In Tolkien’s world, Angband is the northern stronghold of Morgoth: an underground engine of stone, fire, and malignant discipline. No romance—only hard-forged craft, smoke, and pure dominance. It is precisely that atmosphere in which One of Nine resonates. The name inevitably refers to the nine kings who fell to the Rings of Power, consumed by darkness until nothing but wraiths remained.
That same transformation—from human to instrument—can be heard in the music. One of Nine sounds as if it drags the very essence of the Nazgûl through the forges of Angband: cold, uncomfortably human, yet infused with an underground force that refuses to fade. No wink, no pastiche—just a black, echoing foundation.
The debut by One of Nine was released two years ago on our very own Dutch label Wolves of Hades, but in the meantime the American Tolkien fanatics have moved to Profound Lore Records in their homeland.
Where their debut album still often reached into the darkness, this new record is far more open and even “cheerful” by comparison. Especially when it comes to the symphonic elements, they’ve dialed things up considerably: the tracks are eagerly supported by blaring horns and classical passages. This gives the album a much more bombastic character than the debut, and with its razor-tight production, the songs benefit immensely.
We also see guest vocalists in the form of M. from Lamp of Murmuur and Marliese from Hulder making appearances on this record. And to top it all off, renowned Tolkien illustrator Ted Nasmith provided the release with a truly stunning cover.
All in all, it’s a great album—one that will make any Tolkien fan’s heart beat a little faster, but also a strong recommendation for listeners unfamiliar with or indifferent to the lore.
90/100