MAGNITUDE
9
By
Matt Williams
This month it
gives me great pleasure to bring you an exclusive interview with
American progressive metal band, Magnitude 9. With only 2 albums
to their name -- Chaos to Control (1998) and the latest, Reality
in Focus (2000) -- Magnitude 9 (the brainchild of top guitar
shredder, Rob Johnson) have already established a global
reputation for themselves. With the recent European release of
Reality in Focus, the band have finally proved themselves worthy
competition for the progressive rock crown, presently worn by the
likes of Dream Theater, Fates Warning and Symphony X.
Chaos to Control was, by anyone's standards, a fine progressive
metal album, proving that Magnitude 9 could forge their own sound
as well as pay homage to their influences. However, it wasn't
until the release of Reality in Focus that the band truly found
their musical feet. Just check out those face-melting solos from
Rob Johnson and keyboardist, Joseph Anastacio Glean, the
fantastic arrangements, polished sound, the catchy tunes... I
could go on. With Reality in Focus Magnitude 9 have finally
entered the big-league.
First off, I asked Rob why there was a delay in getting the new
album released in Europe. 'We took our time on this CD,' he says.
'We didn't want to rush, we just had fun writing and demoing. On
this basis, I suppose it might take us 2 years again to get our
next CD out. But to be honest, we'd rather relax and take our
time.
'At the moment, we're very popular in Germany, Holland, France,
Greece. And we hope to get fans all over Europe -- from the UK
and beyond.'
Reality in Focus seems to be a whole different ball game to the
debut. The compositions sound a lot more mature in terms of
structure and overall cohesion and the production is considerably
more polished, with a full-bodied, epic sound. Was this a
deliberate move on the band's part? And who wrote the majority of
the songs on the album?
'I'm glad you noticed our growth,' comments Rob. 'I agree with
you. We've grown as a band and as songwriters. I hope we can
continue to grow and improve with each new CD. I think we had
more direction with Reality in Focus. We're pleased with our
debut, Chaos to Control, but as you said, I think we've done a
far better job with the new one. We also had a little more money
this time, which helped to get a better production, mix, and so
on.
'As to the music itself, it was all written by me. The other guys
would then add their own touches, ideas, whatever. Corey Brown,
our singer, writes all the melodies and words. We let him take
control of that, while we focus on the music.'
Several critics have noted that the music on Reality in Focus is
much more song-focused than that of the debut (which arguably
concentrates on the individual soloists). I wondered how Rob felt
about this observation. For example, was there an overall concept
(a la Dream Theater's Scenes From a Memory) intended for the
songs overall? Or are they unrelated?
'With the new album we wanted to make sure that the songs were
more catchy and melodic ... not just vehicles to showcase guitar
and keyboard solos. I'd say the songs are more structured, which
is reflected in the amount of time (months in some cases) they
took to complete. Others were written in one day. As a band, I
think it's extremely important to have good songs. But of course,
we still like to shred at times!'
I was especially impressed by the fact that although songs such
as 'Far Beyond Illusion', 'Afterlife' and 'Temples of Gold' are
quite complex beasts, the central melody and hook-laden choruses
are still relatively straightforward. Also, the music never
becomes so complex that it fails to return to its central theme
and idea. One band that does this particularly well is Dream
Theater. So, what was the band's approach was to writing the
songs on Reality in Focus? Did they find it an arduous or
enjoyable process? Or a mixture of the two?
'First and foremost, we wanted to try and keep the listeners'
attention. We want to reach many listeners, not just musicians,
guitarists, etc. Our approach was to keep it as catchy and as
song oriented as possible. Dream Theater are awesome, though I
prefer Images & Words. I think that album had better,
catchier songs than Scenes.... I wish we were as good as that
band! They're great!'
I detected the influence of several famous progressive metal
bands in the Magnitude 9 sound, namely early Dream Theater, Fates
Warning (especially in 'Far Beyond Illusion' and 'Quiet
Desperation'), Symphony X, Rising Force -- even a little Iron
Maiden.
