreshing, as the mix with prog metal makes the band stand out among the plethora of other acts in the genre. The song even features a female voice in the background just singing ‘ahhh’ which adds a great color to the fast tempo sections, blazing guitars, hammering drums and frenetic keyboards, all really well mixed.
“Braving The Seas” is another fine example of the style of the band. The time sig shifts are terrific and the pace varies throughout. Zaher Zorgatti is an excellent vocalist, he sings in English making this very accessible yet the vibe remains oriental.
“Merciless Times” is a shorter track. I have to mention that the vocals are pretty nice, they do have that kind of Arabic tone, which is perfectly complemented by some kind of violins and keyboards with a middle-eastern flavor.
The title track “Tales Of The Sands” is a wonderful song, with very nice acoustic guitar and soft sound for the first seconds and then turns heavier with a punchy bass line. Percussion instruments and female vocals soar across all the metal rhythms, and it actually captures a Middle Eastern atmosphere. After three minutes there is a great guitar riff, accompanied by massive drums and the always prominent Arabic keyboard sound. This is one of the highlights.
“Sour Sigh” once again has a soft start with violin sounds that only lasts for some seconds just before the song explodes and the rhythmical structure begins. There’s a great vocal game that builds in an intense chorus and the instrumental moments determines Myrath’s distinctive style.

“Dawn Within” is the shortest track, but it is full of quality and originality no matter its length. The drums here are outstanding, making several dramatic changes supported by the insane lead work of Malek Ben Arbia.
“Wide Shut” is one of my favorite tracks with strong Arabian keyboard violin sounds and guitar riffing. The complex time shifts on this song are quite outstanding, with massive use of keyboards. I recommend this track to all those who want to try the band for themselves. It encompasses all that makes this album great and unique.
“Requiem For A Goodbye” follows another dynamic synth line and a crunching hammer of guitar chords leading to a melodic chorus. It has a couple of nice solos, one of guitar and one of keyboards. It suddenly slows down and becomes tender, but all of a sudden returns to its powerful sound.
“Beyond The Stars” has a great vocal performance in that wonderful and inherent Arabic flavor, with a violin sounding break towards the end and some warbling Arab style vocals throughout. It is a powerful mix and certainly is a part of this distinctive sound, blending perfectly and without pretentiousness.
“Time To Grow” concludes the album with a forceful melody. A driven track that features a fast keyboard motif and lengthy instrumental lead break.

Myrath is one of a kind.
They have done a spectacular job on “Tales Of The Sand”, an original mix of progressive rock metal with ethnic / oriental sounds.
With the arrival of the new singer Zaher Zorgatti and his uncommon yet engaging vocals, the band has opted to deepen their style into the Arabic melodies and a more straight forward, shorter and accessible songs. They also do not alienate English speaking fans or those in their native land that do not understand English by singing different songs in different languages.
“Tales Of The Sand” scores high in both the originality stakes and in the pure quality stakes. It’s a really creative and entertaining album from a band that should have more exposure and be better recognized.

1. Under Siege
2. Braving the Seas
3. Merciless Times
4. Tales of the Sands
5. Sour Sigh
6. Dawn Within
7. Wide Shut
8. Requiem for a Goodbye
9. Beyond the Stars
10. Time to Grow

Malek Ben Arbia – Guitar
Zaher Zorgati – Lead Vocals
Elyes Bouchoucha – Keyboards
Anis Jouini – Bass
Piwee Desfray – Drums

BUY IT !
itunes.apple.com/gb/album/tales-of-the-sand/id462380736