Once upon a time, MYRATH used to delight us with pure, unadulterated oriental metal (also known as Tunisian metal or Blazing Desert Metal) before going in a more mainstream direction with “Karma” (2024). As such, in 2016, they released what could rightfully be considered a self-titled album with “Legacy,” and made sure to fill it to the brim with beautiful melodies, majestic orchestrations, and folk elements. Their fourth studio offering was released on February 19th, 2016, via Nightmare Records (USA)/Verycords (Europe), and it is time to see how it holds up and what made it such a classic release.
Though a bit easier on the ears when compared to their earlier work – “Tales of the Sands” (2011) or “Desert Call” (2010) – this album still hits home when it comes to musicianship, songwriting, and delivery, and, alongside follow-up “Shehili” (2019), can be considered the pinnacle of their career. “Legacy” has all the makings of a great album, as everything from the lyrics and the instrumentals to the vocal melodies and the folk elements works in tandem to create a mystical world that oozes authenticity and individuality. Spearheaded the poppy melodies and catchy chorus of mega-hit “Believer,” the album has dialed down on their metal roots, and for a very long time, I saw that as a negative. I think my biggest point of contention was how accessible and melodic (so as not to say commercial and poppy) the songs were, despite the fact that this is still a metal album to the core. It’s just less apparent in how heavy it actually is.
But upon listening to it these days, I think it was actually a clever move, because without the high emphasis on guitars that drove “Tales of the Sands,” the Eastern melodies have more room to develop and give the songs stronger personalities. This aspect is clear from the get-go, as the intro, “Jasmin,” with its oriental rhythms, really sets the mood for the entire album, flowing neatly into the aforementioned “Believer.” And with that the flood gates are open for the full deluge of sweeping violins, piano melodies, smooth vocals, percussions, Arabian lyrics, cinematic soundscapes, and top-notch guitar solos to wash over us through songs like “Nobody’s Lives,” “Through Your Eyes,” “Storm of Lies,” “Duat,” or the bonus track “Other Side.” Add to that some intense lyrics (see “Get Your Freedom Back” or “The Needle”) and emotional deliveries (see “I Want to Die” or “Endure the Silence”) and you’ll get a tight-knit, cohesive, and emotional release that is bound to receive a positive feed-back from fans and critic alike, which “Legacy” befittingly got in spades.
In retrospect, it’s no wonder “Legacy” helped MYRATH get the recognition they deserve, as this is an all killer no filler release with each song not only reinforcing the band’s solid grasp on their sound, but also showing that they were more than a one-trick pony. The funky bass solo and tribal drumming in “Get Your Freedom Back,” the jazzy, piano-led intro of “Endure the Silence,” the A Song of Ice and Fire-inspired “The Unburnt,” or the mythical themes at the center of “Duat” are just a few of the stand-out moments on this album that showcase the band’s incredible musicianship and lyrical depth (a lethal combination in my book). So, again, it’s no wonder that 2016 was a prolific year for them as they toured in support of SYMPHONY X, were present at quite a number of festivals (including Epic Metal Fest, Bloodstock Festival, Kavarna, and Loud Park), and also had a headlining tour through Europe that autumn.
To conclude, this mix of genres, styles, and cultures that are highlighted so well on “Legacy” might have made MYRATH an acquired taste for some, but it also gave the band a sonic identity that is impossible to forget, mistake, or replicate. That is how you know that you are listening to and, most importantly, experiencing MYRATH when listening to the records released last decade. “Legacy” might not have been the follow-up to “Tales of the Sands” I wanted it to be, but I sure am glad now that it is the one we got. This album showcases not only the band’s vibrant sound, free-flowing melodies, and richly orchestrated compositions but also solidifies their well-earned place on the metal scene as one of the best exponents of this genre, alongside ORPHANED LAND.
Written by Andrea Crow
Tracklist
1. Jasmin
2. Believer
3. Get Your Freedom Back
4. Nobody’s Lives
5. The Needle
6. Through Your Eyes
7. The Unburnt
8. I Want To Die
9. Duat
10. Endure The Silence
11. Storm Of Lies
12. Other Side (bonus track on 2016 US edition)
Lineup
- Zaher Zorgati – lead vocals
- Malek Ben Arbia – guitars
- Anis Jouini – bass
- Morgan Bethet – drums
- Elyes Bouchoucha – keyboards, backing vocals, arrangements
Label
- Nightmare Records (USA)
- Verycords (Europe)
