TALES OF THE SANDS

I really love when I discover music from countries that I barely know (of course I don't mean physically), and it is always better when the music is well done, and of course when I like it. And this happens now with Myrath, a band previously unknown to me, but that caught my attention first because I saw they were from Tunisia, so when I received via Freeman Promotions the digital download invitation I did not hesitated and downloaded it.

"Tales of the Sands" is the third effort of this original prog metal band. It features ten compositions and a total time of 45 minutes where you will find complex compositions, metal with a mid-east /African flavor, cool vocals and great instrumentation overall. It starts with "Under Siege" and since the very first seconds I felt attracted, I like the female voice that appears after that keyboard beginning. Later heavy guitars and keyboards making that mid-east Arabic sound which is very attractive to me. I like it.

"Braving the Seas" follows the same path, the sound is actually alike, but that is simply Myrath's style, which is unique and acceptable. "Merciless Times" is a shorter track. I have to mention that the vocals are pretty nice, they do have that kind of Arabic tone, which is perfectly complemented by keyboards and that mid-east flavor.

The title track "Tales of the Sands" is a wonderful track, with very nice acoustic guitar and soft sound for the first seconds and then turns heavier with those cool guitars. There are also percussion that spices the sound and give it an even more interesting flavor. After three minutes there is a great guitar riff, accompanied by heavy drums and the always prominent Arabic keyboard sound. This is one of the highlights.

"Sour Sigh" once again has a soft start that only lasts for some seconds just before the song explodes and the rhythmical structure begins. This is another of my favorite pieces on this album, I love the vocal game and the instrumental moments (short but great), and including of course the powerful and exquisite guitar riffs. An original sound that determines Myrath's style and distinctive label.

"Dawn within" is the shortest track, but it is full of quality and originality no matter its length. The drums here are outstanding, making several and dramatic changes that talk about the quality of the drummer. But well, the quality of all the musicians is evident, there is no doubt about it. "Wide Shut" is another powerful song with outstanding use of keyboards and a great intercalation between instrumental and vocal parts. Excellent song!

"Requiem for a Goodbye" starts with chaotic and bombastic keyboards, then guitars, bass and drums, along with the voice joins and start building up a structure. Though this is a nice track, it is not one of their best, not one of my favorites either. It has a couple of nice solos, one of guitar and one of keyboards. It suddenly slows down and becomes tender, but all of a sudden returns to its powerful sound.

"Beyond the Stars" has a great vocal performance which has that wonderful and inherent Arabic flavor. The music follows the same path as the previous ones, but the good thing here is that instrumental interlude after three minutes, it is great. "Time to Grow" is the one that closes the album and reminds me to some older power metal bands, but of course, with Myrath's style.

It is a great metal album, an original sound from a band that should have more exposition and be better recognized. Even I, an skeptic man regarding the metal scene am pleased with this album, so I believe people who really love the genre will totally adore this album. My final grade is four stars.

Enjoy it!

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