NINE ORDERS – Ex Imperium (2026) HQ *0dayrox Exclusive*

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Finding classic-sounding progressive metal music these days is almost impossible, and the task is even more difficult if we are looking for something made with passion, well thought out, and in pursuit of perfection. We can find a little of that in NINE ORDERS, a new project from Sweden that brings us a progressive metal sound of that vintage quality on their debut album titled “Ex Imperium,” a true catalog of interesting melodies and riffs deserving your attention.
Calling them a new band is a bit of a stretch. NINE ORDERS has actually been around for a few years, but it is only in 2026 they are releasing their first official album, uncompromisingly self-released. “Ex Imperium” is full of riffs and groovy rhythms, and harmonies that encompass the melancholic and the dramatic. Their sound is as forceful as it is delicate.
With melodies carried by wide-ranging clean vocals, they bring a 90s progressive sound into new territory rather than blending with extreme metal, as many progressive metal bands do today. Often adding a hint of darker moods, there are some similarities to pioneers like Fates Warning and even their Swedish compatriots Opeth, who perhaps most famously carry the banner for dark and technical progressive music today.
However, NINE ORDERS is different. Most of the songs are midpaced, don’t expect speed gallops – “Ex-Imperium” is that kind of progressive metal with muscle but focused in melodies.

What characterizes Nine Orders is that each song carries its own distinct mood and tone, setting it apart from the others and turning the listening experience into an exploration that continually captures the listener’s attention. The lyrics further deepen this experience, drawing the listener into stories of the allure and sorrow of destructive behavior, the struggle to break vicious cycles, and ultimately the release that comes from shedding the confines of one’s own skin and seeking meaning beyond the material.

Although a new act, the personnel consist of seasoned musicians. Conservatory-educated drummer John Bergstrand is known for playing with several bands and artists (A Secret River, Nejra), and so is bass player Magnus Sjöquist (Jojje Wadenius, Meadows), who re-cently gained further notoriety by earning first place in a .Strandberg* bass competition.
Writing for Nine Orders, however, is done by Joel Rasmussen, a university researcher for whom the guitar and music production are a midlife rediscovery. Johannes Häger (Streetlight, Bullock Hearts) joined Nine Orders as vocalist, while also handling mixing and mastering at Loud Noise Studios.

From their first track, “St. Thomas’ Gate,” Nine Orders takes us on an introspective journey, at a moderate pace and with intricate riffs. There is a clear influence of classical and orchestral music in its construction. The variety of sounds and styles is a constant in “Ex-Imperium,” and if not, keep an eye out for “Vortex Of Victory,” one of the best moments on the album.

“Man-Made Order” is another interesting track. Built on an almost hypnotic, groovy, and constant riff, to which we can add a kind of drum solo at the end that reflects some of the complexity of the compositions that Nine Orders proposes on this album. The melancholic, melodic, and special for a cold and gray rainy day can be found in “Ghost Of Me,” a kind of intriguing ballad.
“The Vast Forgotten” is an extensive display of riffs and guitar solos that embellish a piece that leans towards the classic sound of progressive and introspective metal. We can hear something similar in “1060 Days,” but in a much calmer whole and with an impressive guitar solo in between.
Finally, we have “A Creature,” one of the singles Nine Orders released as a preview of this album, which somehow sums up everything the band stands for and is clearly one of their calling cards.

Nine Orders revives the classic sound of progressive metal, using melody and strong, constant riffs as the basis for constructing well-thought-out, introspective songs. Nine Orders’ greatest virtue lies not only in their versatility but also in their virtuosity, both in terms of composition and performance. There is a lot of music here, and it’s good music. To that we must add a truly overwhelming sound production.
Incidentally, we can tell you that Nine Orders will make their live debut at the Light The Dark festival, to be held in Norrköping, Sweden, on March 20 and 21, 2026, almost coinciding with the release of “Ex Imperium”.
Highly Recommended

01 – St. Thomas’ Gate
02 – Vortex of Victory
03 – Man-made Order
04 – Ghost of Me
05 – The Vast Forgotten
06 – 1060 Days
07 – A Creature

Johannes Häger – vocals
John Bergstrand – drums
Magnus Sjöquist – bass
Joel Rasmussen – guitars

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