SiXforNinE – Parallel Universe

Alternative Metal rockers SiXorNinE’s sophomore album’s press release says it’s an  amazing production; the mix and energy of its nine Active Rock anthems propel the Athens, Greece band to the top of the international Modern Rock scene.

Leading off, “Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining” is an ethereal and multi-layered Progressive Metal anthem featuring clean, strong and melodic vocals holding their own among timing and chord progressions similar to Tool.  It also appears that Parallel Universe lives up to its claim of an outstanding production and mix.   Indeed, the production and mix are professional and consistently good throughout the album.

“Life‐Devouring Demons” and “Bullet Off Its Course” also are highlights.  The former takes a multi-dimensional approach delivering lyrics into the churn of repetitive riffs, bridging off-road to unpredictable destinations and inserting U2’s lilting guitar melodies.  It lacks the foundation of an easily recognizable and hook-laden chorus but it’s a fun ride. It just doesn’t have landmarks to tell where you are. The latter is traditionally structured with repeated lyrics and signature riffs in the style of Hellyeah or Wage War rather than Dream Theater or Threshold.

Unfortunately, this opening barrage of complex and well-written songs sets the bar too high for the remainder of the album.  While the song durations remain at five minutes or longer, there aren’t enough quality ideas to sustain momentum. There are exceptions, however. “More Than Words Can Say” returns to the chugging riffs of “Bullet Off Its Course”.  Intermittent bursts of vocal rage provide extra texture and an unusually energetic ending set this song apart. “Counting Stars (A Parallel Universe)” is the album outlier with an unhurried and repetitive structure recalling Hawkwind or The Sisters Of Mercy.  There are trippy riffs coupled with mantra style lyrics and repeated crescendos leading to nowhere.

SiXforNinE’s Parallel Universe delivers a pleasurable production and mix, and several outstanding songs. While not all the songs propel the band to the top of the international Modern Rock scene, they firmly establish themselves as a band to follow.

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TRACKLIST (Highlights: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6)

1. Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining
2. Life‐Devouring Demons
3. Bullet Off Its Course
4. Never Ending Road
5. More Than Words Can Say
6. Counting Stars (A Parallel Universe)
7. Out of the Blue
8. Sea of Lies
9. Meditation : HyperJam

LINEUP

Herc Booze (bass)
Fotis Benardo (vocals)
George Kapa (guitars)
Pete Outfox (drums)