DECODING THE SOUL

Magnitude 9 is one of those small progressive metal bands that have yet to recognized. They have gone quite un-noticed for quite a long time. This album should get them recognized. Well, it damn well better get them recognized.

Since 1997, the band has created now three full-length albums, and each one has been better than the last, so it seems. The best band to compare Magnitude 9 to would easily be Queensryche. But what's that? Aren't Queensryche recognized as classic prog-metal? Yes. And somehow Magnitude 9 manages to take a step back and bring us all back into that time. Classic metal today. It is hard to find bands that can pull this off, and Magnitude 9 manages to hit that mark. The music that the band makes is strong, and stands out. These songs are something that you can actually remember to. They have memorable choruses, and even more memorable guitar solos.

The album itself is just a piece of art. Not just the album cover, but the flawlessness of the album. It has practically reached perfection. Every song is stronger than the first, and it just craves you to want to listen to more.

The ten-track album is just over 45 minutes, which I think is very damn good. Especially for this album. It is pure excellence. The one song that I thought stood out from the rest was "To Find A Reason". Chops with the guitar, lead, and harmonious synth always make me shudder- but that good kind of shudder - but really, all of the songs are pure genius. The more and more I listen to the album; I just demand more of the music. Perhaps we can get it with a possible fourth album?

Decoding the Soul is an excellent addition to anyone's progressive metal collection, these guys I think are ready to make it onto the big time. I for one, am dying to see them if they make a Canadian run in their next tour.