Description

Heavy metal is truly a global treasure. Take Carthagods from Tunisia for example. There’s not a lot of Tunisian metal bands breaking the scene that I can recall. The band’s long-awaited, self-titled debut release was many years in the making. Formed in 1996, Carthagods has gained some significant ground in its local community, but is still virtually unknown outside its home territory. However, boasting a stellar cast of guest musicians should certainly boost the band’s intrigue factor. But more so, Carthagods prove they can stand on their own two feet, or in this case 10 feet, as the quintet really shine throughout the disc by creating some memorable moments. Each guest musician, which includes Ron Bumblefoot Thal (Guns N Roses), Mark Jansen (Epica) and Tim Ripper Owens (ex-Judas Priest/Iced Earth), among others, adds even more strength to the band’s already strong compositions. Weaving a concoction of Iron Maiden melodies, Yngwie Malmsteen neoclassical guitar shredding, US power metal in the vein of Omen and prog metal similar to Fates Warning, Carthagods cover all the bases on its eight tracks (including a decent cover of Yngwie Malmsteens Rising Forces I Am A Viking). Vocalist Khema.M has a raspy Blaze Bayley tone mixed with a J.D. Kimball of Omen drawl, while the guitar work of Marcel Coenen, who also produced the album, is spot-on. Although each track can stand on its own, there is a common thread that weaves them all together. This is a pretty complete debut metal album that will most likely gain the band some well deserved accolades.

Track listing:
1. My Favorite Disguise
2. Shadows
3. A Last Sigh
4. Memories Of Never Ending Pains
5. My Revenge
6. Eater Of Sin
7. I Am A Viking -Yngwie J Malmsteen cover
8. Memories Of Never Ending Pains-acoustic version