Ninth album, literal title, masterful result: Nine is the best-received record of the season, sitting at 83/100 with critics without a single real reservation. Distorted Sound throws a 9/10 and calls it the Chicago trio’s « most hypnotic » record; Kerrang! (4/5) finds it, conversely, « one of their most immediate ». Both are right — that’s the genius of it.
The consensus is total on dynamic range: from the sonic annihilation of « Seventh Seal » to the delicacy of « Arletta », via the electronic textures of « Eluvial » — a first, integrated with disarming ease. Instrumental post-metal that needs no voice to tell a story.
Disagreements? Practically none. When the world’s metal press agrees this hard, two options: a masterpiece, or a band that’s become unimpeachable. Probably both.