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Hemina - Nebulae review




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Reviewer:
9.0

25 users:
7.36
Band: Hemina
Album: Nebulae
Release date: August 2014


01. Before
02. Nightlives
03. Freedom
04. Lust
05. Soulmates
06. Strength
07. Loss
08. Hope
09. Promise
10. Otherworldly

"Love is a friendship set to music." ? Joseph Campbell

Probably one of the most genuine progressive metal albums since... their last album.

After the criminally under-appreciated Synthetic, the Aussie quartet Hemina have returned and put together another emotional masterpiece. With talent that a larger band would struggle to replicate, we are graced with the dual-harmony juggernaut that is Douglas Skene and Jessica Martin. Where other bands would have to outsource their vocal duties to compete, Hemina present their mind-blowing vocal range and unmatched passion in-house with founding leader Doug on guitar/keyboards and Jessica on bass. Probably the greatest improvement from the last album is the guitar-work, with heavier rhythms and leads courtesy of the phenomenal Mitch Coull. The icing on this progverbial cake is the atmospheric keyboard layering of Phill Eltakchi, who continues to impress with his inventive ideas and classic solos. Building on all these great parameters, we find a solid backbone in the session work of Edwin Saute returning on the skins, although I felt his performance deserved to be a bit higher in the mix.

Adding a little more fire to their style, you instantly notice that this album is going to be another structured concept rewarding a patient listener. Metalheads looking for a more brutal, generic approach will float out earlier and probably write it off as another alienating prog/power metal confirmation. Fans of Leprous, Kamelot, Caligula's Horse, and Voyager, are strongly encouraged to let the melodies and climactic falsettos caress and grow in your ears.

Dysthymic and low, there is an feeling of melancholy laced throughout the lyrics early on. The familiar longing of dreams and astral loneliness is represented, as you feel the tinge of pain splinter your heart. Obscuring the view, we are redirected into an absolute banger of a tune crying for a sense of freedom that has always been within reach.

When I first listened to "Lust" I was caught off guard, with it's funky-lounge sexuality. Then I remembered this was the band that covered one of the most sensual metal songs ever, Type O Negative's "Love You Death". This type of passion comes through and comes easy, given the relational interface of the band. I won't comment any more on this aphrodisiac of a song, as it something that needs to be heard and have love made to. (If you can't pick someone out from across the room, go to the grocer and pick out a grapefruit).

Please let down your silk robe, goddamn that's a sexy song. Octaves that would make the King jealous. (Diamond)

Then you find your soulmate. This song I was not a fan of at first as it was too soft, but as it turns out it finally became one of my favorites. Call it girlfriend metal if you want, you aren't going to get prog metal more honest than this. Here I will give my recommendation, listen to the album once through based on the merit of the musical enjoyment. Second time though, read the lyrics along with it. /Frisson

Funny how once you feel that love of another, or a bit of self-worth/esteem you can convey that confidence that had always been missing. Oh, wait, we are doing a music review. "Strength" is the strongest song of the album with blistering guitar and keyboard work, that will have you headbanging otherworldly. The dual melodies of our favorite couple ricochet against the bouncy low-end and all come to a head in a shredding metal worshipping of Doug's higher register angel voice.

As a "Promise" is made. I see the potential inside, this band will be one of the best, if not THE best, progressive metal acts in coming years. Alongside Riverside, Shaolin Death Squad, Threshold, Seventh Wonder, Myrath, and Distorted Harmony. Those fond of concepts and stories à la Ayreon should fall in love with the honest passion on display between Doug & Jessica, let alone the entire Straya grouping.

"An Innocent Friendship The Start Of Him And Her"


Rating breakdown
Performance: 9
Songwriting: 9
Originality: 9
Production: 9





Written on 02.09.2014 by Intermittent reviewer, full-time listener.


Comments

Comments: 9   Visited by: 254 users
02.09.2014 - 06:12
tea[m]ster
Au Pays Natal
Got my attention, will check it. Thanks for the review.
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rekt
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02.09.2014 - 07:20
Diverge

I heard Hemina's last album a few years ago, and I remember thinking good things. Thanks for reminding me to check this band out again!
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02.09.2014 - 18:51
Rating: 7
Hex_Omega
Gem Seeker
Yes their debut was quite good. Some nice riffs but it was really inconsistent IMO. Hope this new one is an improvement.
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03.09.2014 - 10:23
Ivor
Staff
Very varied and enjoyable album half-way through. I like what I hear.

I.
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No friends for playing games
No foes who scorn my name
Computerized machines of steel and rust
/---/
No friends in my house on Mars
No foes in my house on Mars
I was born in my house on Mars
I will die in my house on Mars
-- Ayreon - My House on Mars
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03.09.2014 - 11:50
Rating: 7
Hex_Omega
Gem Seeker
For me it's nothing special so far. Another prog metal album...
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03.09.2014 - 12:35
Lethrokai

Written by Hex_Omega on 03.09.2014 at 11:50

For me it's nothing special so far. Another prog metal album...

Yeah, I'm honestly getting the same feeling from it right now. Of course, I've only listened to the odd few songs from it so far, but nothing has really surprised me yet.
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Sometimes you just need to roll the dice and look away.
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09.09.2014 - 17:02
thehondo

Nice Review. Hemina is definitely of the top new prog metalers. Appreciate your comparisons, they are accurate. Eventhough, they have their own signature sound and identity. Which is crucial for making an impact for me. One question..do you think the djent sound is getting slightly overused?
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No time like the present
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14.09.2014 - 21:53
Rating: 9
Introspekrieg
Totemic Lust
Written by thehondo on 09.09.2014 at 17:02

Nice Review. Hemina is definitely of the top new prog metalers. Appreciate your comparisons, they are accurate. Eventhough, they have their own signature sound and identity. Which is crucial for making an impact for me. One question..do you think the djent sound is getting slightly overused?


If you are referring to that low-end chugging guitar style popular now, I think it has it's time and place. The rhythmic style sounds great when coupled with more melodic techniques for dynamic effect.
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15.09.2014 - 05:32
thehondo

Written by Introspekrieg on 14.09.2014 at 21:53

Written by thehondo on 09.09.2014 at 17:02

Nice Review. Hemina is definitely of the top new prog metalers. Appreciate your comparisons, they are accurate. Eventhough, they have their own signature sound and identity. Which is crucial for making an impact for me. One question..do you think the djent sound is getting slightly overused?


If you are referring to that low-end chugging guitar style popular now, I think it has it's time and place. The rhythmic style sounds great when coupled with more melodic techniques for dynamic effect.

good point... the overlapping of techniques from sub genre to the next is inevitable I suppose. I do like a good chug and a clean tone alternating, even used in the same song . The best prog does normally show great diversity. I just dont want them copycatting each other or using something that really strays.. kind of effecting the integrity of the songwriting, losing the flow sort of speak. Oh well, if we just love to hear it...none of that really matters right? haha
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No time like the present
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