ROMANCING THE ETHER

Hemina's new release  "Romancing the Ether" is a prog fest of heavy melodic metal with huge dollops of lead guitar shredding and complex rhythmic signatures that keep the ear energized. The album captures the heavier sound of Hemina and is replete with ambient atmospheres and ethereal melancholy passages. The concept concludes the same storyline  that was developed on previous releases "Synthetic" 2011, "Nebulae" 2014,"Venus" 2016, and "Night Echoes" (2019), and now " Romancing the Ether" (2023) that specifically focusses on the protagonist child's inner feelings as they struggle with belonging and dissolution brought about by fractured relationships and broken dreams. The concept unpacks the life struggles of the child who has experienced major trauma, and explores spiritual themes with psychological overtones. The 35- minute title track is a multi-movement suite segregated into 6 parts that transition seamlessly with an emotional impact.

Part I. Intention (0:00) Part II. Strike Four (0:55) Part III. Embraced by Clouds (11:45) Part IV. Dissolution (21:47) Part V. Revelations (26:01) Part VI. Integration (33:34)

The Australian quartet consist of Douglas Skene, Vocals, Guitars and Keyboards; Mitch Coull, Guitars and Vocals; Jessica Martin, Bass and Vocals; and Nathan McMahon, Drums, Percussion and Vocals. For the first time this album features over 100 part choral vocal arrangements and live orchestral strings and 8-string guitars.

'Intention' opens with eerie violins and piano, till a primal scream, chunky riffs and a soaring lead break crashes through igniting the maelstrom. 'Strike Four' is a cacophony of strings, drums and guitars that convey intense passion and are empowered by lyrics that have an emotional drive. 'Embraced by Clouds' is a delightful soundscape to feast on. The journey takes on an otherworldly atmosphere on 'Dissolution' when it delves into dark psytrance territory with extreme technobeats and synth-soaked psychedelic space rock.

'Revelations' is the major single from the album, a wonderful example of the complex rhythm switches and endearing harmonies. Jessica balances the vocals of Douglas so profoundly that it encompasses genuine listening pleasure. It concludes with 'Integration' and I  love how there is a light and dark balance of tone and the release of lead guitar power is consistent. The drums are superbly played complemented by a pulsing bass sound. The synth pads are beautiful counterbalancing the distorted crunching riffs. Other tracks are single versions of the epic suite that only differ slightly without the transitions.

This latest release is excellent prog to wrap your ears around. It is also available as a psychedelic visual experience that augments the journey by TAS visuals. It is great to discover that the complex story of the troubled adolescent has a concise ending, and the music of Hemina is consistently outstanding. This is another Hemina album well worth your attention.

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