Prog Radio | Album Review | ''Karma'' by Myrath

Album Review

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Karma

Myrath

122

Tunisia

Myrath's sixth album, "Karma," marks a significant moment in the band's already impressive career. Known for their unique blend of progressive metal with rich, cultural elements, this Tunisian band has once again captured the essence of their signature sound while pushing new boundaries. The album, compact with 11 songs, each approximately four minutes in length, showcases their commitment to tight, melodious, and accessible compositions. Unlike their prog contemporaries who often lean towards longer epics, Myrath continues to charm their audience with shorter, punchy tracks that maintain a listener's engagement from start to finish, proving that quality can often trump quantity.

"Karma” is perhaps Myrath's most melodic venture to date, intertwining complex musical compositions with irresistibly catchy hooks. The album is their best in a decade, since their high watermark in 2011 with their 3rd release, "Tales of the Sands." The album's structure, favoring conciseness over sprawling narratives, does not detract from its depth. Instead, it provides a clear, focused journey through the band's musical landscape, making it an accessible entry point for new listeners while satisfying long-term fans with its sophisticated arrangements and lyrical depth.

...Myrath's unique addition of Tunisian and Middle Eastern musical elements sets them apart, providing a rich, atmospheric backdrop to their powerful metal base....If you’re not normally one for metal in your Prog, Myrath may well be the exception that surprises you.

The band's influences, drawing from giants like Dream Theater and Iron Maiden, are evident throughout the album. However, Myrath's unique addition of Tunisian and Middle Eastern musical elements sets them apart, providing a rich, atmospheric backdrop to their powerful metal base. This cultural fusion not only pays homage to their roots but also gives "Karma" a unique flavor in the progressive metal scene. Their ability to weave traditional melodies and rhythms with heavy metal's intensity creates an immersive listening experience.

Live performances by Myrath are known for their theatrical grandeur, a tradition they've evidently continued to embrace and refine. This album, with its energetic and melodic tracks, seems tailor-made for their dynamic shows, promising an immersive experience replete with the visual and auditory spectacle they're known for. Their history of integrating dancers, magicians, and even fire eaters into their performances hints at how these new songs will come to life on stage.

If you’re new to Myrath, this is an excellent starting point. If you’re not normally one for metal in your Prog, Myrath may well be the exception that surprises you.

Tune into Prog Radio to enjoy several tracks from this new album currently featured in our New Music rotation, and look for tracks to be highlighted in this week’s 'What’s New Proggy Cats?’ show both Monday and Tuesday.

5 Stars!