HEMINA is a Progressive Metal band hailing from Sydney, Australia. Their previous four albums, 'Synthetic', 'Nebulae', 'Venus', and 'Night Echoes', were met with critical acclaim and showcased the band's versatility and range. With 'Romancing the Ether', HEMINA has once again paired with audiophile mastering engineer extraordinaire Ermin Hamidovic at Systematic Productions delivering their most polished, dynamic production to date. This album delves into the innermost motivations of family, meaning, and belonging through a psychological and spiritual journey. The 35-minute track is divided into six movements, each exploring the depths of the human psyche in a unique way."

I find that the album is best listened to as one entire track. The first movement is as full of melodies as it is hardened, heavy metal, and the lead guitars sing to you. They use piano, keyboards, guitars, and tender vocals to carry the opening sound. The second movement is full of just about everything. Take the meter for example. They are constantly shifting the pace so that you have to listen closer to follow it, and that allows you to take in the full breadth of their musicianship. The music itself has a main line of melody, but explores liberally a juggernaut of various sounds, and everything is enhanced by Doug's vast vocal range. Harmonies abound as well, both in the vocals and the guitar leads.

A transition to a more charming sound takes us to the next movement, with an equal dose of vocals from Jessica and Doug. Take a listen to those keyboards and chugging rhythms as the song transitions to a more aggressive sound. I hear some glorious QUEEN in the vocal harmonies that follow as well. The transitions from emotional and introspective musings to ardent passages of shredding guitar leads are seamless at times. JOURNEY vibes come through when he sings the lines "show me your love, show me your life," and chills spontaneously appear. This early crescendo is something snatched out of the innocence of childhood, if you follow me. Another transition is headed our way...as the clouds grey and the mood darkens.

Jessica's vocals lead the charge, and they are somewhere between psychedelic moans and painful memories of the past. Never content to remain in one place for too long, spacey keyboards and chugging rhythms carry us through some tense moments to the next movement. "I'm pretty sure I don't believe there's a God up there in the constellations" they declare, and further add "sheepishly, I look to the sky just to see your star." Those vocal harmonies are gorgeous. In comes a more hopeful sounding push to the final movement, and they unleash the full power of glorious melodies, offering the listener a few plates beyond the level of their hunger, which you eagerly ravish. I want these final minutes to last forever.

For me, the journey was as much about doubt and working through issues to strengthen the family bonds, and I love the "happy ending." It fills me with warmth, and hope, and it awakens my resolve. Humans in general and family dynamics are complicated things. You don't always have to get along, and you won't. But the real work lies in your willingness to compromise so that you can find harmony. The message comes through like a freight train barreling through the mountain pass. On "Romancing the Ether," HEMINA have once again shown us intricate and sophisticated songwriting that is as passionate as their message of faith, and confidence. Stay on the path, no matter how uncomfortable it might be.