Ides of Gemini – Constantinople (2012)

While we wait for ages for Jex Thoth to finally record a new album, now we have a suitable complement to her particular brand of Psychedelic Doom Metal that we all crave: Ides of Gemini and their latest release “Constantinople”. Out in late May 2012 via Neurot Recordings, “Constantinople” is a very dark release that will haunt your dreams with the mysterious vocals of Sera Timms and Kelly Johnston.

At a first glance, the opening of this release with “The Vessel & The Stake” gives you a Cascadian Black Metal impression, but this is nicely shaped into a minimalist droning Doom Metal sound that will hook you immediately. The simplicity of the music and the reverb on the guitars is just enough to provide a dark atmosphere that surrounds Sera and Kelly’s vocals. The similarities to Jex Thoth are undeniable, but Ides of Gemini keeps things more simple and tight.

With songs like “Starless Midnight”, “Slain in Spirit”, and “Resurrectionists”, the band sets the mood very efficiently and transports the listener to a dark and desolate corner. The music is very well crafted, but the simplicity of their songs is what makes them so effective and engaging. There is a hefty dosage of powerful Doom riffs in every song, but the contrasts provided by the vocals and the ‘slower’ passages is what makes tracks like “One to Oneness” and “Reaping Golden” truly magical and refreshing. The percussions greatly add to the overall ambiance of the music and create a unique and very martial listening experience.

Our favorite track of this release has to be the enigmatic “Austrian Windows” and its very Psychedelic feeling. Just before you know it, this release comes full circle with the powerful “Old Believer”. As you can imagine all nine tracks presented in this release have their own little details that makes them magical and very enjoyable.

“Constantinople” is by far one of our favorite releases of 2012. Thanks to the bands ability to make simple songs that truly engage the listener and that exploit the band’s skills, it is quite understandable that Ides of Gemini is a force to be reckoned. If you like Jex Thoth and similar artists, this is one release you don’t want to miss.

Release: May 29th, 2012

Country: USA