Order of Nine
“Seventh Year of the Broken Mirror”
Nightmare Records
Tracks: 11
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
Originally formed under the name Templar, the Pennsylvania based band Order of Nine are back with “Seventh Year of the Broken Mirror”. The album is the follow up to the bands 2008 release “A Means to Know End” and could be described as 2 parts Type O Negative and 2 parts Dream Theater. Each of the 11 songs contained on the album cover immense ground both musically and lyrically. From virtuous guitar shredding to booming base lines, and haunting vocals that reach down into the very core of one’s soul Order of Nine give their all. The albums opening/title track “Seventh Year of the Broken Mirror” sets the tone for the album and lets you know right off the bat just what you are in for. While tracks such as the thickly layered “Dreamspeak” feature elegant piano passages combined with classic guitar shredding. The song “Reign Down” which is featured towards the end of the album was another personal favorite as it had an early Queensryche vibe while still sounding fresh.
Though the band could easily be classified as a progressive metal band their songs don’t follow the often standard 12 minute plus time frame. With most of the albums tracks clocking in at just under 6 mins. Order of Nine does a great job of getting in and out. You won’t have to worry about lengthy solos or overdubbed intros wasting your listening time as “Seventh Year of the Broken Mirror” cuts right to the chase. If you are looking for something to bolster the prog-metal section of your music collection pick up a copy of Order of Nines latest album “Seventh Year of the Broke Mirror”.
Track Listing:
1.) Seventh Year of the Broken Mirror
2.) Words that were Said
3.) Dreamspeak
4.) Spiral Staircase
5.) Changing of the Guard
6.) Innocence
7.) Third Wish
8.) Eye of the Enemy
9.) Twelfth Talisman
10.) Reign Down
11.) Winter’s Call