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Magnitude Nine is a
melodic, progressive metal band from America. It all revolves
around guitarist Rob Johnson and singer Corey Brown, who started the
group in 1997. They already had some experience in Psycho Drama
(Corey) and as a solo artist (Rob). We’ve already enjoyed two
former releases from Magnitude Nine: “Chaos to Control” (1998) and
“Reality in Focus” (2001). In the meantime, their third release,
“Decoding the Soul”, offers us a more mature sounding CD, notably in
the production and the song material.
In the opening
track, “New Dimension”, I want to emphasize the work of a powerful
singer against a neo-classical background. It’s strange that I’ve
never read anything about any Black Sabbath influences because they
are definitely present here. The awesome, full sounding drums
register an epic tempo and the chorus is certainly recognizable.
Magnitude Nine won’t be running off with the prize for originality,
but instrumentally speaking, they’re far above average. That Black
Sabbath feel, from the time of Tony Martin, emerges in “To Find a
Reason”. The floating and hollow sounding synths work well in this
song. The threatening guitar riffs are accompanied here with
extensive keyboard melodies. In most of the songs, the choruses are
not really worth mentioning, but they are nicely spiced up by the
ever present instrumental know how. There’s a steady dose of
keyboard and guitar duelling (at deafening speeds), which helps make
up for the somewhat lack luster singing.
“Changes” has a few
slower passages, but then quickly evolves into a mid tempo song.
It’s the smoothly executed tracks and their deliberate ingredients
that give you a familiar feeling that’s very similar to Rainbow and
Malmsteen in the earlier years. The surprise element is clearly not
there, but this doesn’t take away from the fact that this album
bellows with craftsmanship. It’s a bit like the satisfaction you
get from eating a well known brand of soup: you know what you can
expect, so enjoy that, but no more than that. As a closing
statement, “Sands of Time” is a bit heavier sounding, with its’ low
tuned guitars and a slightly adventurous build up. I’m left
standing here with a bag of mixed feelings. |
