Review by Adam on October 7, 2004.

Magnitude Nine's music recalls the glory days of 80's melodic metal scene without the glitz and the fakeness. Instead, Decoding the Soul brings out the redeeming qualities that made this style so infectious before quickly becoming over saturated.

This music is not easily categorized within today's metal scene partially because so much of what is out there is either considered power, traditional, or progressive. What Magnitude Nine offer the listener is a combination of all three without coming off as cheesy or a common slice of Iron Maiden worship. Decoding the Soul is a catchy album that any melodic metal/rock fan should appreciate.

Instrumentally, the skills are there but are not flaunted to the extent of many of their contemporaries. For me, the vocals steal the show. Restrained when they need to be and straying from fairy falsetto, vocalist Corey Brown's performance is inspiring and extremely catchy. Just try to not sing along with the chorus of the album's opening track 'New Dimension.' Go ahead... I dare you!

If you are in the mood for something light and melodic, then I highly recommend Magnitude Nine's Decoding the Soul. It isn't too harsh and it isn't too pansy; it's just right.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 7
Originality: 6
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.2 out of 10