Myrath - Karma (2024) - Metal Domain

After 5 years since their last discographical appearance, Myrath’s comeback is here with Karma, their sixth full length album. Their music is Power/Prog Metal filled with heavy Middle-eastern elements. A combination that if done correctly can create magical moments, with Myrath doing exactly that. They started becoming more popular with their 3rd album Tales of Sands and after the follow-ups Legacy and Shehili Myrath have been established as one of the great names of their genre and rightfully so. So how does Karma contribute to their legacy? Let’s find out.

The band gave us an early preview of some songs during 2023’s tour, with their Hellfest appearance being made available to the public. The first thing I noticed was that the new tracks sound great on stage and perfectly blend with their back catalog. And how could you not form a positive opinion when you listen to Heroes for the first time!

I want to stand on the experience all band members have acquired over the past years, as here we have some of their best performances. Highlights are Malek’s guitar solos and Zaher’s vocals with some surprises here and there (like the song Carry On). Orchestrations, keyboards and drums have also reached a new layer of greatness. The instrumental side of Karma is part of the main attraction and due to the band’s musical identity, I don’t believe you will find many other opportunities to hear something similar. Also packed with the album are some of Myrath’s best compositions ever, with songs like Heroes, Let it Go, Carry on, Words are Failing.

On a personal note, i found some tracks that are great overall but missed their climax during the chorus. Namely I am talking about The Wheel of Time, The Empire, Candles Cry and Child of Prophecy. Judging from fan reactions they do not share the same sentiment, so this is just me nitpicking here. Another thing that is subject to personal interpretation is that the new Myrath have gone less heavy than their previous selves. I don’t believe many people listen to them in hopes of discovering thunderous riffs and supersonic speed, but I want to set expectations right.

Karma is a great album that Myrath’s fans will enjoy. I needed some repeated listens to fully uncover its magic, and when I did I wanted to play it again and again. So yes, Myrath’s new work further points them in the right direction. It does not manage to get out of the huge shadow their album Legacy has cast, but do we care? In terms of comparison, expect something on par – if not better – with Shehili.