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
The track listing for 3rd Degree – The Raising is:
01. Reintegration
02. IDK
03. Die With Me
04. Baptized In Fire
05. Children Of The Sun
06. Abandoned
07. Broken Reflection
08. Sum Quod Eris
09. Best Of Me
10. Absolution
11. Hold The Line
12. Where We Started From
13. Fiat Lux
Gemini Syndrome is currently tour:
Nov 08 // New York City, NY – Mercury Lounge
Nov 09 // Albany, NY – Empire Underground
Nov 10 // Reading, PA – Reverb
Nov 12 // Johnson City, TN – Capones
Nov 13 // Greensboro, NC – The Blind Tiger
Nov 14 // Huntsville, AL – Sidetracks
Nov 16 // San Antonio, TX – The Rock Box
Nov 17 // Dallas, TX – Gas Monkey
Nov 18 // Baton Rouge, LA – Basin Music Hall
Nov 20 // Houston, TX – Scout Bar
Nov 22 // El Paso, TX – Rockhouse
Nov 23 // Scottsdale, AZ – Pub Rock
Nov 24 // Hollywood, CA – Whiskey a Go Go
Nov 26 // Las Vegas, NV – Backstage Bar
Nov 27 // Reno, NV – Reno Brewhouse
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