Los Angeles-based melodic metallers, Ninth Circle, celebrate the 15th anniversary of their debut self-titled CD, Ninth Circle, in 2015. The debut CD, released originally in the spring of 2000, reached #1 on the MP3.com metal charts and went on to sell out.

 

 

“Has it been that long?”, asks bassist Frank Forray. “Putting that record out was a true labor of love and a testament to perseverance. That was such an interesting time for the band. We were just learning how to be a professional band in the studio. We were learning how to be a group of songwriters. And we were learning how to carve a path forward as a metal band at a time when metal was worst thing you could be in the music industry in the United States.”

Frank goes on to say, “We started recording, I believe, late summer or early fall of 1998. Things went south quickly with the original singer. We fired him before the end of the recording. We took the next 18 months off so Dennis Brown (guitar, lead vocals) could focus on learning how to sing as a front man. We re-entered the studio late 1999 early 2000 to finish off the record as an official three piece.”

 

 

“Although there were challenges with our singer who started the project, I remember how fun it was going to the studio each time” Dennis adds. “We had a great engineer and we really learned a lot about recording and the dynamics of the process. He was old school and the CD reflected that. No pro tools, just punch ins but only when absolutely needed.”
“We were excited to finish off the record, but I remember being a bit frustrated with the band at the time. We decided to not complete the last two songs because we wanted to get the record out. Unfortunately those two songs sat on a shelf for the next eight to nine years.”
“That record really introduced us to the world as recording artists. That record put us a cut above the other bands in Los Angeles at the time because it was selling out at shows and it reached number one on the MP3.com metal charts at a time when metal was a dirty little word in the music industry. There were no reliable outlets for metal. It was such a frustrating time. We truly persevered and kept metal alive in Los Angeles.”
“A true labor of love” Dennis adds “And to see it get on the charts and keep climbing was a real thrill. At that time we were happy to get a quality product out to sell at shows so seeing it on any sort of chart really was a bonus for us.”

Frank goes on to describe how that record resurfaced in 2009, “After we released our second record, The Power of One, in December 2008 Dennis and I discussed revisiting our debut CD and finishing off the last two songs that sat on the shelf. So we agreed the record needed to be rereleased and finish off the last two songs.”

“It was a real interesting experience to go back and hear what you had done eight or nine years earlier and to try to recapture the spirit of that time. Luckily our original producer, Bill Krodel, was available and he was excited to work with us again. After all, he recorded the drums for The Power of One album so we were excited to keep the party going with Bill. It was also fun to go back to analog recording. That meant keeping your chops up and “punching in” only when it really needed it”
“I was extremely happy with the results of rereleasing that record especially since it had gone out of print. Our fans around the world continually tell us how much they enjoy being able to have access to that debut album. I was also very pleased were able to finish off the last two songs; “Move” and “Mistreatment”. I always felt they were strong songs and deserved to see the light of day.”
“I’m glad we did that “ Dennis adds “Because we’ve seen a renewed interest in that recording ever since ‘Legions of the Brave’ came out. It’s a chance to hear where we came from and we have actually started re-learning a few of the tunes to play at shows this year”.

When asked if the band is planning something special to celebrate the anniversary of that CD Frank says, “Honestly, I hope we do. So many bands do things to celebrate key moments in their history. I saw Judas Priest in Phoenix, Arizona in 2010 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of British Steel. That was an amazing experience as a fan. It would very cool if we could arrange a few shows to play that album in its entity from beginning to end. I think our fans would really enjoy that experience and hearing some of the stories that went into the recording of the album…keep your fingers crossed.”

Fans can revisit those session by watching video of Ninth Circle laying down the original tracks of their debut CD:

Pure Rock Records recording artists, Ninth Circle, will return to the road for the first two shows of 2015. For the third year in a row the band will be performing at the annual House of Metal NAMM concert series in Santa Ana, Ca on January 23rd. Ninth Circle is also excited to announce they will be again sharing the stage with hard rock legends Y&T; on March 6th at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach, CA.

“We are very excited to fire the machine back up again after taking a rest for December”, explains Frank Forray. “We closed out 2014 quite strong with a great show at the world famous Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip. The goal is to keep the momentum up in 2015 and we are doing that by announcing two great shows. The NAMM show and the concerts that are associated with that event are second to none. All over Anaheim and Santa Ana, anybody who’s anybody in the world of rock n roll is playing on a stage. We are just extremely pleased to be part of this annual event."

Frank goes on the describe sharing the stage again with Y&T;: “We are ecstatic to be playing with Y&T; again. We kicked off the tour for last album, The Power Of One, opening up for Y&T; and that was an incredible way to kick off the tour. Dave and guys were so kind to us and learned so much by watching them put on such a great show. We are excited to be kicking off 2015 with Y&T; and looking forward to announcing more shows!”
"We've met some great people over this last year", Dennis Brown adds. "So we're picking up where we left off. I'll be celebrating my birthday March 6th so what better way than sharing the stage with Y&T;?, I'm really looking forward to it"

Live dates:

January

23 - House of Metal, Malone’s - Santa Ana, CA (with Ruthless, Kantation)

 March

6 - Saint Rocke - Hermosa Beach, CA (with Y&T;)