Thursday, August 25, 2016

Memento Mori, Gemini Syndrome, it's here... and so will they be, soon!

Gemini Syndrome
Aaron Nordstrom, Gemini Syndrome
I think I'll name this, Gemini Syndrome week!

A week ago tonight--at 9 p.m. to be precise, midnight east-coast time, but when we were at the Fitz and the Tantrums show--Gemini Syndome's new album, second album, sophomore album, Memento Mori was released. I had to wait until I arrived home to download it... it was a struggle... but worth the wait? Absolutely. Worth the wait since the seemingly-ages-ago announcement that it was on the way? Yes, indeed. Well worth the wait.

Memento Mori is the second in a planned trio of albums from Gemini Syndrome, with Lux the first. When a band releases an album as strong as Lux, waiting for the second, there are questions: Will it be as as good as the first? Will the band develop, move further? Will they just repeat more of the same, or will they build on what they were two years ago? Is the new album something to be listened to once, or played over, and over, again?  (Maybe you just need to ask me how many times I've listened to it already during the past week. You know how much other music I get to listen to, and how often this happens? Memento Mori has been on repeat almost constantly... and will continue to be so.)

It's the latter. Memento Mori is strong, layered, deep, meaningful, hopeful, full of life. Each song is a gem, each song has a message. Whether it's the humanity of Anonymous, the politics of Zealot and Sorry Not Sorry, or the subtle, stunning beauty of Say Goodnight... another intense and memorable album from Gemini Syndrome.

Brian Steele Medina, drums, Gemini Syndrome
Brian Steele Medina, Gemini Syndrome
They release a new album... and almost immediately they are on Sirux XM's Octane, performing a brand new acoustic mashup of Basement (from Lux) and Anonymous (from Memento Mori). I hope there's a recording of that available soon; it's a wonderful example of how talented this band is.

Find your own copy on Amazon, on iTunes, on your usual streaming service, at the local music store...  There will be vinyl. I know there will be vinyl, coming a little later. Look out for the artwork that Gemini Syndrome is fast becoming renowned for; it began with Lux, and continues with Memento Mori. Take a look at their website...

While Gemini Syndrome fit very well with the metal and hard rock genre on tour and at festivals, fans who lean more towards prog--including bands such as Katatonia and Marillion--may very well also enjoy listening to Memento Mori. Check it out.

And Sacramento?  Here's another reason why this is Gemini Syndrome week. Tickets go on sale tomorrow for Sevendust's show at the Ace of Spades. If you didn't look at the supports... maybe you should. Its's really, really important to always check who the support acts are. Seriously. Go on...

Alessandro Paveri, bass, Gemini Syndrome
Alessandro Paveri, Gemini Syndrome
Gemini Syndrome are on tour, including dates with Sevendust,  and will also be appearing at Houston Open Air. For all tour dates, check their website.

Photos in this post are from Chicago Open Air this year: the review and an interview with Brian are here, and click here for the full photo gallery!

I'll leave you with Remember We Die, official video, from Memento Mori... and there really is plenty of time to see the other side. Live live to its full. Be kind. Love each other. 


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