Woyote is set to release its debut album next month.
The hard rock super group is scheduled to release its first ever album, Mother of the Universe May 11. The band — Mikey Doling (Snot, Soulfly, Channel Zero), Aaron Nordstrom (Gemini Syndrome), Jari De Roover, Quentin Cornet, Sebastiaan Verhoeven, and Charles Degolla — has built excitement over the album with the release of the singles, ‘Atlas Shrugged,’ ‘Second Chance,’ and ‘Alternate Reality.’
More information on Woyote’s new album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Another Day Dawns debuted its latest single this week, along with the song’s video.
The band premiered its new single, ‘Bitter‘ Tuesday, along with the song’s video. The single features a heavy, intense musical arrangement that boasts elements of Djent within its aggro-rock body. Throughout the course of the song’s three-minute-plus run time, the intensity in the energy and the stylistic approach makes it comparable to works from the likes of Periphery. The vocal delivery of front man Dakota Sean, which at times offer clean vocals and at others screams, add even more to that comparison.
According to Sean, the song’s lyrical theme addresses the matter of unresolved issues that we all have; that proverbial white elephant that people would rather not address with others.
“‘Bitter’ really goes to the root of uncomfortable situations with people in our lives that never get addressed, and there’s just this kinda ‘off’ feeling about them,” Sean said. “In this case, it’s a parental figure that left at a young age, which made me go through life in a bitter way. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that separation really is the best defense in these scenarios. But unfortunately, that ‘what if’ will always be in the back of your mind.”
The song’s video is a familiar style presentation. It features the band performing its new single on a soundstage that is dressed to resemble a live setting. Various video effects and camera angles are used throughout the song to add to the impact of the video and song.
In other news, Another Day Dawns is scheduled to tour alongside Breaking Benjamin and Bush through most of April and May. The bands’ tour is scheduled to launch April 26 in North Myrtle Beach, SC and to run through May 23 in Knoxville, TN. The tour which will run primarily through the Midwest, also features scheduled stops in cities, such as Park City, KS; Milwaukee, WI and San Antonio, TX.
A short string of dates with Filter will follow from May 26 in Winchester, VA to June 3 in Jacksonville, NC. Following those dates, the band is also scheduled to take part in this year’s Louder Than Life Festival Sept. 23 in Louisville, KY.
All of the dates for Another Day Dawns’ upcoming tour are noted below:
ANOTHER DAY DAWNS ON TOUR: WITH BREAKING BENJAMIN + BUSH: 4/26 — North Myrtle Beach, SC — House of Blues 5/2 — Charleston, WV — Coliseum & Conv Center 5/3 — Franklin, TN — FirstBank Amphitheater 5/5 — Huntsville, AL — Von Braun Center 5/6 — Biloxi, MS — MS Coast Coliseum 5/8 — San Antonio, TX — Boeing Center at Tech Port 5/10 — Park City, KS — Hartman Arena 5/11 — Camdenton, MO — Lake Ozarks Amphitheater 5/13 — Dubuque, IA — Five Flags Center 5/14 — Milwaukee, WI — Rave / Eagles Ballroom 5/16 — Grand Rapids, MI — Van Andel Arena 5/18 — Wilkes-Barre, PA — Mohegan Sun Arena 5/20 — Lexington, KY — Lex Center – Rupp Arena 5/21 — Pikeville, KY — Appalachian Center Arena 5/23 — Knoxville, TN — UT Thompson-Boling
WITH FILTER: 5/26 — Winchester, VA — Blue Fox Billiards 5/27 — Syracuse, NY — Kegs Canalside 6/1 — Leesburg, VA — TallyHo Theater 6/3 — Jacksonville, NC — Hooligans
FESTIVAL: 9/23 — Louisville, KY — Louder Than Life
The debut of Another Day Dawns’ new single and video, and the band’s upcoming live dates are just the latest news from the up-and-coming hard rock band. The band signed a record deal with Century Media Records in June 2022. The signing puts the band alongside the likes of Gemini Syndrome, At The Gates, and Dark Tranquility on the label’s roster.
Another Day Dawns is working on its debut record for Century Media Records. The band most recently released its single, ‘Look At You‘ in August 2021. The song was at the time, the band’s first new music since the release of its single, ‘Never Okay.’ The song was featured on the band’s then latest record, its EP, Stranger. The EP also produced the singles, ‘Forget Me Not,’ ‘Beautiful Suicide,’ and ‘Taste of Heaven.’
