MYRATH (meaning "legacy") is a Metal band from France and Tunisia, a small country well known for its resort areas on the Mediterranean coast but certainly not for its Metal bands. Yet in just a few years, what started out as a teenage cover band has become a relatively well known and respected band by the international Metal community. "Shehili" is the band's fifth studio album, dating back to 2007. It contains twelve new tracks.

"Asl" is a short instrumental, mood-setting piece, with a middle-eastern flair. It segues into "Born to Survive," which opens with jovial instruments and vocal chants. It has an epic and ominous feeling to it, complete with the vocal snarls of Zorgati. "You've lost yourself" has more of that middle-eastern flair in the opening, complete with a siren going off. The chorus is full and rich, followed by an absolutely dominating guitar solo. Piano supplements the sound here, which is very melodic and catchy. "Dance" is a unique song that showcases the band's geographical roots in a fun and catchy way. The band is exceptional and building that suspense that comes at you...it reminds me in some ways of KAMELOT, especially with the strings and taking into account the vocal style.

"Wicked Dice" is a mid-tempo rocker with a hint of melancholy. Again they deliver a big chorus with Zorgati's vocals taking center stage. "Monster in my Closet" opens with some tom drums and leads to a fat riff and some more of that middle eastern flair. This song has a little bit of everything...guitars, strings and keys work together in a tight unison, and the chorus is full of melody. "Lili Twil" opens with a jovial and upbeat sound and a monster riff. It's unlike anything else on the album. Smooth, mellow and captivating, and the verses sung in their native tongue. It reminds me of Devin Townsend in many ways, with that commanding edge.

"No Holding Back" kicks in with some real energy and a positive sound out of the gates. Piano matches the guitar riff in the opening, leading to a softer sound in the verses. Another well-crafted guitar solo rounds out the song, which has a bit of a DGM feeling to it for me. "Stardust" opens with a beautiful piano sequence that is somewhat somber sounding, paired with melancholy smooth vocals. It transforms into a grey darkness that seems to follow you wherever you go. "Mersal" opens with some symphonic elements and a slower pace. A flute solo seems fitting here, doesn't it? It culminates nicely towards the end, wrapping things up in a nice crescendo. "Darkness Arise" opens with a groovy rhythm and a weighted riff, with some symphonic elements in support. It picks up to a big chorus, followed by some acoustical guitars in the bridge and a slaying guitar solo.

"Shehili" closes the album, with some bombast. Some traditional elements combine with light symphonic elements and those wonderful piano runs really add to the sound here. Overall, this was the first time I was introduced to the band and it's safe to say that have made another fan here. It's Progressive music, but not technical wankery. Instead, they let the melody do the talking here and have honed their craft to short, listenable songs with touches of elegance along the way. The keys and string and piano are just noticeable enough to provide some layers and texture, which comes from expert songwriting. And the vocalist, Zaher Zorgati is really quite a wonderful singer.