Myrath
Tunisian progressive metal band blending Arabic sounds with power metal.
Myrath (ميراث, meaning "Legacy") is a Tunisian progressive metal band founded in 2001 by guitarist Malek Ben Arbia. Now based in France, the group blends Arabic and Middle Eastern instrumentation with power metal and progressive rock, earning a reputation as a key player in oriental metal. They describe their style as "blazing desert metal." Myrath also made history as the first Tunisian band to secure a record deal outside their home country.
The band started when Ben Arbia was 13, initially calling themselves X-Tazy and playing covers of blues, heavy metal, and death metal. After several lineup changes, keyboardist and vocalist Elyes Bouchoucha joined in 2003 and stayed until 2019. The group shifted toward progressive and oriental metal, releasing the EP *Double Face* on USB flash drives in Tunisia in 2005. That release caught attention in Europe, leading to a contract with France's Bremmis Music. Renamed Myrath, they became the first Tunisian act signed to a European label. Around this time, they met French musician Kevin Codfert, who has produced all their albums since.
Their debut album as Myrath, *Hope*, came out in 2006, produced by Codfert. The lineup then included Ben Arbia, Bouchoucha, bassist Anis Jouini, and drummer Saif Louhibi, with Zaher Zorgati already on board as lead vocalist. Zorgati’s blend of Islamic chants with heavy metal vocals became a signature, while the lyrics turned to Tunisian folklore. *Desert Call* followed in 2010, drawing comparisons to Orphaned Land, and *Tales of the Sands* in 2011. Drummer Morgan Berthet joined in 2012, stabilizing the lineup. The band began playing European summer festivals regularly and made their US debut at ProgPower USA in 2013.
In 2016, Myrath opened for Symphony X on a UK tour. That year’s album *Legacy* featured lyrics from Tunisian poets, and Zorgati guested on Ayreon’s *The Source*. The band then toured worldwide for over two years, hitting multiple international festivals, and signed a global deal with EarMusic. In 2017, they played in Tunisia for the first time in three years at the historic Theatre of Carthage, a show later released as the live album *Live in Carthage* in 2019. Their fifth studio album, *Shehili*, also arrived in 2019. That year, they replaced Behemoth at Sweden Rock Festival and later toured with Epica. In 2021, Zorgati sang on Epica’s track "
- formed
- 2001
- origin
- Tunisia (currently based in France)
- genre
- Progressive metal, oriental metal
- known_for
- First Tunisian band to sign with a European label; blending Arabic instrumentation with metal
- label
- Bremmis Music, EarMusic
- current_members
- Malek Ben Arbia, Anis Jouini, Zaher Zorgati, Morgan Berthet, Kevin Codfert
Quick Facts
- Landscape
- yes
- Alias
- X-Tazy (2001–2005)
- Origin
- Tunisia
- Genre
- Progressive metal · power metal · oriental metal
- Years Active
- 2001–present
- Label
- EarMusic, VeryCords, Nightmare Records, King Records, Groove Master
- Website
- myrath.com
- Current Members
- Malek Ben Arbia / Morgan Berthet / Anis Jouini / Zaher Zorgati / Kevin Codfert
- Past Members
- Walid Issaoui / Fahmi Chakroun / Saif Louhibi / Zaher Hamoudia / Tarek Idouani / Piwee Desfray / Elyes Bouchoucha
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Myrath was formed in 2001 by guitarist Malek Ben Arbia, then age 13, with childhood friends under the name X-Tazy. The band initially played covers of blues, heavy metal, and death metal songs. Keyboardist/singer Elyes Bouchoucha joined in 2003 and remained until 2019. In 2005 they released the EP Double Face via USB flash drives in Tunisia, which gained European notice and led to a contract with France's Bremmis Music, making Myrath the first Tunisian act to sign with a European label. They met French musician Kevin Codfert, who has been their producer ever since.
Their first album under the name Myrath, Hope, was released in 2006. By that time, singer Zaher Zorgati had already joined as lead vocalist, taking over the role from Bouchoucha.
Reader's Guide
Myrath holds significance as a pioneering force in oriental metal, being the first Tunisian band to secure a record deal outside their country. Their fusion of Arabic and Middle Eastern instrumentation with progressive and power metal created a distinctive sound they call 'blazing desert metal.' The band's international breakthrough came through albums like Legacy and Shehili, and high-profile tours with Symphony X and Epica. Their live performance at the historic Theatre of Carthage, released as Live in Carthage, marked a cultural milestone. Myrath's legacy includes introducing Tunisian folklore and Islamic vocal styles to a global metal audience, influencing the broader oriental metal genre. Their consistent lineup since 2012 and ongoing album releases demonstrate sustained relevance in the metal scene.
Did You Know?
- Myrath was originally named X-Tazy and formed by guitarist Malek Ben Arbia when he was 13 years old.
- They released their first EP Double Face via USB flash drives in Tunisia in 2005.
- Myrath is the first Tunisian band to sign with a record label outside the country.
- Singer Zaher Zorgati's ability to combine Islamic chants with heavy metal wailing became a key component of the band's sound.
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