DAWN OF DESTINY
IX

“IX” is the aptly named ninth album from superb German symphonic power metal band DAWN OF DESTINY and is the latest release in a glittering career stretching back almost twenty years. If listening to “IX” ignites your curiosity, then DAWN OF DESTINY also have an impressive back catalogue of previous albums for you to check out.

With so much pedigree to call upon I was expecting great things from “IX” and right from the start it certainly didn’t disappoint. Believe me when I tell you that anyone who is a fan of symphonic power metal is going to absolutely lap this album up, be coming back for second servings and then ordering dessert too.

Forming the backbone of “IX” and holding the whole thing together are some absolutely banging quick fire power metal staples like “For All The Pain”, “A Child’s Hand”, “Alive” and “I Live For Your Pain” that simply lift your soul, get those juices flowing and have you instantly singing along.

Then, for those of you who like things a bit more old-school, there are harder rocking songs such as “Abandoned”, “Keep Fighting”, “Better Hold Me Tight” and “Through This Nightmare”. These tunes have plenty of traditional metal fire and brimstone that will not only get those fists pumping, but also get you hunting high and low through your cupboards to find your dusty trusty old air guitar so that you can play along with the band.

The standout tracks for me on “IX” are the superb heavy riffing, atmospheric and gargantuan gothic opener “Mortem Vidi” which along with the beautiful tear-jerking and emotional ballad “Wings” make this album something truly special indeed. Add to that the stunning symphonic composition “Crown Of Creation” with its deep rich orchestral arrangement and outstanding female vocals, along with the equally beautiful and heartfelt sorrowful male vocals on curtain closer “You Won’t Be There”, and you realise that “IX” is a diamond encrusted gem of an album.

Warm the very cockles of your heart and blow away those cold winter blues with a great big glass of symphonic power metal glühwein from DAWN OF DESTINY. “IX” is a truly outstanding album that is certainly worthy of further investigation and shows that DAWN OF DESTINY are still very much at the top of their class with plenty more in the fuel tank to come! Highly recommended.

Mark Waight