More information on the Another Day Dawns’ new single and video is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
A wait of more than two years for A Killer’s Confession’s new album finally ended Friday when the band released its new record, Remember. The record’s release came after almost a year of buildup that started in January with the release of the album’s title track/opener. It is one of a number of singles that the record produced, too. In all, the record produced no fewer than six singles, which is more than half the record’s 11 total songs. It is just one of the most notable of the record’s songs, too. The band’s latest song, ‘Tell Your Soul,’ which features a guest appearance from Chad Gray (Hellyeah/Mudvayne), is another example of how much the band’s new album has to offer audiences. It will be discussed a little later. ‘Trapped Inside,’ which comes early in the record’s run, is yet another example of the record’s strength. It will also be discussed later. When all three of these songs are considered along with the rest of the album’s singles and the rest of the record’s songs, the whole makes Remember a presentation that AKC’s fans and that hard rock/metal fans alike are sure to remember.
A Killer’s Confession’s latest album, Remember, is a strong new offering from the band. The band’s third album, it has proven so positive over the course of this year through all six singles that it has produced, not the least of which is its title track/opener. The band debuted the single and its companion video in January. The song stands out in part through its musical arrangement, which boasts a sort of blues based hard rock sound and stylistic approach. That sound and approach pairs with what also sounds like a bit of an aggro-rock syle approach and sound for a whole that is immediately infectious. The appeal ensures from the song’s musical arrangement is just part of what makes the song stand out. Its lyrical counterpart makes for its own appeal.
According to statements made by front man Waylon Reavis at the time of the song’s premiere, its lyrical theme delivers a message of taking life into full account. He said of the theme, “Sometimes in life, people are quick to forget the good and the bad. We all need to be reminded from time to time where the line in the sand is truly drawn.” It comes across as a sort of statement about deciding where we stand in life by seeing both sides of things. This is inferred right from the song’s outset as Reavis sings, “They say that blood is thicker than water/Seems yours is running a little thin/Or did you forget/I’m calling out from my soul/Waiting for a sign to show me/That you’re now alone/Do you feel nothing is owed/Now that you have played me/Empty/Draning me low/Won’t turn my blind side to your knife any longer/But every scar carved on my back/makes me stronger/’Cause I will bow to you for never/And you know my name/I hope that you remember/I’ll bow to you for never/I hope that you remember.” The message continues in the song’s second verse as Reavis sings, “Brace for the truth to be told/Trapped in your own web/That you have spun/I watch the venom take hold/And once the poison spreads/The damage can’t be undone.” This statement of confidence and defiance translates well, Reavis’ statement about the song’s lyrical message. This is someone who has seen his/her own good while seeing the bad in another instead of just being blind. Once we see the good and bad in life, we can differentiate and see that proverbial line in the sand and know where we stand. That fully accessible statement, together with the energy in the song’s infectious musical arrangement, makes the song in whole that much more powerful in its presentation. It leaves no doubt as to the importance of the song to the record’s overall body, and is just one of the most notable of the record’s songs. ‘Tell Your Soul,’ the album’s latest single, is another way in which the album exhibits its strength.
‘Tell Your Soul’ features a guest vocal appearance by Chad Gray (Hellyeah/Mudvayne) and is arguably the strongest of the album’s entries both musically and lyrically. The contemplative, melodic hard rock sound and approach taken to this song’s arrangement is so rich and so deep. Any active/modern rock station that is not currently running this song is missing and out and doing a disservice to its audiences. It is a perfect fit to those stations’ play lists. That is especially evidenced through the contrast of the song’s deeply contemplative mood in its verses and more fiery approach in its choruses. That contrast becomes even more impacting when it is considered along with the song’s lyrical theme.
According to comments made by Reavis, the song’s lyrical theme centers on “forgiveness and acceptance of one’s own shortcomings.” That in itself is so powerful. We all need to remember that no one is perfect, even as much as some would try to have others believe. We need to accept our imperfections and live with them, and become better through them. The way in which Reavis delivers that message in the song’s lyrics is unique in itself. If not for that explanation, one would have thought the theme would have been more about a relationship or simply about finding confidence in one’s own self following a bad relationship. This as he sings in the song’s lead verse and chorus, “I feel like we really don’t know/Wasting away till it’s gone/The moments in time always fuel the fire/Watching the embers alone/And I won’t belong to you now/I feel like it’s over/So take this down/Why am I afraid when I’m gone/I don’t know/I won’t relive our mistakes/I will be what you’ve needed/To face the day/Now I understand/It’s not your pain/Don’t you think/I’m far from wherever you are/You can’t be what you wanted without the scars/It’s not your fault/Don’t you know/Tell your soul.” That questioning of “Why am I afraid when I’m wrong” plays into Reavis’ statement. This is someone asking himself/herself whey he/she feels so bad about getting things wrong. This, before he/she goes on to admit to himself/herself, “I won’t relive our mistakes.” This is that moment of realization that being wrong and making mistakes is normal and part of being human. It is that acceptance of this realization. Once people realize that mistakes happen and that no one is perfect, as this person did, they will hopefully accept it and simply live life. When this is considered along with the mood that the song’s arrangement sets, the whole makes the song overall that much more accessible and appealing. It is just one more of the album’s most notable works. ‘Trapped Inside’ is just as much of note as ‘Tell Your Soul’ and ‘Remember.’
