III

Shem's latest release, III, is a dynamic and experimental album that showcases the band's impressive improvisational skills. As a first-time listener of the band, I was immediately intrigued by the album's opening track, "Paragate," which features an interesting spacey buildup with well-coordinated drumming. The song's psychedelic elements are particularly noteworthy, with Alexander Meese's impressive instrumental skills shining through.

However, I did notice that this track, along with the rest of the album, lacks a clear direction and seems to wander aimlessly at times, which could be a challenge for some listeners. This tendency is particularly evident in songs such as "Restlicht," which failed to make an impact on me despite some intriguing moments.

On a positive note, the album's shorter piece, "Lamentum," was a standout for me, with well-executed guitar playing that didn't overstay its welcome. And the final track, "Refugium (Beyond The Gravitational Field Of Time And Space)," was the best-composed piece on the album, featuring captivating spacey themes and experimental guitar playing from Alexander Gallagher.

Overall, while III had its moments, some sections seemed to drag on for too long without resolving, making it difficult to fully engage with the album. That being said, it could be an enjoyable background listen for some. I would give this album a 2.5/5 rating.