My review of Ninth:
So after listening to Ninth for more than 30 times, and listening to some of my favorite songs from Ninth on repeat since the release date. I can say that Ninth is a really great album. At first I found the production kinda muddy(maybe because I've listened to Dogma so much and was kinda used to that type of production), now I don't find it muddy but I would have loved If Josh Wilbur would have mixed the entire album not just the MV version of Falling coz I loved the hell out of that mix. Anyways here's a short review for every song:
1. 99.999
A really nostalgic intro, I like how it mixes all intros of their albums.
2. Falling
Loved the song since I first heard it in their official website. I love every bit of it, The riffs, Ruki's voice, the guitar solo, the rythm of the song and the synth is really fitting. Definitely the best song on the album. Although I prefer the MV mix over the Album mix, I'm starting to enjoy the latter as well.
3. Ninth Odd Smells
Another favorite on the album. This song is meant to be played live. I listen to it when I wanna get pumped up before studying. I feel like every member shines on this one. Love the heavy parts and the big choruses.
4. Gush
This one is such a headbanger. It's a fun track and I find it really enjoyable.
5. The Mortal
This one is more experimental compared to the rest of the album and I think its a lot of people's favorite on the album. It's got a really dark atmosphere surrounding it . I love the basswork, drumming, the riffs, and the electronic elements. But the highlight for me on this song is that big chorus, Ruki does an amazing job in this one
6. Utsusemi (虚蜩)
One of the more emotional tracks in the album. You could tell it was composed by Aoi. It's another standout on the album and I feel like it's a song that deserves a music video. Nothing much to say I just love it from start to finish.
7. Sono koe wa moroku (その声は脆く)
Although I didn't enjoy it as much when I heard the Radio uploads on YouTube, it's grown on me a lot. The highlight of the song is the guitar solo.
8. Babylon's Taboo
An epic song. Love the industrial elements and It immediately reminded me of Devouring one another. One of my favorite songs on the Album.
9. Uragiru bero (裏切る舌 )
It sounds like a better version of Vermin. It's got amazing groovy riffs and Kai is a monster in this one. Such an amazing track.
10. Two of a Kind
This track sounds like Depravity and it kinda feels like a lynch. song in some parts. Love the changes between heavy and clean sections. The highlight of this song is the ending part, It's so incredible.
11. Abhor god
My least favorite song on the album. I was hoping for a fully metalcore song coz It begins with an awesome metalcore riff but unfortunately it develops into something else. I think this song has the weakest chorus on the whole album.
12. Unfinished
An awesome way to end the album. This song reminded me of Toxic mixed with a little bit of Nil and Stacked Rubbish. It's got an awesome melody and Uruha's guitar solo is so beautiful. Love how it just fades away at the end.
Ninth is definitely one of their most consistent album from their whole discography as there's no fillers on the album. However it lacks standout tracks like Deux, Dogma and Ominous. In the end, I think I still prefer Dogma a bit more, but Ninth has definitely become one of my favorite albums from them.