‘Trapped Inside’ stands out among Remember’s songs in part through its musical arrangement. The arrangement is unique from its counterparts in this record what with its melodic hard rock approach. Yes, ‘Tell Yourself’ is a melodic hard rock style composition, but it is quite unlike this song. In this case, the song maintains its heaviness and sets a completely different mood. The mood in question is brooding for the most part, until the song reaches its powerful bridge, which features such a heavy breakdown. The use of the keyboards in the introduction to the verses helps set the mood as the song’s subject contemplates his/her inner demons in the song’s lyrical content. The heavy guitars that are used throughout do just as much to help illustrate the battles that the song’s subject faces with those demons. Looking at all of this, the contemplative, brooding mood established in this song matches well with the song’s lyrical theme.
That lyrical theme is made clear as Reavis sings in the song’s lead verse and chorus, “I don’t want anyone to know this/But I don’t think anyone will notice/Even in a room full of people/Somewhere in the hay/I’m the needle/Feeling so small and helpless/Running down halls that are endless/Listen for a voice in the echo/Trying to find a sound that I might know/I know there’s no way out/I’m tapped inside/Time is f****** with my mind/Truth hides within the lies/And it will decide when its over/Fate tears down what I create/While laughing in my face/And it will decide when it’s over/I’m trapped inside.” The brooding continues in the song’s second verse as Reavis sings, “I used to be alive and connected/Now I’m just a pit of rejection/Always had a rhyme or a reason/Now I’m just cold/Yeah, I’m freezing/It’s hard to keep warm when you’re empty/I’m waiting for the world to forget me/Tired of the self-isolation/Trying but there’s no motivation/I know there’s no way out/I’m trapped inside.” This is some heavy content, but the thing is that being so heavy and clear in that heaviness, it will connect to plenty of audiences. It will help others who are fighting those personal emotional battles have a connection and in turn, the strength to push on and persevere, knowing they are not alone in those battles. That, together with the emotional heaviness in the song’s arrangement, makes clearer why this song is so important to the album’s presentation. When it is considered along with the other songs examined here and with the rest of the album’s entries, the whole of that content makes Remember another strong new offering from A Killer’s Confession.
A Killer’s Confession’s brand new album, Remember, is a positive new offering from the band. The band’s third album, it is a mostly impressive follow-up to the band’s sophomore record, The Indifference of Good Men (2019). The record’s strength comes through its musical and lyrical content alike. That is evidenced through all of the songs examined here, as well as the rest of the album’s songs. When all of that content is considered together, the whole makes the album overall a record that audiences are certain to remember. Yes, that awful pun was intended.
Remember is available now through Wake Up! Music Rocks/Wake Up! Music. More information on the album is available along with all of A Killer’s Confession’s latest news at:
Alt-metal band Gemini Syndrome released its latest album over the weekend. 3rd Degree – The Raising was released Friday through Century Media Records. The band’s third album, it came more than five years after the release of the band’s sophomore album, Memento Mori (2016). The wait for the record was worth it, too. This has already been proven through the singles that the album has produced. That is due to the songs’ musical arrangements and lyrical themes. The musical and lyrical content featured through the rest of the album is collectively just as powerful. Each will be discussed in the bigger record’s bigger picture here, as will the record’s sequencing. Each item noted does its own important part to make the album successful. All things considered, they make the album overall, yet another strong addition to this year’s field of new hard rock and metal albums.
Gemini Syndrome’s latest album, 3rd Degree – The Raising, is an impressive new offering from the band. Its success comes in part through its musical arrangements. The arrangements continue to exhibit the richness and heaviness that became so familiar to audiences over the course of the band’s first two albums, Lux and Memento Mori. However, a close listen also reveals clear growth from the band this time out in terms of the arrangements. In place of the aggro rock and more nu-metal leanings present in those records’ arrangements is a darker, heavier approach that blends influences of Tool’s dark prog and Breaking Benjamin’s gloomcore sound into one. Each arrangement is unique from its counterparts here, but the influences are still there. The changes in the sounds and stylistic approaches are subtle from one to the next, but again, a close listen will reveal those variances. Case in point is the arrangement featured in ‘Absolution.’ This radio ready arrangement whose contemplative verses and heavy, fiery choruses create a great contrast that is certain to keep listeners engaged. The intense approach taken in the arrangement’s bridge, which finds front man Aaron Nordstrom almost rapping (believe it or not) adds even more to the song’s interest. By comparison, the full-on alt-metal approach taken in ‘IDK’ (one of the album’s singles), complete with Nordstrom’s screams against the more melodic choruses is a distinct change in sound and style. Yet it is still so immersive with its richness and heaviness. On yet another note, a song, such as ‘Children of the Sun’ takes listeners in yet another direction. The guitar riff that opens the song immediately conjures thoughts of Pantera. Interestingly enough, that comparison is only brief as the song progresses. From there, the guitar and bass line that builds presents an almost bluesy influence in its stylistic approach, even as heavy as the pairing proves. The song’s chorus meanwhile is a full, immersive melodic hard rock presentation. All things considered here, there is a lot that happens in this arrangement, but it is all so well-balanced from beginning to end. The whole stands on its own merits separate from the album’s other arrangements. Keeping that in mind, when it and those other arrangements (including the ones noted here) are considered collectively, they leave no doubt that the musical content featured in this record is so important to the album’s presentation. They are just a part of what makes the album an impressive presentation. The record’s lyrical themes also play in to the album’s success.
