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MYTH CARVER
Twist Of Fate EP

Self-released (2025)
Rating: 8/10

Dallas, Texas-based quintet Myth Carver could well be my new favourite band. As soon as I pushed play it was obvious that these guys have their finger on the pulse when it comes to churning out quality metal. Considering how many bands are worshipping at the rusty gates of the 80s, Myth Carver stands out by finding the correct chemistry and unloading a heavy arsenal.

As a brotherhood, Myth Carver is quite the formidable unit built upon the scorching hot foundation of Jayson Braffett and Tom Reyes devastating axe work, the stormy bass lines of Andrew Messer and the maelstrom strikes of Steven Rodriguez’s drums. And as with every army a leader is required, and in these here parts it’s Daniel Schmuck who certainly doesn’t live up to his name.

Arguably one of the most metal releases you’ll hear this year, Twist Of Fate is a rich and fiery four-song EP that could so easily have existed between 1984 and1989. Savagely executed, ‘Untamed Steel’ is so electrically charged that the National Grid was given a few fanny flutters! “Blasting through the gates of steel, cowards running for their lives, lacerations from our blades will bleed them dry,” snarls Schmuck, and the conviction is staggering as he climaxes with “I am the storm, the reckoning flame, harnessing untamed steel”.

Mixing thrash, power metal and emphatic heavy metal, Twist Of Fate is a cauldron that boils to the sounds of Jag Panzer, Savatage, Omen, Nasty Savage and a whole host of steaming hot acts from the golden era of heavy metal. ‘Thunderkill’ thuds to the rhythmic heartbeat of the percussion as the combo teases with a steady trudge as sprinkles of dark melody evaporate to the chimes of Schmuck. “Voices in the distance guide me to the water’s edge,” he croons, “My soul is drifting away, deep into the night”. This is the sort of song you stumbled upon back in 1986 when you discovered that unknown heavy metal radio station, and it epitomises the breathtaking quality of this band.

Effortlessly, this mob carves and crafts great molten blocks of steel, each vast glinting pillar a beacon of power. The subtleties weave like smouldering wisps as further and further we are lured into the magical kingdom of Myth Carver. Each and every moment of ‘Shadow Firmament’ presents itself like a vast column of etched stone, sizzling with mystical aplomb and echoing to the sneers of Schmuck. “Dark deceiver, spread chaos through this land,” he booms over a trudging riff, the epitome of glorious 80s US power metal, sneering with menace and crackling with atmosphere.

Finally, closer ‘Iron Helm’ showcases a bolder, lighter melody within the grit, but it’s still a fine example of that muscular US power metal magic. I can’t wait for a full-length.

Neil Arnold

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