Order of Nine - A Means To Know End

December 12, 2008

Reviewer: M.J.

In 1975 AC/DC proclaimed: "It’s a Long Way to the Top, if you Wanna Rock ‘n Roll!!". Michael DeGrena knows this only too well. He and Michael Chiccitt slogged it out for years on the club circuit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, first in the power thrash band Invid formed in ‘89 and later in the band, Templar, they formed with a third Michael (Sirera) and Bob Bartz in ‘97. Templar was able to scrape together enough money to put out a solid full length debut, A Touch Of Winters Discontent before changing their name in the Spring of 2001 to Order of Nine.

As things began to take off for Order of Nine with the release of two solid albums, Of Once And Future Kings (2002) and Season of Reign (2003), they were met with more challenges. Due to reasons unknown to this writer, band members were replaced and sadly, Michael Chiccitt passed away suddenly on March 18, 2008 at the tender age of 36. Michael DeGrena was left as the only original member of Order of Nine by the time they released A Means to Know End in April, 2008.

A Means to Know End probably comes as a bittersweet moment for Michael DeGrena as it is a chance to start a new chapter while still honoring the history he shared with Michael Chiccitt. It is also a triumph of sorts as this is their best release so far with the band showing a new found hunger and clearer focus.

The album starts off with one of the best, if not best, tracks in “Single Shot”. The band comes charging out of the gate in power thrash fury, as Michael spits menacingly, "You can not see me, about which I don't care!" We may not see him and he may not care, but we can hear him more clearly this time around courtesy of Bill Korecky's improved production and mixing talents. Past releases had a muddiness in the sound and mixing but thankfully that has been resolved on AMtKE. Lance King does a stellar mastering job, as would be expected.

Along with better production values there is a higher caliber of musicianship. Guitarists Scott Haggerty and Steve Pollick are quite impressive and it will be interesting to see what they can do on the next Order of Nine release. The dual guitar attack has added another dimension to Order of Nine's sound that recalls Iron Maiden "epicness" on "A Means to Know End" with DeGrena's muscular Geoff Tate style vocals belting over Iced Earth inspired power thrash metal. "Devotee" has a spoken word intro with flamenco flourishes that transitions into a mid paced ballad highlighted by memorable guitar and vocal performances. DeGrena eerily recalls Mark Shelton in a few places here. "In the Know", "An Offered Hand" and "Gods of War" flaunt some explosive guitar runs and fiery solos punctuated by DeGrena aggressive and husky vocals. The keyboards provided by Scott Haggerty  set and complement the mood for each song. While the ballad "Ghost of Memories Past" is a great song and is executed well, it reminds me a bit too much of mid era Queensrcyhe. It would've have fit nicely on Operation: Mindcrime or Empire.

As far as the rhythm section goes, Greg (no last name?) on bass and J.R. Jameson on drums are more than capable and lay a solid foundation for some truly memorable songs. The band has always had an 80s power metal sound similar to early Savatage and Omen but have been savvy enough this time to incorporate a few modern touches to keep it sounding fresh. Order of Nine could be considered the American counterpart to say Europe's Brainstorm but yet not quite yet on par with them - but soon, I am sure of it as A Means to Know End has brought them one step closer.

Release Date: April 1st, 2008
Label: Nightmare Records

TRACK LISTING

1. Single Shot
2. A Means to Know End
3. Devotee
4. In The Know
5. An Offered Hand
6. Ghost Of Memories
7. Gods At War
8. Ninth Knight
9. Show No Remorse
10. Last Dance

Total playing time: 42:42

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