The lyrical themes that are featured throughout this album are important because of their overall accessibility. The theme featured in ‘Absolution’ is a prime example of that accessibility. The theme presents a seeming message that yes, things are going to be tough in life, but it is up to us to make a difference in our lives. He reiterates that seeming message in the song’s chorus, noting that “This is our last chance for absolution.” For those who might not know, absolution is the act of forgiving for having done wrong. It would seem to go in line with the inferred theme. He seems to be saying that forgiving others is part of making changes in our lives for the better; that we cannot hold onto anger as well as making the most of ourselves. This is all just this critic’s interpretation of course. Regardless, the seeming message is powerful and will certainly resonate with listeners whose hearts and minds are open to that apparent theme.
‘Broken Reflection’ is another example of the importance of the album’s lyrical themes. This song – one of the album’s singles – is a rumination on how we view ourselves versus how we present ourselves to the public. Nordstrom talked about the song’s theme when the single was released this summer, noting, “We are all trying to show the best versions of ourselves, but we need to master those versions inside before we can present the perfect image and not have it be confused for something illusory.” This statement makes sense and hopefully will to audiences. He is saying we need to look inward before we look outward as part of that process of rebirth. The theme of personal and spiritual rebirth is the overarching theme of this album, so that makes this theme even more fitting.
‘Where We Started From’ is another example of the importance of the album’s lyrical themes. In the case of this song, the inferred message (again this is this critic’s interpretation) seems to be one of addressing how we find ourselves in vicious cycles, doing the same things over and over. It would seem that the song hints at how our own mental and emotional states play into those cycles happening. It would seem to play into the album’s overall lyrical theme of personal and spiritual rebirth, too. Once again, this is all just this critic’s interpretation and is hopefully somewhere in the proverbial ballpark. When it is considered along with the themes (and seeming themes) of the other songs addressed here and those in the rest of the album’s songs, the whole makes clear that the album’s lyrical content is just as important to its presentation as the album’s musical arrangements. The content overall gives audiences plenty to appreciate here. When the sequencing thereof is considered, too, it works with the content to show even more why this record is a success.
The sequencing of 3rd Degree – The Raising is important because it takes into account the subtle changes in the songs’ arrangements and their lyrical theme as it assembled the record. It also takes into account the energy in each arrangement. Considering the mood that the arrangements establish (even considering the overall positive and contemplative nature of the songs’ lyrical themes) this is extremely important. That is how emotionally heavy each arrangement proves. The themes, as noted, are meant to help audiences relate and cope with situations in their own lives. The sequencing ensures that those themes change from one song to the next. That in turn ensures listeners’ maintained engagement and entertainment even more. When this is considered along with the impact of the record’s sequencing in terms of the subtle changes in the arrangements, the whole proves the sequencing just as successful as the album’s content. When all things are considered together, they make the album overall a powerful new offering from Gemini Syndrome that the band’s fans will enjoy just as much as hard rock and metal fans in general.
Gemini Syndrome’s latest album, 3rd Degree –The Raising is a successful new offering from the band. It is a presentation that will appeal equally to the band’s established audiences just as much as it will to hard rock and metal fans in general. That is due in part to its arrangements. The musical arrangements stand out because of their familiarity and accessibility. The lyrical themes that accompany the album’s musical arrangements are accessible in their own unique way and will also make audiences really think deeply about life and themselves. It strengthens the record’s presentation that much more. The sequencing of that overall content rounds out the album’s most important elements. It takes all of the content into account in every way and ensures the songs are ordered so that the content has the maximum impact on listeners, ensuring the audiences’ maintained engagement from beginning to end. When it is considered along with the content and its impact, the whole makes the album overall a strong finish to Gemini Syndrome’s trilogy of albums and gives hope for the band’s future.
