Gemini Syndrome - Memento Mori and more

I don't even remember where I first learned of Gemini Syndrome.  Usually I remember the first time that I hear a song and where I stumbled upon it whether it was on the internet, on the radio, from an opening band in concert or from a video game.  I think I might have seen ads for their debut album Lux in a magazine like Revolver.  Maybe they came up on suggested artists on iTunes.  All I know is that when I first heard them I loved them.  When I recently saw them at a small club in Stanhope, NJ they cemented themselves as one of my favorite bands right now.

Gemini Syndrome @ Stanhope House 8/3/16

Lux has a lot of strong tracks such as Pleasure and Pain, Stardust, and Mourning Star.  I think that lead singer Aaron Nordstrom has a unique voice and especially a unique growl.  If you've never heard them, the first album has similarities to Disturbed and Red.  They are a Christian band with a positive message, but their music is heavy and has some rawness to it.

Memento Mori is an interesting album title.  It was previously used as an album title by fellow Christian band Flyleaf and also by a lesser known metal band from the 90s.  Memento Mori is a Latin expression which translates to "remember (we) die."  It refers to the fact that we are all mortals, but also in ancient Roman times warned those coming back from battle not to get too prideful in themselves.  In a religious context, it also deals with the concepts of heaven versus hell and the salvation of the soul in the afterlife.

Lead track to the album Memento Mori called "Anonymous" preaches that we are all important, yet we are all the same because we all live and die the same way.  It is one of the most aggressive songs about treating everyone with love and respect that I have ever heard; and that is exactly what I love about Gemini Syndrome as a band.  Second track "Remember We Die" is even more literal in discussing the fact that we all live for a limited time on this Earth.  "Remember we die, but you're still alive, so don't let go..." Aaron sings.  Embedded in the track are the messages that each of us has an obligation to and a power to contribute something to society.  It also alludes to the idea that suicide is not a viable option because "there's plenty of time to see the other side" and "until we arrive [to heaven] don't let go, just let the light shine from your soul."  If you listen to this song and it doesn't inspire you, I feel sorry for you.

Setlist 8/3/16 Gemini Syndrome @ Stanhope House

In my opinion, the tempo, lyrics, and energy of the tracks at the beginning of this album are the best parts of it.  As the album continues so does the message and the rock, but it isn't as hard rocking as Lux.  There is less grit and growl and more melody and clean singing on their sophomore effort.  Some songs have kind of an older metal sound to them.  I'm not one to normally bash things for being overproduced, but I think this album might suffer a little from sounding a little too "studio perfect" and it is missing the raw elements of their debut.  Still, I am liking it even more with each listen.  I think people need to hear this band and share with friends.  We could all benefit.

Check out the Remember We Die official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUHsY6gPCys

Rock review 2013

November 4, 2013 The return of Diary of a Madman! 

I haven’t written about music in awhile - partly because I’ve been preoccupied by other things and partly because there hasn’t been enough noteworthy music to write about.  I have been reinvigorated by some conversations with friends about following my passions and reenergized by a resurgence of some solid rock albums of late.  My goal is to get back to writing about once a month including album reviews, concert reviews, and other editorials.  This first issue of the year is going to be kind of a “state of the union address” for hard rock.

            The early 2000s was a big time for rock with the popularity of nu-metal.  That was followed by a wave of screamo bands and then a small resurrection of thrash and hardcore inspired outfits.  The last couple of years have been pretty disappointing for rock.  Ticket sales are down, cd sales are down, and most hard rocking bands haven’t been able to put out back-to-back releases with any degree of continuity or growth.  I had to resort to reminiscing through my back catalog listening to things like Buckcherry, Rob Zombie, Taproot, and Mudvayne.

            Slowly but surely, a few glimmers of hope emerged throughout this past year. First, Ill Niño put out their new album Epidemia that harkens back to their major label debut mixing equal parts aggression, chugging guitars, and Latin percussion.  I still think they were at their best in terms of lyrics and overall composition of songs on Revolution Revolucion, but Epidemia is a step up from their last few albums.  Then, Device brought back some of the original nu-metal magic that made Disturbed popular.  David Draiman’s new band has the angst and hostility that had faded when Disturbed got commercial and went more melodic with their sound.  Then Filter mounted a comeback.  They too captured some of the energy and anthemic rock from their younger years on their latest album The Sun Comes Out Tonight.  Some other noteworthy releases this year include new albums by Oleander, Pop Evil, Skillet, Soil, Devildriver, Trapt, and Mindset Evolution.

            There have also been some new bands that have caught my ear.  The Winery Dogs are kind of a throwback band that have blues and classic roots with good lyrics and hooks, sounding sort of like Chickenfoot, but with a style all their own.  Gemini Syndrome is a new hard rocking group that could really be something big if they get some publicity.  My uncle says they rocked live too.  Eve to Adam is another band that is on the rise and is carrying the torch for dynamic heavy music.  There is not a throw away track on their aptly titled Locked and Loaded.

            It’s not all good news.  Korn and Blue October took big steps backwards, in my opinion.  Queens of the Stone Age, Sick Puppies and Black Sabbath all released albums much softer than expected.  Others that have had some breakout moments are struggling just to make ends meet.  Ozma and MadamAdam are looking for fans to donate toward their recording sessions.  Nonpoint has similarly taken to social media to solicit funds to help them expand their touring schedule.  Is this a sign of a lack of label support for hard rock or just a new way for bands to connect with their fans?  I think its both, but only time will tell if this becomes the new normal.