ALBUM REVIEW ~ GEMINI SYNDROME ~ '3RD DEGREE - THE RAISING'

I'm Music Magazine, Gemini Syndrome, 3rd degree the raising, die with me, century media records, album review

Gemini Syndrome released their new album 3rd Degree – The Raising on October 15th, 2021. It’s the third part in a trilogy starting with 2013’s Lux. The theme of the album is said to be rebirth and extreme rebirth rituals, whereas prior albums focused on death (Memento Mori), and light/self-reflection (Lux).

3rd Degree – The Raising is vastly different from the prior two albums, though at their core it still sounds like Gemini Syndrome. It’s clear that there have been some lineup changes since the band’s debut with Lux because the new album incorporates new styles, such as a bit of techno and even pop with “Die With Me.” It’s even an evolution from Memento Mori into a more diverse sound from just hard rock or heavy metal.

Standout songs on the album are “Die With Me” which would fit perfectly as the soundtrack for the last season of Lucifer. It’s all I can think about when I hear it but in a good way.

“Reintegration,” “Absolution,” and “IDK” were released as singles but “Broken Reflection” is one that really gets a reaction from me even on multiple listen throughs. The lyrics are honest and showcase what a difficult place they were written from:

“We are a broken reflection you can’t see

A scattered reminder of your shattered dreams

A broken reflection, you and me

It’s dragging me under, it’s so hard to breathe

We are your broken reflection”

While long-time fans of Gemini Syndrome may at first be concerned at how different 3rd Degree – The Raising sounds compared to their prior works, on subsequent listens, the heart and soul of Gemini Syndrome is still very much alive and there. It’s an excellent album to finish out the trilogy and add to their collection. I’m excited to see what comes of the new stuff live.

I’m Music Magazine Writer/Photographer Jojo Key