3rd Degree – The Raising is available now. More information on Gemini Syndrome’s new album, single, video and live appearances is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Ovtlier premiered the video for its latest single this week.
The band debuted the video for its new single, ‘All I Need‘ Wednesday. The video’s premiere comes less than a week after the band premiered the song by itself.
The video features the band performing its new single in what looks like a darkened warehouse setting. That footage is paired with what is assumed to be a semi-autobiographical presentation of front man Joey Arena’s childhood.
That is assumed considering comments made by Arena in a prepared statement in a press release announcing the song’s premiere over the weekend.
“I was raised on unstable grounds,” the statement reads. “Therapy taught me to stop making excuses for those that have abused and abandoned me. A man that distantly titled himself as a “father” but neglected every simple duty of being one. A stepfather who looked for excuses to beat on me or throw me out for years. I accept that this is the hand that I am dealt. I respect and appreciate the journey I have been shaped and designed to travel. I am all I need”
It should be noted that some viewers may find some of the content in that main story unsettling. In other words, viewer discretion is advised. That imagery in question involves scenes of domestic disputes and one of the main characters flogging himself.
The musical arrangement featured in ‘All I need’ is of some interest. That is because the primary guitar line featured in this arrangement lends itself easily to comparison to that featured in Deftones’ hit song’ My Own Summer (Shove It).’ A close listen to each song reveals the similarity in sound. It is not precise, but is there.
As the arrangement progresses though, that guitar line gradually evolves and offers a heavy, dark sound that is complimented just as well by the song’s bass line and vocals from Arena.
In other news, Ovtlier is scheduled to serve as support for Gemini Syndrome on its upcoming headlining tour. Ovtlier’s dates with Gemini Syndrome are noted below.
GEMINI SYNDROME ‘Initiation’ USA Fall 2021 tour dates: 10/28 – Chippewa Falls, WI – Joel’s 4Corners # 10/29 – Green Bay, WI – EPIC Event Center # 10/30 – Racine, WI – Rt 20 (WIIL Rock Halloween Bash) # 10/31 – Battle Creek, MI – The Music Factory # 11/02 – Lakewood, OH – The Winchester Music Tavern # 11/04 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop # 11/05 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works # 11/06 – Liverpool, NY – Sharkey’s # 11/07 – Poughkeepsie, NY – The Chance # 11/08 – New York City, NY – Mercury Lounge #### 11/09 – Albany, NY – Empire Underground # 11/10 – Reading, PA – Reverb # 11/12 – Johnson City, TN – Capones # 11/13 – Greensboro, NC – The Blind Tiger # 11/14 – Huntsville, AL – Sidetracks ###
Direct support is Ovtlier # Smile Empty Soul, Ovtlier, Sunflower Dead, Pushing V, Tommy Gibbons ### GEMINI SYNDROME and Ovtlier only ####
‘All I Need’ is just the latest single from Ovtlier. The band most recently premiered its single, ‘Bulletproof‘ and a companion video. The band has also released the singles, ‘Who We Are‘ and ‘Buried Me Alive.’
More information on Ovtlier’s new single and tour dates is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Gemini Syndrome has been in the news a lot lately.
The band has released a handful of singles in recent months, from its forthcoming album, 3rd Degree — The Raising. The guys are also prepping to head back out on the road in support of the album, which is scheduled for release Oct. 15 through Century Media Records. Before all that happens though, front man Aaron Nordstrom took some time to talk with Phil’s Picks about the group’s new record, its upcoming tour, and one of Nordstrom’s side projects in a new interview.
Sometimes Nordstrom is clearly serious and contemplative, and at others he gets a bit lighthearted with his comments. The interview is available to read in whole below.
PP: Congratulations on the upcoming release of your new album, 3rd Degree – The Raising. If I recall correctly, you’ve mentioned that this album is the culmination of a trilogy of records from Gemini Syndrome. So, talk to me if you will about how this new album connects, musically and lyrically, to its predecessors.
AN: The trilogy covers the aspects of birth, maturity, and death, through the realization of the self, the realization of death, and the realization of rebirth and awakening; A cycle that can be seen in all things in existence.
PP: Staying on that note, did you all as a band have the intent to create a trilogy of albums right from the release of your debut album, Lux back or did things just sort of evolve from there?
AN: The plan evolved from the beginning. Yes
PP: Gemini Syndrome released 3rd Degree – The Raising’s lead single, ‘Reintegration’ almost a year ago, well ahead of the album’s release. That’s a pretty big span of time. Can you offer some insight into the decision to release the song so far from the album’s release? Were you all just still working on the album at the time or was it something else?
AN: We decided to release music in the way we did mainly due to the pandemic. We had been ready to release in early 2020 but due to the worldwide shut downs we decided to wait. However releasing singles allowed us to get music out there while people were stuck at home without giving away the full album yet.
