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Review: Magnitude 9 - Reality in Focus
Magnitude 9
www.myspace.com/magnitude9
Reality in Focus

Label: Inside Out Music
Year released: 2001
Tracks: 10
Genre: Progressive Metal

Rating:
4.5/5


Review online: October 22, 2002
Reviewed by: Steel Warrior
Readers' Rating
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Rated 3.67/5 (73.33%) (6 Votes)
Review

Second album by this prog power metallers from Ohio, USA. With this return, being their debut "Chaos to Control" (Inside Out Music, 1998), Magnitude 9 found themselves with a very strong follow-up. Their debut was highly praised by the media with the obvious Dream Theater references. And they deserved it, because Magnitude 9 sounded a lot like them on that era. But the band really progresses with "Reality in Focus". A very tight album, with still some remembrances of DT, but this offering is much more varied and had an approach towards the power metal edge to bands like Angel Dust for example.

The choruses are very melodic and catchier than ever, they will stick in your head for a long time. Rob Johnson's guitar treatments continue to impress and with such a solid production, for sure his talents can be highlighted. Of course, Corey is singing better than ever, a high pitched vocalist that fits their style perfectly. From the opening riffs of the first track "No Turning Back" you will notice the more melodic approach they got this time. The keyboard is not abused in the whole CD, with few exceptions like track 4 "Afterlife" a true prog metal tune clocking at 9:11.

If you're still not convinced of the power metal approach they have now, just look at track 7, "Flight of Icarus". Does this tittle sounds familiar to you? Yep, it is a totally awesome cover of Iron maiden's classic, a track where Corey couldn't sing better than this. The solo is excellent with some changes from the original IM. Track #8 "Temples of Gold" is just pure power metal, fast and tight with a German feel. So, people, you are in front of a very tight album that has been abused in my CD player ever since I got it. Do yourself a favor: get this CD. You will regret the day your friend plays it to you.

More about Magnitude 9...
Review: Decoding The Soul (reviewed by Bruce Dragonchaser)
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