Voyager, Teramaze, Karnivool, Caligula's Horse, Arcane, Eyefear, Ne Obliviscaris etc. Australia is home base to many highly talented/innovative progressive groups, and you can surely add Hemina to that impressive list. Hemina are one group that progressive metal fans should be eagerly discussing as they really are something else. This band received so much positive feedback for their first two albums Synthetic and Nebulae, and they continue to surprise the listener in a good way.
Based in Sydney, Australia Hemina have released their third full length Venus and what an album it is, I see no reason why that high level of enthusiasm towards this band shouldn't continue. Venus packs so much content into a single disc that is over eighty minutes and as with their debut Synthetic three of the tracks alone are clocking in at over ten minutes compared to Hemina's last and more streamlined album Nebulae that just had the one. Venus is not short on enthralling instrumental passages with fine musicianship and those wonderful melodic vocals, and this album certainly doesn't drag on due to that generous duration. Venus is also a concept album concerning a couples turbulent relationship "examining domestic violence, relationships, and individuality in the 21st century".
Venus is up there with the best progressive albums that I have heard in some time with plenty for the progressive metal fans and more with that heavy/technical component and presenting a rich melodic element, and with styles ranging from that of djent to jazz. The diverse and now four piece group show again that they aren't afraid to mix it up, and extra musicians were brought in on the saxophone, trumpet, flute and percussion with additional vocalists. "Fantasy" hits hard form the enthusiastic start with great use of keyboards and shifting metallic grooves, track three "High Kite Ride" is an engaging and energetic track and one for fans of Dream Theaters' more lively material, and yes Venus is another album that eclipses that very bands latest album. "Secret's Safe" is another twisting winner and the shortest track "Starbreeze" is a punchy and technical progressive mover that hits the spot. "Down Will Come Baby" is the final and longest heavy epic creation on Venus an album with such much to offer. If you missed Venus in 2016 then now is the time to rectify the situation and get yourself a copy of this great album.
Track Listing
1. Fantasy
2. Expect The Unexpected
3. High Kite Ride
4. Moonlight Bride
5. Venus
6. The Collective Unconscious
7. Secret's Safe
8. Starbreeze
9. I
10. Dream State Of Mind
11. Down Will Come Baby
12. You
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