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Myrath have been the topic of quite a bit of discussion in the progressive metal scene, garnering kudos from many. Obviously if you read my review for their debut you'll see they also bear my seal of approval. So, hot on the heels of their debut Hope, Myrath grace our presence again this year with their latest Arabian-tinted prog effort Desert Call. This time around the band sports a new singer, Zaher Zorgatti, boasting a much smoother voice than Elyes Bouchoucha, and reminding me in places of singers such as Ray Alder, or Gus Monsanto, albeit with an exotic touch. In my review for their debut I stated that it lacked in the originality department, and it is with joy I can say that a lot of that issue has been ironed out. Whilst there are still a ton of Dream Theater or Symphony X influences, the addition of more of the eastern melodies has helped differentiate them enough from the aforementioned bands, at times inspiring images of Orphaned Land although far more entertaining than the time I've spent with that band. The addition of the new singer has also helped in providing more of an identity.

Desert Call starts very strong with three cracking cuts, "Tempests of Sorrow" being a particularly cool track sounding like an eastern Circus Maximus. The title track twists and turns without leaving you behind through overt technicality – just like any good prog song should. The eastern influences as well as the keyboards really impress, and dear lord, don't get me started on the guitar/keyboard duel. Hell in all honesty the music on offer up until the ballad "Memories" flat out smokes. As far as ballads go, it's not too bad but I'm sure I'm not alone in saying I could do without it. With "Ironic Destiny" we're back in business with some cheeky riffage bolstered by a damn tight rhythm section. I must admit I can't help feeling a tad cheated with the guitar tone – don't get me wrong it's pretty good but the tone on their debut floored you, as far as prog metal goes it was one of the meanest I'd experienced. This time around it's more in line with the majority of the current crop of prog/power bands. However this is still damn heavy, it'll have you banging alright. "No Turning Back" has a massive symphonic feel to it, and is certainly one of the more interesting tracks on offer, blending their eastern influences with the symphonic style common in Europe. The album closes off with two fantastic prog metal numbers boasting everything that makes these guys appealing.

Myrath really hit the nail on the head this time around, despite a few little problems Desert Call stands as a top notch prog/power metal album certain to remain one of the best in the genre this year – fans of the genre cannot go wrong checking this out. I'll be interested to hear the next album from these guys but for now Desert Call is enough for me, and I'm sure I'll be spinning this frequently up until the next one. Recommended.