Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Myrath - Hope (2007)

Myrath is one of two leading bands of Middle Eastern progressive metal, the other being Orphaned Land, though the latter started off with a melodic death-doom sound. Myrath's debut Hope shows the band's melodic talent at a young age (guitarist Malek Ben Arbia formed the band when he was 13)...

I would say their second album Desert Call is the start of the Myrath many of us know. Not that there's anything wrong with their 2007 debut of course. Here the band has taken on a more complex progressive sound as opposed to the simpler song structures from Tales of the Sands onwards. It is basically like a Middle-Eastern Symphony X/Dream Theater. Although it doesn't have the same power as their subsequent releases, it can still please any fan of melodic prog-metal from all over the globe.

The short "Intro" has the Middle Eastern synths and percussion you would expect from a band in that region. I feel like exploring the Kharidian Desert in RuneScape with that as the soundtrack! "Confession" brings in those crushing guitars, plus the impressive vocals by keyboardist Elyes Bouchoucha (he would give his vocal role to Zaher Zorgati after this release). What impresses me the most is the Dream Theater-infused bridge soloing. Then we have the lengthy title track. However, there's some deep groove in the shorter "Last Breath" which makes another excellent track. This can really remind some of Allen/Lande, with Bouchoucha having the range of both vocalists.

Then comes the 11-minute epic "Seven Sins" which is pretty much the centerpiece of this album and possibly by the band, as their unbeatable longest song. Everything's progressive in the guitars and synths, even reaching a bit of doom. Elyes Bouchoucha can hit those gritty melodies, channeling hs inner Russell Allen. Near the 5-minute mark is moody bridge, then a minute later some power metallish leads, and another minute later, some beautiful piano. An ambitious and powerful masterpiece of a song!

"Fade Away" is an acoustic/electric ballad which isn't too bad but not great either. "All My Fears" has some rage in the guitars and gang vocals, though doesn't really stand out much. The final track "My Inner War" impresses me with its uncanny mix of Middle Eastern folk, jazz, and metal.

So their debut Hope can impress the more progressive metalheads, but it doesn't have the glory of their later albums. Still, giving metal an ethnic twist is definitely worth putting this band in the melodic prog-metal league. Some songs aren't so strong, while others show their tight might and talent, especially in that middle epic. Hope is a solid place to start listening to this band, though their subsequent releases are where you might find more hope....

Favorites: "Confession", "Last Breath", "Seven Sins", "My Inner War"