Maryland-based crossover thrashers Ninth Realm might be newcomers to the scene but with a debut album like “A Fate Unbroken” they are about to change the landscape!
Formed in 2018 & after releasing 2 EPs and a recent 2022 demo “Ondreis MMXXII” the band have set out their first full-length with “A Fate Unbroken”.
When it comes to Ninth Realm it’s really hard to put a final point on the band’s genre.
Yes, you could drape them with the crossover term but the band & this album is so much more. It’s a massive hybrid, that blurs early thrash like Slayer & Demolition Hammer with the hardcore roots of say Cro Mags with the grim sounds of Celtic Frost & Venom.
So to say Ninth Realm is just a thrash crossover band it’s a massive understatement & this album shows you why.
“Gates of Tythorin” opens up the album. A nice subtle but elegant instrumental that builds slowly, invoking mental images of a sword & sorcery before the album really kicks in with “Plea to the Heavens”.
A gigantic lead riff opens the track as guitarists Liam McMahon (Lead Guitar) & Charles House (Rhythm Guitar) form a duel welding intro riff together in perfect harmony. The track then switches up gears into a bouncy but heavy rest of the track.
Just from the first track vocalist Ben Hageage shows his very dynamic range. From deep growling vocals into the higher range with Tom Araya or John Tardy-style screams.
All building up to this hard hitting thrashing climax this track is a perfect start.
Next “Witches Choir” falls into the more blackened territory.
Eerie meets punishing with this one. Ben stays in the higher range on this one which gives it that more piercing punch as well as the cutting lead work on this track. Just under three minutes but it’s a great change up before we go into the riffy “Ondreis”.
Now if you was to ask me what would be my soundtrack as i rode into battle to fight off evil hordes then “Ondreis” would be it. The band has a right “hit” with this one.
A beautiful balance of catchy but still ferocious. Dipping their toes every so often into the classic metal genre this track is fantastic.
It’s also a huge showcase for drummer Joey Burke. It might be his most stripped back performance but for me it shows what a great drummer with a ton of feel can do for such a track like this.
Now when it gets to “Armageddon’s Howl” this is the band’s most expansive & diverse track. The longest on the album at just over five minutes the track starts out simple & straightforward before becoming frantic & chaotic.
This change of pace makes the track one of the most memorable albums. This is a sure one for the circle pitters. The chorus riff is also one of the most catchy on the album.
Touching on moments of the crossover hardcore bands of the 00s like Iron Age & War Hungry this track is solid as hell & a great midpoint banger.
The album closer & title track “A Fate Unbroken” still keeps the full energy of the album until the very end. Opening again with some tasteful & soaring lead work this track is just a great track that showcases the band’s ability to write solid, memorable & heavy music. Even adding some female vocal melodies to the chorus sections elevate the track & give the album the last few drops of total epicness.
“A Fate Unbroken” isn’t just a great album. It’s a fantastic debut from a new band who have been able to merge multiple genres to create a familiar but organic personal sound.
It’s by far the crossover album of 2022 & I can’t wait to see where the band go from here!
Joseph Mitchell
A Fate Unbroken is out via Mercenary Press on 4th November 2022
Pre-order: https://
Tracklist:
| 1 Gates of Tythorin | 1:44 | |
| 2 Plea to the Heavens | 4:30 | |
| 3 Witches Choir | 2:51 | |
| 4 Ondreis | 4:12 | |
| 5 Evoke Thy Wrath | 3:21 | |
| 6 Armageddon’s Howl | 5:17 | |
| 7 The Burning Wanderer | 3:38 | |
| 8 Eternal Lance | 3:17 | |
| 9 A Fate Unbroken | 4:38 |
Joey Burke – Drums
Ben Hageage – Vocals
Jared Henry – Bass
Liam McMahon – Lead Guitar
Charles House – Rhythm Guitar