HOPE

The debut album from this band from Tunisia proved that in the brave new world, great bands can emerge from the nooks and crannies of previously unthinkable places where little attention had been paid to before. MYRATH not only emerged from an unexpected country with no history of prog nor metal but little history of any famous bands whatsoever. It's really great to finally hear this debut album after hearing their excellent third album TALES OF THE SANDS.

There's no doubt that MYRATH are the Symphony X of the Sahara with some Dream Theater influences as well. At least the prog metal half of the equation. The Middle Eastern folk part which is what really sets them apart from the previously mentioned bands is woven into the tapestry of the music very well. The album begins with some exotic sounding North African music before the metal kicks in and the result is that I was instantly sucked into it. These guys really know how to craft well written and catchy tunes that leave you wanting more.

In a way they have usurped the Symphony X sound and are now doing it better then that band does. I would give this 5 stars if it was completely original but since it is so derivative no matter how good it is I'll go with 4