A metal band from Dallas, Texas — that’s always worth checking out. The Lone Star State has been home to countless great acts, and if you’re out digging for gold, especially in the fields of power metal, don’t let those metal detectors gather dust.
MYTH CARVER is a new outfit that surfaced only within the past year, yet its members have been crossing paths in various groups of Dallas’s underground scene for at least a decade.
Jayson Braffett (guitar) plays both with Steven Rodriguez (drums) in FROST KOFFIN and with Tom Reyes (guitar) in I AM. Meanwhile, neither Daniel Schmuck (vocals) nor Andrew Messer (bass) are newcomers — both have been active in other bands for years.
What’s notable is the wide range of subgenres these musicians have explored outside MYTH CARVER — from death metal to hardcore/punk and crossover. Yet one thing ties them all together: thrash metal.
MYTH CARVER, however, don’t actually play thrash. They carry its sharp riffing and groove deep into their sound but channel it through a pure heavy/power spirit — hard-edged, storming, with soaring, screaming vocals and a dark, menacing aura. All the trademarks of first-class USPM!
The band’s debut release was the “Twist of Fate” EP, independently issued both digitally and as a private CD about six months ago. Thankfully, No Remorse Records had its radar tuned in and didn’t let this gem slip by — now “Twist of Fate” is being reissued on CD and in a limited vinyl edition, complete with two additional tracks.
Technically, it’s still an EP — or rather, more accurately, a mini-LP.
Not that such classifications matter when it comes to a release this special.
It all kicks off with “Untamed Steel,” a track bursting with raw power and energy, featuring stunning guitars and vocals clearly inspired by Rob Halford, delivered in a style that echoes Jon Oliva. From the very first moment, MYTH CARVER grab your attention and don’t let go.
The haunting melodies closing the opener flow seamlessly into “Thunderkill,” where the riffs shred mercilessly and the guitar duo delivers a masterclass in early, aggressive Teutonic metalcraft.
Next comes “Shadow Firmament,” packed with swaggering groove; its mid-tempo pace brings the expected anthemic melodicism while never losing its sense of danger or menace.
“Iron Helm” evokes ETERNAL CHAMPION, with shades of SAVATAGE, OMEN, and ACCEPT — an epic track that feels pure, unpretentious, direct, and utterly real.
There’s a faint trace of OZZY, in a SUMERLANDS-like tone, woven into the band’s songwriting — recognizable yet tastefully subtle. It shines brilliantly in “King of the Pyre,” adding a nostalgic glow to another excellent, rhythmic, galloping tune that gleams — and cuts — like polished steel.
The finale, “Crimson Terrain,” brings hints of JAG PANZER and RIOT in a melodic climax that still retains all its grit — this is American heavy metal at its finest!
Shadows of MERCYFUL FATE, METAL CHURCH, MORGANA LEFAY, NASTY SAVAGE, JUDAS PRIEST, and even early METALLICA dance between the fierce vocal performance and the guitars that honor the 80s/90s tradition in spectacular fashion, all anchored by a rhythm section worthy of a masterclass in authenticity.
MYTH CARVER are READY to carve their path as another great band from Texas.
A truly remarkable release — DON’T miss it!
“Twist Of Fate” will be released on November 28th by No Remorse Records on both CD and limited-edition vinyl.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre-order both the CD and the limited LP here.
