Hemina have made a name for themselves over the past few years as one of the best Australian bands in the Progressive Metal genre. Their discography is tied together by the story told in the lyrics, which termian with the new album. Fifth release entitled “Romancing The Ether” out on August 11, 2023 via Bird’s Robe Records and distributed by MGM. The album contains a single epic suite of over 35 minutes in length, divided into 6 movements. The production is of a very high standard, with over 100-part choral vocal arrangements and live orchestral strings, as well as the class of the band and guests who copmplete the lineup. All of the band’s compositional and performing technique is brought out in this long suite. An alternation of vocal and instrumental parts incorporating elements of different genres, showing all the many artistic facets of the band. Passages of fresh and modern Progressive Metal, Symphonic openings, forays into Djent, Psychedelia and Space Rock. The listener is accompanied on this journey where quality is always at the centre, making this record a milestone of modern Progressive Metal. The vocals also alternate between male, female and choral parts, modelling themselves on the music and interpreting the lyrics with intensity. Tempo changes, solo inserts and elaborate passages will surely please lovers of progressive sounds, enriched by a wide range of keyboards and instruments played by the band. The forays into fresher, more modern metal, incorporating technical and at times virtuosic elements are functional to the sound and never an end in themselves. In my opinion, this album is a masterpiece of its kind, managing to offer an original, technical and always very intense sound throughout the long duration of the suite. Although the duration is demanding, the album flows pleasantly and leaves us wanting to listen to it again and again. It is not often that one hears productions of this level, and Hemina and Bird’s Robe have been skilful in realising this project with refined technique and quality. An absolutely recommended listen for all lovers of good music, with cues from different genres and styles, Progressive but also much more, in the name of quality.
Tracklist
01. Romancing The Ether (35:02)
Lineup
Douglas Skene (Anubis) / Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
Mitch Coull / Guitar, Vocals
Jessica Martin / Bass, Vocals
Nathan McMahon / Drums, Vocals
With:
Phill Eltakchi / Additional Vocals
Anthony Stewart / Piano
David Eaton / Hammond Organ
Maria Grigoryeva / Violin and Viola
Natalia Nazarova / Cello
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