Gemini Syndrome – 3rd Degree – The Raising
Release Date: 15th October 2021
Label: Century Media Records
Pre-Order/Pre-Save
Genre: Hard Rock, Alternative Metal, Progressive.
FFO: Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Deftones.
Review By: Tyler Sharkey
Los Angeles based hard rock outfit, Gemini Syndrome, first hit the scene back in 2013 with their debut album, Lux. Unknown to most at the time, this wasn’t just a debut record, but the beginning of a three part journey designed to heighten the listeners consciousness and help change their perception of reality itself. It’s been seven years since the band set off on their mind-bending voyage and they’re now ready to bring it home with the final installment titled, 3rd Degree – The Raising.
The Raising, gives us 13 tracks of heavy hard rock jams infused with modern metal elements, creating a fairly unique sound while still feeling rather familiar. I’m not sure who influences this band, but I can hear a plethora of rock artists throughout the track list. From Three Days Grace and Disturbed to Breaking Benjamin and Deftones, Gemini Syndrome seem to have taken the best of the giants of radio rock and smashed them together with a more progressive metal approach. This is especially prevalent in songs like single, IDK and track six, Abandoned, both showcasing string-bending, djent style guitar riffs, screaming vocals, and raging breakdowns. Metalheads rejoice! It’s not all head banging and mosh pits here though. Beautifully atmospheric soundscapes surround each song in awe and wonder. Vocalist, Aaron Nordstrom, gives a dynamic singing performance with serene verse sections and uplifting choruses. Tracks such as, Absolution offer some especially inspiring lyrics that could give the most desperate person a glimmer of hope.
To be honest, I’m surprised that I enjoyed this album at all. I’ve never cared much for the whole “radio rock” vibe apart from a few choice bands but I like the direction Gemini Syndrome are taking it. They’re doing the genre a lot more justice than most of the big name bands out there today. Instead of being a cookie cutter like so many, they’ve developed their own, heavier, more thought provoking recipe and for that I have nothing but respect.
(3 / 5)