PP: Staying on that matter of the album’s songs, you all have released five singles since the release of ‘Reintegration.’ That is almost half of the album. Do you see the release of anymore singles as the album’s release date nears?
AN: We will definitely doing a couple more singles and videos from this album
PP: The singles that the album has produced have been met with pretty good response nation wide from what I’ve seen and heard. What does that support from radio and from audiences alike mean to you all?
AN: Support means everything Support is the means by which we are allowed to carry on doing what we love
PP: You all are resting up and prepping to head back out on the road again next month for the next leg of your tour in support of your new album, after already spending July and August on the road. Is everyone ready to go for this next leg, or does it get easy to get kind of settled in and too relaxed, considering how taxing tours can be?
AN: I can speak for myself that I am 100 percent ready to get out and keep touring. We had a really long break anyway and this is what I was made to do
PP: The upcoming leg of your tour is scheduled to launch Oct. 28 in Chippewa Falls, WI and to run through Nov. 27 in Reno, NV. It even includes a stop in my home state on Nov.13 in Greensboro, NC. When did planning for this latest leg start and how long did it take to finalize everything? What factors played into the final schedule?
AN: Oh not long. We just made sacrifices to the goat of Mendes and it all just kinda worked out
PP: Staying on that matter, with all three of your albums being connected, what can audiences expect from the shows’ set lists? Will there be a mix of music from all three records or will the attention be more on this latest release?
AN: Balance is key in all things.
PP: Changing gears for a moment, Gemini Syndrome is not the only project that you have been involved in over the past year or so, Aaron. You’ve also done some work as vocalist for Woyote. What can you tell me and my readers about where things stand with that band right now?
AN: Woyote is a young project that Mikey Doling asked me to sing for about a year ago Based in Belgium, We are almost done with a full length and have played a couple shows in Belgium in September. As the timing allows you will be seeing and hearing much more from us!
PP: Getting back on the matter of your upcoming tour, you all are bringing Ovtlier and Pushing Veronica along for the ride again. Ovtlier is a personal favorite of mine as well as Gemini Syndrome. For those who maybe haven’t heard either band’s music, what is it about those two bands that impressed you all so much?
AN: We work closely with PV. We love what they’re doing, their attitude, their drive, and their music! They’re like family. Ovtlier was great to have on the last run and they offer a great show and great music They’re a really fun group of people to have on the road also Making the family bigger We’re also bringing out Them Damn Kings this run as well
PP: Staying on the matter of touring, live music has had a bumpy road this year. No pun intended. Things started out hopeful as the year opened, but as the year has progressed, it seems like more and more tours have gotten postponed or canceled altogether because of concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. So can you offer a first hand glimpse into what it’s been like being out on the road? Are people wearing masks? Have there been concerns among officials and audiences or even bands about the pandemic’s impact? What do you personally see happening with live music as we wind down 2021 and head into 2022?
AN: Everywhere is different I’ll say this, the thing I noticed the most is that people were and are grateful to be back out and experiencing live music and people again It’s refreshing to see
PP: Getting back to 3rd Degree – The Raising, it will be the band’s second album with Century Media, what with Another Century being essentially a division of Century Media. What is it about Century Media that initially led you to sign with the label?
AN: A tarot reading I did in the Carlsbad caves
PP: One last question before I close things out. Thank you again for your time. I appreciate you taking the time. I know it’s probably way too soon to say at this point, but with the trilogy being completed with the pending release of 3rd Degree – The Raising, where does Gemini Syndrome go from there? Are you already looking at your next album(s)? Do you think this trio of albums will be the band’s only trilogy?
AN: We are already writing music for the future. I am collecting ideas from the astral plane to write about. I don’t know if we will do another trilogy. Maybe a double album to complete the 23 symbolism. Who knows?
Thanks again for your time and best of luck to you all once you head out on the road. I for one am also looking forward to the album’s release.
More information on Gemini Syndrome’s new album and live appearances is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
The band premiered its new single, ‘All I Need‘ Thursday. The song boasts a unique musical arrangement. The primary guitar line featured in this arrangement lends itself easily to comparison to that featured in Deftones’ hit song’ My Own Summer (Shove It).’ A close listen to each song reveals the similarity in sound. It is not precise, but is there.
As the arrangement progresses though, that guitar line gradually evolves and offers a heavy, dark sound that is complimented just as well by the song’s bass line and vocals from front man Joey Arena.
Arena talked about the song’s lyrical theme in a prepared statement.
