ORDER OF ENNEAD

Supergroups often disappoint. A veritable feast of egos all battling for the limelight at the expense of nuance and flair. Thankfully, 'Order of Ennead' eschews this tradition (not being a 'supergroup' in the traditional sense helps of course) and have blindsided me with what is quite possibly the best melodic blackened death thrash metal album this decade. Seriously, the sense of melody here is jaw-dropping. The solos are very reminiscent of Marty Friedman's work in Megadeth circa 1990 (before they aped Metallica and became something of a turd). Of course, the band will be most famous for featuring Steve Asheim of Deicide. This is a shame, because the work of each member is especially note-worthy. Kevin Quirion's vocals aren't especially diverse, but they are menacing enough for the harsher elements of this album to work, and for the melodic sections to breathe as instrumental passages. John Li should be applauded for being exceptionally inventive with his guitar. If there has to be a weak link it is, ironically, Steve Asheim's sometimes one-dimensional drumming. Technically brilliant, he sometimes lacks the subtlety required for the quieter moments displayed by the group; often drawing upon standard 4/4 beats for those, when some off-kilter jazziness would have lifted the music to another dimension. Having said that, his drumming on 'Interlude with Reason' is a step in the right direction. Still, it is a minor point, and one that shouldn't be dwelled upon too heavily. My only major gripe is once again with the record company's insistence on providing review CDs with 'bleeps'. I understand why it's done, but I found my ability to review this properly interrupted by a couple of bleeps in each song. It's difficult to immerse yourself in the ambience of the music when these distractions materialise. However, this is not the fault of the band, and as such isn't reflected in the final score. I implore any fan of intelligent melodic metal to give this disc a chance. I will be buying an uncensored copy after all.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Earache

Album

ORDER OF ENNEAD

Review by Steve Cowan

RUNNING TIME:

40:22

RELEASE DATE:

13th October 2008

TRACK LISTING

1) Seeking The Prophets
2) Reflection, An Endless Endeavor
3) As Long As I Have Myself I Am Not Alone
4) The Culling
5) Introspection And The Loss Of Denial
6) Conferring With Demons
7) As If A Rose I Wither
8) An Interlude With Reason
9) A Cry To The Perilous Sun
10) Prelude To Ruin
11) Dismantling An Empire

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

USA

"...quite possibly the best melodic blackened death thrash metal album this decade."