Mythra
Death And Destiny

Many people who listen to numerous NWOBHM bands, from the famous to the cult ones, are unaware of a crucial group that greatly contributed to the development of the genre. I am referring to Mythra, a truly seminal meteor of British metal!

They formed in 1976 in South Shields and the classic lineup consisted of Vince High on vocals, John Roach and Maurice Bates on guitars, Peter Melsom on bass, and Barry Hopper on drums. Mythra was heavily influenced by early Black Sabbath, UFO, and even Humble Pie's "I Don't Need No Doctor" and "Stone Cold Fever." They gained attention through their live performances at venues, and their concerts alongside groups like Raven, Saxon, White Spirit, and Angel Witch were phenomenal! In 1979, the band released an EP titled "Death And Destiny," which sold 15,000 copies in twenty days, reaching the top of the Sounds magazine chart for eleven weeks.

The group is considered one of the earliest English formations that gave life to the phenomenal and unrepeatable NWOBHM. I would define them as the "true fathers of British metal," alongside Judas Priest, of course! In this rare EP, Mythra performed four songs that were absolutely seminal for subsequent bands like Iron Maiden, Blitzkrieg, and Diamond Head. The opener is the title track, and from the opening riff, it's clear that the band's sound owed much to the seventies, but introduced many innovations and sounds that hinted at the early metal tones. The riff is typically British, as is the classic sharp and gritty voice, which explodes with power in the wonderful refrain. A song not very complex but, in its simplicity and smoothness, manages to convey that indispensable energy that only NWOBHM can provide!! The solos are executed impeccably, and with their speed, they transform the song into a wonderful metal ride in seconds. Subsequently, there are small variations that make the piece calmer, followed promptly by lightning restarts, leading to the sensational finale. The second track, "Killer," opens with a riffing that reminds me of Budgie's "Breadfan," only played a bit faster and with a heavier timbre. A track that surely influenced many bands, like Tank and Blitzkrieg's "A Time Of Changes." Vince's vocal style is energetic and sharp, supported by very tight and precise solos and rhythm section. The refrain is catchy, while the virtuosity of the two guitarists anticipates the sounds of Maiden's "Killers." Guaranteed emotions until the last note!

"Overlord" is a very brief track where the band packs into less than two minutes all the rage and fury necessary to render a piece with a tremor-inducing sound! The guitarists churn out riff after riff and deliver solos disarmingly, leaving the poor listener breathless. The last song is "U.F.O.", and the only thing that comes to mind is: "I wonder if Mythra wanted to pay tribute to UFO" ?? The fact remains that the quintet presents a fiery ride of pure NWOBHM, which manages to easily engage the listener with its grit and simplicity. Mythra doesn't need epic and prog elaborations, rhythm changes like Dream Theater, and two-and-a-half-minute solos! All they need is a barely three-minute song, three distorted power chords, an effective refrain, and a lot of passion! A style similar to Motorhead. Finally, "U.F.O." offers us a great solo, with various nods to the best bands of the seventies, all courtesy of John Roach and Maurice Bates. With this great example of heavy metal with guts, "Death And Destiny" closes, the finest work among the few records by the English Mythra!

After this historic EP, the band disappeared throughout the eighties, returning to the scene in 1998 with "The Death & Destiny EP," containing tracks from the first record along with those from the two demos of 1980 and 1981, and in 2003 with "The Darkened." Highly recommended for fans and aficionados of NWOBHM in particular!