Magnitude 9's musical style falls into the same genre of bands such as Queensr˙che, Fates Warning, Dream Theater, Symphony X, Yngwie Malmsteen, etc. Hailing from Ohio, USA, they released their debut album in 1998. Magnitude 9 not only writes catchy, melodic metal songs, but they also incorporate challenging musical elements without straying away too much from the actual song itself. They fuse metal with neo-classical & prog rock.

CHAOS TO CONTROL (1998) DCA RECORDINGS

  1. Another World

  2. Don't Say

  3. After Tomorrow

  4. Y2K

  5. Voices

  6. Into The Sun

  7. Keeper Of Your Soul

  8. Secrets Within

  9. Writings

  10. End Of Time

  11. Man On The Silver Mountain *

Line-up:

Corey Brown - Vocals

Rob Johnson - Guitars, Keyboards

John Homan - Drums

Kevin Chown - Bass

Joseph Anastacio Glean - Keyboards

 

* = bonus track

Magnitude 9 is yet another band I heard about through Scream Magazine. I first obtained a cardboard promo of this disc, but it was stolen from me in a car-burglary. Then I found this in a Danish shop for about 4$, and I was very pleased. 'Cause this album is good. The musicianship is way above average, and their songwriting-skills are also splendid. I have no problem recommending this album. Even the lyrics are uplifting and positive. "Man On The Silver Mountain" is a Rainbow cover. 

Killer tracks: Another World, Y2K, Into The Sun, Keeper Of Your Soul, End Of Time

REALITY IN FOCUS (2000) INSIDE OUT MUSIC/CENTURY MEDIA

  1. No Turning Back
  2. What My Eyes Have Seen
  3. Far Beyond Illusion
  4. Afterlife
  5. The End Of Days
  6. Lost Along The Way
  7. Flight Of Icarus
  8. Temples Of Gold
  9. Quiet Desperation
  10. Mind Over Fear

Line-up:

Corey Brown - Vocals

John Homan - Drums

Rob Johnson - Guitars

Kevin Chown - Bass

Joseph Anastacio Glean - Keyboards

The second album from Magnitude 9 takes off where the first one ended. It's pretty much the same as it's predecessor, which means quality! Great progressive, yet melodic metal, played by competent musicians, and a singer that fits the music perfectly. If you're not already familiar with this band, it's about time! Magnitude 9 may just as well be the best hidden treasure around, as they don't seem to be a very well known band. But if there is any justice in this world, they will soon climb the ladder, and become one of the leading bands in their genre. "Flight Of Icarus" is a good Iron Maiden cover.

Killer tracks: No Turning Back, Far Beyond Illusion, Afterlife, Quiet Desperation, Mind Over Fear

DECODING THE SOUL (2004) INSIDE OUT MUSIC/SPV

  1. New Dimension
  2. Lies Within The Truth
  3. Facing The Unknown
  4. To Find A Reason
  5. Walk Through The Fire
  6. Dead In Their Tracks
  7. Changes
  8. Torn
  9. Thirty Days Of Night
  10. Sands Of Time

Line-up:

Corey Brown - Vocals

John Homan - Drums

Rob Johnson - Guitars

Ian Ringler - Bass

Joseph Anastacio Glean - Keyboards

A slight name change, going from Magnitude 9 to Magnitude Nine, a new bass player, but the same great music. 'Decoding The Soul' delivers as I thought it would. This band can do no wrong in my eyes, and this is their best effort, so far. Simply put: All of the tracks on this album are good, and I am not able to pick favorites. Imagine a mix between Balance Of Power and early Dream Theater to get an idea of what this band sound like. They play their progressive metal without compromising the good melodies. Finally the band have seen a little boost in the career, as it seems more and more people have discovered them. I guess signing with SPV was the perfect thing for this band. It's about time! I got this album a bit late into 2004. Otherwise I think it would have ended up on my top 20 list for that year.

Killer tracks: They are all great.

Rob Johnson guest appearances:

Jacobs Dream - Jacobs Dream

 

Related artists:

Redemption