Rob is quick to agree. 'You're right. We love all of those great
bands. They've certainly influenced us at times. Other bands that
I think have had an effect on our sound include: TNT, Racer X,
Cacophony, Dokken and Queensryche. In fact, any band, with good
players and good songs have influenced us in some way or
another.'
Iron Maiden fans will get a pleasant surprise when they play
Reality in Focus. Amongst all the progressive, neo-classical
madness contained in its shiny grooves, Magnitude 9 also make
room for a Maiden favourite, 'Flight of Icarus'.
'We covered "Flight of Icarus" just for the hell of
it,' says Rob. 'It's a good metal song which I think turned out
well, so we put it on the CD. I like it, it's a fun song.'
Both Johnson and keyboardist, Joseph Anastacio Glean work really
well together in a band context, similar to the way that Yngwie
Malmsteen and Jens Johanssen/Michael Romeo and Michael Pinella
gel(led) in Rising Force and Symphony X respectively. How did
Glean come to join the band?
'Joe is a monster on keyboards. I met him through an introduction
by guitarist, David T. Chastain. In 1997, when I formed Magnitude
9, I asked Chastain if he knew of any great keyboardists who
might be interested in forming a band. He knew of Joe and passed
on his phone number. I called him and we hit it off well. One
week later, I drove to his house with some demos, and we began
writing. I really enjoy doing trade off solos with him when we
play live. It's inspiring because he's so damn good.'
Reality in Focus contains some of the guitarist's best ever
playing -- both solo and rhythm-wise. I asked him whether he
would be taking a rhythm guitarist on tour or playing all the
parts himself.
'I'm glad you noticed my rhythm playing on the CD. I'm just as
happy with my solos. I think I'm maturing as a player. I know
what I'm best at, so I stick with it. If we do ever tour, I will
probably be the only guitarist, unless we have enough of a budget
that I can pay for a second guy to come along.'
It's a Matt's Music tradition to ask interviewees about their
favourite players. So, Rob, which guitarists influence you today?
And which are are the most inspirational in terms of style and
technique?
'I mostly listen to the same guys I always have', he states.
'Yngwie, Vai, Gilbert, Becker, MacAlpine, Ronni Le Tekro, John
Norum, and so on. Those guys inspired me, and still do. I don't
listen to much new music. Mainly 80s stuff.'
What if he was to be given the choice of one player he could jam
with -- right now!?
'I'd love to jam with Yngwie,' he says without hesitation. 'Just
to see what it would be like. Yngwie is still one of the best of
all time. I never get sick of his music. He's great!'
A quick look at Rob's website reveals that his instrumental
albums (Rob Johnson {1994}, Peripheral {1996} and
Guitaritecture {1997}) are all due for imminent re-release,
complete with bonus tracks and new artwork. So, what's the deal
there?
'A Spanish label will re-release all of my solo CDs,' says Rob.
'There will be new artwork and bonus tracks. The bonus tracks are
old songs with a few new ideas added, as well as some Japanese
bonus tracks. Fans can order the CDs now, or buy them in stores
in Europe, or online from sites like Guitar 9.'
What about the band's future plans, especially with regards to
touring and, of course, the next Magnitude 9 album?
'Well, for now, I'm kind of staying away from doing instrumental
CDs, simply because I'm having so much fun being with a group.
However, I intend to start writing material for the third
Magnitude 9 album soon. It should be released within 1-2 years:
that's the hope anyway. As far as touring goes, we're not sure.
It's so expensive, so we might have to wait, at least until our
popularity grows and more people know our name.'
Which, given the extremely high standard of Reality in Focus
should be very soon indeed.
ADDITIONAL : - Rob Johnson has contributed to the fourthcoming
Jason Becker Tribute CD "Warmth In The Wilderness" due
for release on July 22nd via Lion Music
www.lionmusic.com/jasonbecker