Anything that has FFO Power Trip and Eternal Champion in the same sentence immediately has my attention. This nine-song debut from Maryland crossover thrashers Ninth Realm combines ferocity with sword & sorcery. It’s a blisteringly aggressive affair, full of crunching riffs, aggressive raging vocals and pounding rhythm section, all wrapped up in a combination that includes elements of both traditional and death metal on top of crossover and thrash.
It’s a heady combination for those who like some real meat on the bones, stirring references to Demolition Hammer and Slayer amongst others. And yet, the “Gates of Tythorin” provides a different feel as distant synths create an atmospheric intro to the album. It’s crushed within seconds with a huge rolling riff which introduces “Plea to the Heavens”. Ben Hageage’s rasping roar dominates, whilst Liam McMahon’s slicing lead rips through the rumbling carnage. The crossover groove is deep and true, demanding attention.
The pulverising level escalates on “Witches Choir”, complete with Slayer-esque breakdowns and Hageage’s gravel throated delivery. A slightly slower, crushing feel pushes through on this one but the throbbing bass lines of Jared Henry ensure no respite.
It’s a bulldozering rampage with no respect to stop signs. Ninth Realm simply batter their way forward, with the likes of Evoke Thy Wrath heavy enough to shatter concrete. Respite finally comes in the form of the haunting intro to “Armageddon’s Howl” which blasts forward with chunkier riffage that gives way to an explosive age of quite visceral play. You cannot resist banging the head to this beast. It’s utterly savage.
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But it’s not all blunt broadswords and slicing flesh as the band show their melodic side with “Burning Wanderer”, which brings some melody to the continued aural assault. There are certainly bits of more classic metal buried inside this track, although don’t pretend that there is anything other than festering brutality lurking. And it gets better with the blackened roll of “Eternal Lance” that is a pummelling groove monster.
I think it’s the combination of sounds that really makes Ninth Realm stand out for there is nothing hugely original in their music, yet you cannot help but loosen your grip and let go. There’s evidence of many different styles captured within this blistering 33 minutes, with the Lizzy and Maiden qualities of the title track “A Fate Unbroken” bringing this fine release to an end.
At times animalistic, at others quite controlled, Ninth Realm have brought a sound that is both old school and refreshingly new. I’m taken with it. Now you should give it a try too.
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A Fate Unknown is out on November 4th
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