Myrath

Myrath are a Tunisian metal group from Ben Arous, active since 2006. Their music is generally associated with folk metal, metal, power metal and progressive metal, with a strong oriental element reflected in their writing and arrangements.

History

The band begins in early 2001 under the name XTAZY, formed by guitarist Malek Ben Arbia with two childhood friends, drummer Fahmi Chakroun and guitarist Oualid Issaoui. The early line-up later includes Zaher Ben Hamoudia on bass and Tarek Idouani on vocals. At first, the group plays local shows covering material from a range of styles, from blues through heavy metal to death metal.

In 2003, Elyes Bouchoucha joins on keyboards and vocals after graduating from Tunis conservatory, replacing Tarek Idouani, while Oualid Issaoui leaves. With this line-up the band moves further into progressive metal and spends nearly two years performing songs by Symphony X, which is a major influence on the group. As the members develop their own material, they combine progressive metal with oriental and melodic elements that reflect both their background and western influences.

During the summer of 2004, Fahmi Chakroun and Zaher Hamoudia are replaced by Saif Ouhibi and Yassine Belgith so the band can work with musicians more fully committed to the project. This line-up records the first self-produced album, Double Face, in 2005. It is issued only in Tunisia, before the group is signed internationally.

In 2006, Malek Ben Arbia travels to Nancy in France to study at Music Academy International, where he takes a one-year intensive course in music theory and guitar. That same year the band opens for Adagio and Robert Plant at the Mediterranean Guitar Festival, an event that leads to contact with Adagio keyboard player, sound engineer and producer Kevin Codfert. Also in 2006, experienced bassist Anis Jouini joins in place of Zaher Hamoudia.

Recordings and releases

With a stable four-piece line-up, Myrath write new songs for their second album and record Hope in December 2006 with Kevin Codfert as producer and sound engineer. The album brings the band to the attention of Brennus Music, which releases it in 2007. Zaher Zorgati joins as lead vocalist in June 2007 and makes his first concert appearance with the group at the Rock à Radés Festival in August that year.

The success of Hope leads to appearances at European festivals including Metal Rock Festival in Norway and ProgPower Europe in the Netherlands. In 2008, the band makes its first live appearance outside Tunisia at Progsud Festival in Marseille, with Zaher Zorgati as frontman.

The next album, Desert Call, is recorded in Tunis in late 2008 and mixed and produced by Kevin Codfert. By 2009 the group signs European licensing with XIII Bis Records, with Sony distribution, and a separate worldwide deal with Nightmare Records. Desert Call follows in 2010. The discography also includes Tales of the Sands in 2011 and Legacy in 2016.

Style and significance

Myrath’s sound develops from their early interest in a wide range of metal styles into a more defined fusion of progressive, oriental, heavy and melodic writing. Their later material is described through the combination of Arabian melodies and prog-power metal, supported by a balance of Arabian and western orchestration. Their name means “Legacy”.

Discography

Double Face (2005)

Hope (2007)

Desert Call (2010)

Tales of the Sands (2011)

Legacy (2016)

Members

The group includes Zaher Zorgati and Malek Benarbia. Former members mentioned include Fahmi Chakroun, Oualid Issaoui, Zaher Ben Hamoudia, Tarek Idouani, Elyes Bouchoucha, Saif Ouhibi, Yassine Belgith and Anis Jouini.