Myrath

Early history

Guitarist Malek Ben Arbia, then age 13, formed the band, first named X-Tazy, in 2001 with some childhood friends.^[7] The band played covers of blues, heavy metal, and death metal songs. Amongst numerous lineup changes, keyboardist/singer Elyes Bouchoucha joined in 2003 and remained with the band until 2020. They eventually moved toward a progressive metal and oriental metal sound. In 2005 they released the EP Double Face via USB flash drives in Tunisia.^[7] The album gained some notice in Europe, leading to a contract with France's Bremmis Music. Now known as Myrath, the band became the first Tunisian act to sign with a European label.^[7] During this period they met French musician Kevin Codfert,^[8] who has been their producer ever since.

Their first album under the name Myrath, produced by Codfert, was Hope in 2007.^[8] At this time the band included Arbia and Bouchoucha with bassist Anis Jouini, who became a permanent member, plus drummer Saif Louhibi.^[7] Shortly after the release of Hope, singer Zaher Zorgati joined the band and took over lead vocals from Bouchoucha. Zorgati's ability to combine Islamic chants with heavy metal wailing became a key component of Myrath's sound,^[7] while the band's lyrics began to focus on Tunisian folklore.^[9]

The album Desert Call was released in 2010; this album's sound was compared favorably to that of Orphaned Land.^[10] Tales of the Sands followed in 2011.^[11] Drummer Morgan Berthet joined the band in 2012, forming a stable lineup for the next several years.^[7] They began to play European summer festivals regularly, and their first American appearance was at the ProgPower USA festival in 2013.^[12]

International recognition

Myrath opened for Symphony X during a high-profile tour of England in 2016.^[13] The album Legacy, featuring lyrics contributed by Tunisian poets, was released later in 2016.^[14] Also that year, Zorgati made a guest appearance on the album The Source by Ayreon.^[15] Myrath then toured around the world consistently for more than two years and appeared at several international music festivals.^[16] During this period they signed an international deal with EarMusic.^[17]

In 2017, Myrath performed in their native Tunisia for the first time in three years with a concert at the historic Theatre of Carthage.^[18] This performance was recorded for the live album Live in Carthage, released in 2019. Their fifth studio album Shehili was also released in 2019.^[19] They appeared at the Sweden Rock Festival in 2019 as a last-minute replacement for Behemoth; and have been invited to return for future versions of the festival.^[20] They also toured with the Dutch symphonic metal band Epica in 2019.^[21] In 2021, Zorgati provided guest vocals on the track "Code of Life" on the Epica album Omega.^[22]

In July 2022 the band announced via their social media that it separated from Elyes Bouchoucha back in 2020.^[23] Their sixth album Karma is scheduled for release on 8 March 2024.^[24]

Their seventh album Wilderness of Mirrors is scheduled for release on 27 March 2026.^[25]

Studio albums

EPs

• 2005: Double Face.^[30]

Live albums

• 2020: Live in Carthage.^[31]

Compilation albums

• 2018: Merciless Times.^[32]
• 2025: Reflections

Current members

• Malek Ben Arbia – guitar (2001–present)
• Anis Jouini – bass guitar (2006–present)
• Zaher Zorgati – lead vocals (2007–present)
• Morgan Berthet – drums (2012–present)
• Kevin Codfert – keyboards, piano (session member: (2004-2006, 2015-2022), full-time member: 2022–present)

• 
  Malek Ben Arbia
• 
  Anis Jouini
• 
  Zaher Zorgati
• 
  Morgan Berthet
• 
  Kevin Codfert

Former members

• Walid Issaoui – guitar (2001–2003)
• Fahmi Chakroun – drums (2001–2004)
• Saief Louhibi – drums (2004–2011)
• Yassine Belgith - bass (2004-2006)
• Zaher Hamoudia – bass (2001–2004)
• Tarek Idouani – lead vocals (2001–2003)
• Piwee Desfray – drums (2011-2012)
• Elyes Bouchoucha – keyboards, backing vocals (2003–2022)

Timeline