Magic tales from the dunes - A review of Myrath's Shehili

Tunisia's quintet Myrath has definitely abandoned its progressive metal roots and focuses on its melodic power folk metal style it had established on uplifting predecessor Legacy three years earlier. The band has found its own style with lush orchestrations inspired by Arabic folklore, emotive background choirs, cinematic keyboard sounds, playful rhythm sections with a healthy dose of percussive elements, guitar parts meandering between simpler and grooving riffs on one side and more melodic and technical solos on the other side and uplifting vocals performing hopeful lyrics. If compared to the predecessor that also had a darker side and a few progressive sections, Shehili sounds more streamlined and overall more optimistic and direct.

The first few tracks on the record are also the weakest ones on an overall very strong output. They aren't terrible but sound like predictable leftover material from Legacy. One could think the band didn't evolve at all during the past three years until ''Wicked Dice'' finally adds some creative songwriting with danceable percussive elements, melancholic piano sounds and versatile soothing vocals. The track is catchy but diversified and inspired as it finds a perfect balance between more mysterious notes and hopeful melodies. From then on, Myrath keeps this high-quality level until the end of the record.

Among several highlights, one must point out the atmospheric vintage folk sound of the slow but majestic ''Lili Twil'' that might be the record's most progressive song with longing guitar harmonies inspired by early Dream Theater while the vocals are deeply rooted in Arabic folklore. ''No Holding Back'' convinces with an outstanding keyboard performance with lush orchestrations and elegant melodies that are only matched by playful percussive elements and an overall vibrant rhythm section that should be given even more occasions to shine in the future. The dramatic yet melodic ''Mersal'' comes around with guest vocals by Lotfi Bouchnak who adds a darker and vibrant timbre inspired once again by traditional Arabic folk music which complements the lead singer's more melodic and uplifting vocals perfectly.

The more the record progresses, the more impressive it gets. After a weak start, the band turns things around with an inspired middle section and doesn't slow down until the very end. If you like inspired melodic folk metal in the key of contemporary Orphaned Land, then you must give the inspired Shehili a chance.

Final rating: 80%