(Progressive Metal) [CD] Hemina - Nebulae - 2014, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Aussie prog has certainly acquired a new lease of life in the last decade or so with band like Karnivool, Voyager and the like making waves across the prog rock/metal world, but Hemina are a more recent band in comparison. I heard their first album too long back to actually remember how it sounded unfortunately, but man, in the case of this album I was pretty much hooked from the first listen itself. This album has a certain vibrancy and a unique feel of many different genres that you simply do not find in the vast majority of prog metal circles across the globe. Overall their synthesis of various genres across the board is their ace in the hole which is demonstrated throughout the albums as a sonic tapestry of peaks and valleys or rather some monumental ebbs and flows. Unlike a lot of their ilk, these guys truly know when to get technical and when to just sit back and let the music breath/speak for itself. Take notes prog bands, take notes. This is how it's actually done. Just listen to the song “Lust” and see if you don’t find yourself letting your jaw drop marveling at the amazing skills these guys have fusing genres like R&B and even soul into their prog template with its floating atmosphere, its unique approach to vocals and the gorgeously composed reverb laden outro. What more can I say? Definitely one of the albums standouts that’s for sure.
One thing that got me really hooked from the first song onwards was the dual vocals of Jessica Martin and Douglas Skene both drawing from a very wide vocal range, giving the band a much wider sonic template to explore and experiment on. Jessica’s vocals add a really refreshing touch to the overall sound of the band, being almost a hybrid of power metal and gothic metal. Both the vocals also sound very different and ethereal when doing some crazy soaring vocal harmonies in the case of “Soulmates” and “Loss”. Moreover you can really hear the fucking passionate vibe both the vocalists share as they play off each other, which is definitely not something you see in every other band. There are even some wicked synth solos and piano textures in “Nightlives” and “Promises”. "Freedom" is full of choppy grooving riffs that wouldn't sound out of place on a Nevermore/Pantera album with an almost virtuoso guitar and keyboard solo. The guitars on the whole keep things simple but like Sieges Even and other such bands, their simplicity is their strong point with amazing clean breaks and picking, groovy riffs and an almost traditional 80s vibe in the leads and solos providing yet another fantastic contrast. I can’t really find an overall reference point concerning their sound since there is such a varied mix in the prog stew, but it is definitely unique for what it is and will have you hooked pretty much immediately. Rest assured of that.
By and large, the riffs and guitar-work recall another fascinating act from the land down under, Voyager. While there is a similar feel, don’t even remotely think that there is a ripoff at work here. Even some of the vocal lines of Douglas are very reminiscent of some of Voyager’s best songs. The clean picking and chords are kept pretty simple and I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. "Strength" is another contender for the best and the most diverse song on the album with amazing hooks, phenomenally catchy guitar trade-offs and of course some really sublime vocals as well. However the last song "Otherworldly" is actually true to its name in more ways than one, featuring a stunning clean progressive break at 2:22 followed by some of the best vocals lines on the album only to wow you with some sick keys leads. Another crazy progressive break at 5:48 after the soaring vocals finally leading to the epic finale. One heck of a song.
Final verdict: I honestly cannot recommend this album enough, especially for those having an eye for diversity and a blend of genres. If you even remotely consider yourself a prog fan and still don't have this album, you are seriously missing out. Top class stuff.
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Jessica Martin Bass, Vocals
Mitch Coull Guitars, Vocals
Douglas Skene Guitars, Vocals (lead)
Phill Eltakchi Keyboards, Vocals