“I was raised on unstable grounds,” the statement reads. “Therapy taught me to stop making excuses for those that have abused and abandoned me. A man that distantly titled himself as a “father” but neglected every simple duty of being one. A stepfather who looked for excuses to beat on me or throw me out for years. I accept that this is the hand that I am dealt. I respect and appreciate the journey I have been shaped and designed to travel. I am all I need”
In other news, Ovtlier is scheduled to serve as support for Gemini Syndrome on its upcoming headlining tour. Ovtlier’s dates with Gemini Syndrome are noted below.
GEMINI SYNDROME ‘Initiation’ USA Fall 2021 tour dates: 10/28 – Chippewa Falls, WI – Joel’s 4Corners # 10/29 – Green Bay, WI – EPIC Event Center # 10/30 – Racine, WI – Rt 20 (WIIL Rock Halloween Bash) # 10/31 – Battle Creek, MI – The Music Factory # 11/02 – Lakewood, OH – The Winchester Music Tavern # 11/04 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop # 11/05 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works # 11/06 – Liverpool, NY – Sharkey’s # 11/07 – Poughkeepsie, NY – The Chance # 11/08 – New York City, NY – Mercury Lounge #### 11/09 – Albany, NY – Empire Underground # 11/10 – Reading, PA – Reverb # 11/12 – Johnson City, TN – Capones # 11/13 – Greensboro, NC – The Blind Tiger # 11/14 – Huntsville, AL – Sidetracks ###
Direct support is Ovtlier # Smile Empty Soul, Ovtlier, Sunflower Dead, Pushing V, Tommy Gibbons ### GEMINI SYNDROME and Ovtlier only ####
‘All I Need’ is just the latest single from Ovtlier. The band most recently premiered its single, ‘Bulletproof‘ and a companion video. The band has also released the singles, ‘Who We Are‘ and ‘Buried Me Alive.’
More information on Ovtlier’s new single and tour dates is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Gemini Syndrome is scheduled to head back out on the road next month in support of its new album.
The band is scheduled to launch its new headlining tour in support of 3rd Degree — The Raising, Oct. 28. The album is scheduled for release Oct. 15 through Century Media Records. Ovtlier, Oh! The Horror, Pushing Veronica, and Them Damn Kings are scheduled to serve as support throughout the nearly month-long run.
Front man Aaron Nordstrom spoke about the upcoming tour in a prepared statement.
“We’re very excited to be back out in the road again this fall,” said Nordstrom. “It’s a time of transformation on our planet and our lives in preparation for the rebirth of the approaching solstice. We’re grateful to share this INITIATION with all you Spiritual Soldiers on the frontline helping to bring music back to this f***** up world.”
Added Nordstrom, “Our hope is that through sharing our experiences, lessons learned, and battles overcome, that we can help others to examine their own consciousness. Their role in the world in its almost infinite capacity, and to help remind each other that we are ALL in this together. We are a family, and when we are United in our commonality, we can achieve things worthy of the attention of the GODS. If you want to change the world, quietly go to work on yourself.”
Drummer Brian Steele Medina expanded on Nordstrom’s comments.
“We love nothing more than performing and creating a sacred space for transmutation with our brothers and sisters,” he said. “Now more than ever, it feels like everything is trying to pull us apart and perpetuate the illusion that we are separate. That we are not ONE. It’s all b*******. Give us your pandemics, your Pentagon UFO videos, and your barriers… It’s all f****** noise, but we’re louder and we will rise above it all.”
The schedule for Gemini Syndrome’s upcoming live run is noted below. The tour comes on the heels of another tour that the band recently ran, and most recently, a performance at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival on Sept. 10. Tickets and VIP packages for the band’s upcoming tour are available here.
GEMINI SYNDROME ‘Initiation’ USA Fall 2021 tour dates:
10/28 – Chippewa Falls, WI – Joel’s 4Corners *
10/29 – Green Bay, WI – EPIC Event Center *
10/30 – Racine, WI – Rt 20 (WIIL Rock Halloween Bash) *
10/31 – Battle Creek, MI – The Music Factory *
11/02 – Lakewood, OH – The Winchester Music Tavern *
11/04 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop *
11/05 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works *
11/06 – Liverpool, NY – Sharkey’s *
11/07 – Poughkeepsie, NY – The Chance *
11/08 – New York City, NY – Mercury Lounge ****
11/09 – Albany, NY – Empire Underground *
11/10 – Reading, PA – Reverb *
11/12 – Johnson City, TN – Capones *
11/13 – Greensboro, NC – The Blind Tiger *
11/14 – Huntsville, AL – Sidetracks ***
11/16 – San Antonio, TX – The Rock Box **
11/17 – Dallas, TX – Gas Monkey **
11/20 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar
11/22 – El Paso, TX – Rockhouse **
11/23 – Scottsdale, AZ – Pub Rock **
11/24 – West Hollywood, CA – Whiskey a Go Go **
11/26 – Las Vegas, NV – Backstage Bar **
11/27 – Reno, NV – Reno Brewhouse **
* Direct support is Ovtlier
** Direct support is Oh! The Horror
*** Show with Smile Empty Soul, Ovtlier, Sunflower Dead, Pushing V, Tommy Gibbons
**** GEMINI SYNDROME and Ovtlier only
More information on Gemini Syndrome’s new album, single, video and live appearances is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Gemini Syndrome recently wrapped up its latest live run in support of its new album, but the band’s live schedule is not over yet.
