Nine Treasures' Evolution: From Traditional to Progressive Metal
Since their inception in 2010, Nine Treasures has been on a journey of musical evolution, blending traditional Mongolian folk music with heavy metal. Their latest album, 'Seeking the Absolute', marks a significant shift in their sound, showcasing a more progressive and alternative approach. This transformation is evident in their collaboration with Metal Blade Records, their first global release, and a departure from their previous independent releases.
The Birth of a New Sound
Nine Treasures, founded by Ashkan Avagchuud, initially gained recognition for their fusion of traditional Mongolian instruments with heavy metal. However, they faced competition from The Hu, who achieved global success with their unique take on Mongolian folk metal. This realization prompted Nine Treasures to reevaluate their sound, leading to a complete overhaul of their previous work.
'Seeking the Absolute' showcases a more progressive and alternative style, moving away from the full-throttle metal approach of their earlier releases. The album features a unique blend of folk instrumentation and heavy metal, with a focus on creating a cohesive and captivating sound. The band aims to capture the essence of what truly excites them, marking a fresh start in their musical journey.
Progressive Groove and Instrument Mastery
The album's tracks showcase a departure from traditional verse-chorus structures, favoring a more fluid and groovy approach. The band's musicianship shines through, particularly in the performances of drummer Namra and bassist Orgil, who create hypnotic beats and pulsating grooves that are both hypnotic and dynamic. Their expertise is evident in tracks like 'Real Dream' and 'Until Now', where the rhythm section takes center stage.
Saina's balalaika and Nars' morin khurr add a unique flavor to the album, with the balalaika providing a percussive element in 'Indecision' and the morin khurr contributing both drone notes and leads in 'Steel Falcon'. The repetition in the album's structure, combined with expert musicianship, creates a meditative atmosphere without falling into monotony.
Maintaining the Power of Heavy Metal
Despite the shift towards a more progressive style, Nine Treasures never forgets the power of heavy metal. Ashkan's vocals, both gritty and powerful, shine in tracks like 'Until Now' and 'Steel Falcon', while lighter moments in 'Indecision' and 'Just Like You' showcase his range and control. The album's opener, 'Until Now', features riffs reminiscent of TOOL and alt-era Metallica, demonstrating the band's ability to deliver big guitars and vocals when needed.
A Familiar Yet Distinctive Sound
While 'Seeking the Absolute' showcases Nine Treasures' evolution, it also has its shortcomings. The album still follows certain conventional patterns, such as quiet starts, loud verses, and quiet bridges. Despite the electrifying moments in tracks like 'Until Now' and the closing title track, there's a sense of familiarity that might leave some listeners wanting more. The lack of guitar solos could have added a unique twist to the album's sound.
A Blend of TOOL and Alternative Metal
The album's approach to alternative prog draws too much from TOOL, particularly in its delay-heavy bass lines played high on the fretboard. This influence might be too familiar for some listeners, as mentioned in the review. The album's overall composition and songwriting are strong, but the band may have played too closely to their influences, potentially limiting their unique identity.
Engaging and Rewarding Listening Experience
Despite the aforementioned drawbacks, 'Seeking the Absolute' is an engaging and re-listenable album. The mix of every instrument and voice sounds clear and well-balanced, enhancing the performances and songwriting. Tracks like 'Just Like You', 'Indecision', and 'Lonely Old Horse' showcase the band's versatility, blending folk and metal elements seamlessly. Ashkan's vocal range and control, coupled with the band's musical prowess, create a captivating listening experience.
A Successful Transformation
Nine Treasures' transformation from traditional to progressive metal is a success. The album exudes confidence in their new vision, creating a fun and approachable chunk of metal without compromising their artistic integrity. While there's room for growth and experimentation, 'Seeking the Absolute' is a testament to the band's ability to evolve and captivate listeners. It is a must-listen for fans of folk, progressive, and alternative metal.
Rating: Very Good
DR: 4 | Format Reviewed: 256 kbps mp3
Label: Metal Blade Records (https://www.metalblade.com/us/)
Websites: ninetreasures.bandcamp.com (https://ninetreasures.bandcamp.com/) | ninetreasures.net (https://ninetreasures.net/) | facebook.com/ninetreasuresofficial (https://www.facebook.com/ninetreasuresofficial/)
Releases Worldwide: October 24th, 2025
