ALBUM REVIEW: Night Echoes – Hemina

HEMINA – for the Ancient Romans, it was a unit of measure, for us, it’s a progressive metal unit from Sydney, Australia. HEMINA have been making ripples in the progressive scene since releasing their third album Venus back in 2016. New album Night Echoes is set to turn those ripples into waves. With this fourth record, the band have channelled their infectious sense of fun. The catchy melodies and retro riffs ooze with happy vibes, you can almost hear them smiling as they record.

Bursting in with a guitar solo that would satisfy the ’80s, The Only Way sets the precedent for the remainder of the album. The harmonies between all the band members is what helps HEMINA sound so unique. Warbles by lead vocalist and guitarist Douglas Skene almost steal the show here. Everything is chucked into the melting pot but second track What’s The Catch? sounds more focused. A simple, yet catchy melody runs throughout with subtle keys layered underneath the soaring guitars. Nothing prepares the listener for the tour de force which is We Will. Futuristic lyrics, colossal vocals, a bassy hook and twinkling keys transport you to HEMINA‘s retro world with staggering effect. They then shake up the formula and deliver the super funky and smooth One Short. This is disco era HEMINA and it is irresistible.

After an energetic first half, things slow down a notch with the mostly-acoustic Flat and Everything Unsaid. Both songs demonstrate how even a stripped back HEMINA can tell a story with power and heart. The acoustic strums at the beginning of Flat reveal a contrast to the energetic electronics the album has boasted so far. What is so enjoyable about listening to this simpler track is appreciating the organic production of the record. Each component sounds raw yet executed perfectly, displaying the polished expertise of all members. Everything Unsaid also possesses the signature vocal harmonies HEMINA deliver which gives them their unique stamp.

The aptly named Nostalgia harks back to the glory days of classic rock songs with a vocal hook you could belt out. The nods to gospel and power metal vocals create a memorable track composed of a plethora of styles which shouldn’t work on paper, yet HEMINA achieve with aplomb. After a steady couple of songs, Nostalgia is a glorious burst of energy. Night Echoes‘ penultimate track In Technicolour is also the album’s opus. Clocking in at nine and a half minutes long, each second is important and lovingly crafted. A heartfelt message is sung over brooding keys, bold solos and an uplifting chorus. It results in the album’s most raw and honest accomplishment. In Technicolour cannot be explored in one listen. It deserves several revisits to truly absorb all which is on offer here. This could be said for Night Echoes in general with its rich depth of layers and dynamics.

Album finale and latest single Flicker is a storming track and earns its right to conclude this dazzling album. Bassist Jessica Martin shines on this track with both her bass hooks and vocals. Skene seduces the ears with his Ville Valo-esque croons and majestic highs during the last minute of the song. The futuristic riffs, catchy chorus and shimmering notes, all reflect some of the appealing aspects of HEMINA.

It’s not hard to fall for HEMINA‘s charming and uplifting demeanour. Yes, some might find their strain of progressive metal to be cheesy, but it would be difficult to deny Night Echoes is full of fun and superb musicianship. Hailing from a land becoming famous for its progressive exports (i.e. CALIGULA’S HORSE, KARNIVOOL, TERRAMAZE to name but a few), HEMINA‘s old-school stance on the genre is distinct yet constantly evolving. Night Echoes is one album to buy on vinyl for the full retro experience.

Rating: 7/10

Night Echoes is set for release August 9th via self release.

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