The band is scheduled to perform at this year’s Blue Ridge Rock Festival Sept. 10 in Danville, VA. Tickets for the concert are available here.
Front man Aaron Nordstrom said in a prepared statement, he and his band mates are anticipating the group’s performance.
“After all that the world has been through, it will be nice to be part of the communion of synners once again,” he said. “See you all soon!”
Drummer Brian Steele Medina expanded on Nordstrom’s comments.
“It’s great to get back out and visit with our brothers and sisters again,” said Medina. “Now more than ever we could all use music and human contact to balance out the pandemic, murder hornets & Pentagon UFO videos.”
Gemini Symdrome’s new album, 3rd Degree — The Raising is scheduled for release Oct. 15 through Century Media Records. The album’s track listing is noted below.
Audiences are getting yet another preview of Gemini Syndrome’s new album.
The band premiered the album’s fifth single Friday. It came in the form of the song, ‘Broken Reflection.’ Its premiere follows that of the album’s four other singles, ‘Abandoned,‘ ‘Die With Me,’ ‘IDK‘ and ‘Reintegration.‘
The musical arrangement featured in ‘Broken Reflection’ is another heavy, melodic hard rock composition from the band. The richness of the instrumentation alongside front man Aaron Nordstrom’s powerhouse vocals makes the song’s overall musical content fully engaging and entertaining. When it is paired with the song’s lyrical theme, the items collectively make the song that much more appealing to audiences.
Nordstrom said in a prepared statement, the song’s lyrical theme is meant to address how humans see themselves and each other.
“‘Broken Reflection’ focuses on the concept of Indra’s net. Basically saying that every consciousness is a crystal in a net or web and they all reflect the reflections from all the other crystals,” said Nordstrom. “The thing about mirrors is, they don’t always reflect the image back exactly the way it appears. Sometimes the mirror can alter what you’re experiencing versus what’s actually there. ‘Broken Reflection’ is a state of being in a sense. We are all trying to show the best versions of ourselves, but we need to master those versions inside before we can present the perfect image and not have it be confused for something illusory.”
Drummer Brian Steele Medina expanded on Nordstrom’s comments with his own statement about the song’s lyrical theme.
“Generation after generation we build an ever growing structure higher and higher upon itself. Are we building it on a solid foundation or not is the question. Are we building towards something better? Or are we slowly building a faulty structure that is doomed to collapse?” said Medina on “Broken Reflection”’s deeper meaning. “It’s the idea that we can take everything given to us in this world: Education, Tradition, Religion, Politics, the entire structure of society, and we can do it all right down to the smallest detail, and yet, still not be fulfilled. It’s the idea that ultimately, the only way to live a life of purpose, is to follow our internal compass and forge our own way.”
The song’s lyrical theme follows the bigger theme that spans the album’s songs. Nordstrom discussed that overarching theme during a recent interview.
“The album is about death and rebirth. Finding your true self and fostering its growth so as to help build the world better than we inherited it,” he said. “In the process of this record I made some major life choices. Mainly to stop killing myself slowly with alcohol. Two years without a drink, and a couple near death experiences later, I think I have ample experience to talk about a subject as elusive as death.”
Added Nordstrom, “Our hope is that through sharing our experiences, lessons learned, and battles overcome, that we can help others to examine their own consciousness. Their role in the world in its almost infinite capacity, and to help remind each other that we are ALL in this together. We are a family, and when we are United in our commonality, we can achieve things worthy of the attention of the GODS. If you want to change the world, quietly go to work on yourself.”
The full track listing for 3rd Degree — The Raising is noted below.
3rd Degree – The Raising Track Listing:
1-Reintegration
2-IDK
3-Die With Me
4-Baptized In Fire
5-Children of the Sun
6-Abandoned
7-Broken Reflection
8-Sum Quod Eris
9-Best of Me
10-Absolution
11-Hold the Line
12-Where We Started From
13-Fiat Lux
In other news, Gemini Syndrome wrapped up an extensive tour in support of its new album Aug. 15. The band still has another live performance scheduled. The band is scheduled to perform live at this year’s Blue Ridge Rock Festival Sept. 10 in Danville, VA. Tickets for the concert are available here.
More information on Gemini Syndrome’s new album, single, video and live appearances is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
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