DECODING THE SOUL

MAGNITUDE 9's third and final release (barring a comeback) is more slick and polished than the first two albums. I agree with another reviewer that there's a hint of Power-Metal on this one that wasn't on the other records. So this is fairly accessible and melodic yet for me it's a step back from the previous album "Reality In Focus" which is my favourite from them. This is one of thoses albums that is hard to criticise and at the same time difficult to praise.

"New Dimension" takes 30 seconds to kick in, vocals and heavy riffs follow. The contrast continues. A calm before 3 minutes followed by a guitar solo. "Lies Within The Truth" is melodic with lots of guitar. Excellent guitar solo 3 1/2 minutes in. Some nice crunch before 5 1/2 minutes. "Facing The Unknown" is a top three track for me. This has a FATES WARNING flavour to it as the guitar grinds away and the vocals are more passionate. "To Find A Reason" has an atmospheric intro like the opening track. It turns powerful fairly quickly though with heavy riffs. The guitar lights it up after 3 1/2 minutes. "Walk Through The Fire" is another top three tune for me. Lots of crunch in this one and a ripping guitar solo after 2 minutes. Nice. "Dead In Their Tracks" features some double bass drumming and an IRON MAIDEN flavour.

"Changes" opens with some very cool guitar before reserved vocals come in. It kicks in quickly as contrasts continue. I like the lyrics to this one a lot. Probably my fourth favourite. "Torn" is more laid back to start with before it kicks in, this contrast continues. I like the guitar in this one.It fades out to end it. "Thirty Days Of Night" has a killer intro, it settles when the vocals come in. Great rocking section before 2 1/2 minutes. "Sands Of Time" is my favourite song on here. Right from the first listen I liked this one. They slow it down but it's still very poweful at times. I like the mellow sections with soft vocals and the chorus. It's all good though.

3.5 stars. I just don't like it enough to offer up 4 stars, but if your into Prog-Metal it's worth a listen.