ORDER OF ENNEAD „“Order of Ennead””

Music: Melodic Death/Black Metal
Country: USA
Web site: http://www.myspace.com/orderofennead


Cool Songs: An Interlude with Reason, Reflection, An Endless Endeavor, Introspection and the Loss of Denial

In 1997, famed drummer and founder of DEICIDE, Steve Asheim formed a group with fellow death metal cronies from the Tampa, Florida area called COUNCIL OF THE FALLEN. This group played a brand of melodic death much different from the brutal smashing machine that characterizes Asheim’s full time band. The group released a few albums throughout this decade, split up after their final release in 2006, and then three of the four members got back together as ORDER OF ENNEAD.

I haven’t heard any COUNCIL OF THE FALLEN, but they have been described as a melodic death band. Melodic death is in part a good description of ORDER OF ENNEAD’s debut, self-titled release, but this album features so much more. The group incorporates elements from the various branches of black and death metal. A mere sampling of the first couple songs is not enough to make a judgment of the band’s overall sound. Each track contains new and surprising elements, yet there is a common thread that binds each track to let the listener know he/she is listening to ORDER OF ENNEAD.

The opening track “Seeking the Prophets” begins with an old school death metal guitar riff that recalls “Leprosy”-era DEATH, but Asheim’s stop-and-start drum fills, which he has come to perfect in DEICIDE, definitely bring a sense of DEICIDE to the music. There is a DEICIDE influence that runs throughout the album, but it is very subtle. The melodic death thread shown in tracks such as “An Interlude with Reason,” bears little resemblance to anything done by DEICIDE (with the exception of the “Stench of Redemption.”) The twin guitar harmonies on this track should appeal to fans of KING DIAMOND’s instrumentals.

One aspect of ORDER OF ENNEAD that is crystal clear is their high musical ability. The underrated Asheim keeps progressing as a drummer. Whether he is leading a complex transition or turning up the afterburners, Asheim proves he can hang with the best in today’s business. John Li and Kevin Quirion create a variety of catchy death metal and black metal riffs, and juxtapose these riffs with melodies and ripping leads. “Reflection, an Endless Endeavor,” envelops all of these characteristics. The pair strongly defines their string work with hybrid riffing that moves between classic metal, black metal, and MORBID ANGEL worship. Also, check out the bass and lead guitar work interplay on “Conferring with Demons”

Those expecting to hear another DEICIDE may come away a bit disappointed after listening to ORDER OF ENNEAD’s initial release; however, the disappointment will only come because these listeners have their mind set on a certain sound. Even though this is not DEICIDE part two, the vast amount of blasting drums and bulky riffs should suffices those who lust for brutal death metal.

note: 9/10

Tracklist

1.Seeking the Prophets
2. Reflection, An Endless Endeavor
3. As 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 Empre

Line-up

Steve Asheim-Drums
Kevin Quirion-Vocals and guitars
Scott Patrick -Bass
John Li-Lead Guitar