Myrath to Shine in Norway Rock Magazine
Myrath, the Tunisian progressive metal band, unveiled their latest album, ‘Karma’, in March 2024. In a recent interview, the band’s frontman, Zaher Zorgati, shed light on the creation of the album, their performance at Sweden Rock Festival, and their experience touring with Symphony X.
Zorgati emphasized the significance of the album ‘Karma’ to the band, highlighting the exploration of new themes such as loss of free will, discrimination, and self-confidence. He explained that the single ‘Heroes’ was a tribute to individuals who struggle with self-esteem issues and need encouragement to realize their potential. According to Zorgati, the track conveys a message of empowerment and self-belief, reinforcing the idea that anyone can be a hero in their own right.
The band’s evolution in sound from their previous albums to ‘Karma’ was a result of their unique writing process. The COVID-19 lockdown brought band members together for an extended period, enabling them to compose collaboratively and experiment with new ideas in real-time. Zorgati highlighted the benefits of in-person collaboration, which led to a more minimalist approach to songwriting and a fresh musical direction.
Despite the prevalence of singles in the current music landscape, Myrath believes that albums remain vital, particularly within the metal community. Zorgati expressed that metal fans value the cohesive storytelling and sonic experience that albums offer, positioning them as enduring formats in an era dominated by singles. The band sees albums as a platform for creating a holistic musical journey and connecting with listeners on a deeper level.
‘Into the Light,’ one of the album’s singles, was inspired by a desire to convey a sense of elevation and spiritual upliftment through the music. Zorgati credited band member Kevin for crafting the orchestral elements that captured the essence of the song’s theme. Reflecting on their live performance at Sweden Rock Festival, Zorgati shared the band’s approach to testing new songs in a live setting to refine their stage presence and engage with their audience.
Discussing the departure of keyboardist Elyes Bouchoucha, Zorgati highlighted the band’s decision to prioritize the inclusion of Kevin on stage, given his significant contributions to the band’s musical evolution. While acknowledging Elyes’ talents, Zorgati underscored the importance of aligning on the musical direction within the band and the need for collective progression.
Zorgati’s guest appearances on albums by Epica and Ayreon emerged organically, with invites from the respective bands to lend his vocals to their tracks. These collaborations showcased Zorgati’s versatility and added a unique touch to the albums, reinforcing the camaraderie and mutual respect among artists in the progressive metal scene.
In essence, Myrath’s journey with ‘Karma’ signifies a creative evolution and a deepening connection with their audience through introspective storytelling and engaging musical compositions. As the band continues to carve their path in the progressive metal landscape, their commitment to musical authenticity and thematic exploration remains unwavering.