Myrath is a Tunisian Metal band formed in 2001 by the guitarist, and main song writer, Malek Ben Arbia, back when he was only 13 years old. This band has evolved into something great as their debut album, “Hope”, caught the attention of the international PowerProg Metal community, opening doors for Myrath on a global level. March of 2006 was when everything really began for the band. They opened for ROBERT PLANT and ADAGIO at the Carthage Amphitheater in Tunisia, entertaining almost 7000 fans. After the release of “Hope”, Myrath worked on “Desert Call”, their second album, released in January 2010.

I’ve never been a big fan of the Arabian/Oriental infused Metal music, which many bands in the Middle East have come up with. However, to my delight, Myrath proved to be a wonderful mélange of Arabian background and Metal, making it a true enjoyment. The tracks in “Desert Call” reflect the Tunisian surroundings and culture from which the band emerges.

It is easy to be transported to the middle of the desert if you close your eyes and listen to this album; in songs like “No Turning Back” , “Ironic Destiny”, and “Silent Cries“, the music rafts up from the sandy breeze and gives you the satisfaction not many other styles of music can give you. All ten tracks on the album, also let us not forget the 11^th bonus track, show off the band’s talent, presenting their listeners with amazing riffs, some traditional Arabic style melodies, top notch vocals, and great lyrics.

With the somewhat ‘tribal’ approach to the music, one could almost feel the urge to begin belly dancing, imagining themselves to be on the top of a sand dune in the Arabian deserts; however, the strong Power/Progressive Metal chords counteract that Middle Eastern feel, just enough to keep it Metal and well balanced. You’ll know what kind of vibe I’m talking about if you give “Tempest of Sorrow” and “Madness” a listen.

All of the tracks were great, but “Forever And A Day”, “Memories”, and “Empty World” caught my attention the most. Here is a short review of each track (in order of appearance on the album).

Forever And A Day:

“Forever And A Day” is the 1^st track, the grand opening, of “Desert Call”; and grand it is, indeed! Starting out with traditional Arabian style percussions, and then adding some guitar riffs and Arabian melody and vocal techniques, Myrath has gone all out on this track. It is a fine balance between the Metal side and Arabian side of the band. The lyrics are also pretty well written, “Guiding me, showing me the way Always glowing inside, forever and a day…”. In all, it is a great track to start the album off with!

Memories:

The 6^th track of this album, “Memories”, is a nice and slow ballad that really highlights Myrath’s talents, especially as far as the vocals go. Mostly composed of keyboard melodies and a slight rhythm of guitars in the background, this seems to be a love song, lyrically based upon memories of a lost or failed love. “Sweet bitter memories you left behind. Does it really matter now that I no longer care?” Around 3 minutes into the song, an epic guitar solo brings it all together and continues to end this song perfectly.

Empty World:

“Empty World”, the 9^th track off of “Desert Call”, initiates with a head bang-worthy rhythm. A few seconds into the song, some Middle Eastern style drums and percussions (I’m no expert in instruments, but derbakké perhaps?) are merged in with the guitar riffs, and then the praiseworthy vocals begin; “Don’t you see the red rain is falling down on us? The pain and hate always rise, where is the trust? I’m living in this world, it’s like a dead man, and nothing works.” This song is another great example of the infused styles Myrath use in their songs.

What can be said about an album that took three years to be completed, an album that was perfectly delivered to fans and had no lack of efficiency from the musical aspect? "Desert Call" is another path that will help tune your ears to great melodies and riffs. All in all, this album is quite a successful one, according to my ears and musical taste. Myrath have shown much potential in the past, and, with “Desert Call”, they live up to the expectations. They can surely add me to their list of fans, as I will continue to listen to their music to satisfy my thirst for creative and original music. May they carry on pleasing all their fans with continuous eruptions of unique, Middle Eastern style music, and may they spread this distinctive style worldwide. Good luck to Myrath for the future!

1. Forever And A Day

2. Tempests Of Sorrows

3. Desert Call

4. Madness

5. Silent Cries

6. Memories

7. Ironic Destiny

8. No Turning Back

9. Empty World

10. Shockwave