Order Of Nine - A Means To Know End

Year of Release: 2008
Label: Nightmare Records
Catalog Number: NMR 382
Format: CD
Total Time: 42:42:00

What we have here is heavy metal in the vein of Yngwie Malmsteen. Compartmentally, the instruments and vocals sound a lot like Symphony X. Compositionally, it's not exactly the same thing. Not to mention, keyboards are completely nonexistent from the soiree.

While not overly simplistic, their tunes run straight. They rigidly nail chords and oftentimes repeat the motions. Still, their licks are engaging.

Paralleling unshakable execution, the band plays their instruments well and the production is watertight. It's apparent they understand and have thoroughly practiced the scales.

To exact my picks to songs that most efficaciously use the plectrums, "An Offered Hand" and "Show No Remorse" best demonstrate their polished abilities.

It's hard to say where they can improve because what they do is relatively unblemished. To enhance what they do is probably just a matter or maturation, or in other words; giving us lyrics and hooks that ferment over time. For that reason, it's not the kind of music that begs to be revisited, but Order Of Nine - who happens to be five - is a very sturdy unit.

Tracklisting:
Single Shot / A Means to Know End / Devotee / In The Know / An Offered Hand / Ghost Of Memories / Gods At War / Ninth Knight / Show No Remorse / Last Dance

Musicians:
Michael Degrena - vocals
Scott Haggerty - guitars, keyboards
Steve Pollick - guitars, keyboards
Tom Donaldson - bass
J.R. Jameson - drums

Discography:
Of Once And Future Kings (2002)
Season Of Reign (2003)
A Means To Know End (2008)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin US

Added: May 11th 2009
Reviewer: Joshua "Prawg Dawg" Turner
Score:
Artist website: www.orderofnine.com
Hits: 7486
Language: english