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Written by Marc Farr Saturday, 23 August 2014 15:04

The days of being a well-kept secret are over for Gemini Syndrome; it is likely we will not see them in such an intimate setting again.

 

The Mad Magician, St. Louis

It was a great night for metal in St. Louis on Wednesday night when Gemini Syndrome took over The Mad Magician in The Grove. With five opening bands, this was one hell of a music-packed show. The debut album from the band, Lux, shines brightly as one of the top metal albums of the year. They are tight and precise in the studio, but does the band have what it takes to bring their material to the stage?

Indeed, it does. This is one talented group of guys. Lead vocalist and former Otep guitarist Aaron Nordstrom brings his warm baritone to the stage, accenting his melodic style with piercing screams and guttural growls, courtesy of Nordstrom and guitarist Mike Salerno. The band is clean, tight, and together, yet has a feel of freedom when playing live. The bands material comes across like a juggernaut, spewing forth from the speakers. Tracks like “Basement” and “Lux,” the set opener, are deliciously heavy while not overdone. Drummer Brian Steele Medina and bassist Alessandro “A.P.” Paveri provide a strong rhythm section, while Salerno delivers his scathing guitar licks.

When asked how the tour is going, Nordstrom replied, “Very well. We are coming to the end of it, and it has been a great experience. Between the dates opening for Sevendust as well as our own headlining shows, we’ve had a great time.” So have the crowds they have played for. The days of being a well-kept secret are over for Gemini Syndrome. It is likely we will not see them in such an intimate setting again, as its star is rising.

Tearing through “Resurrection “and “Pay for This,” the band achieve a coherent and enjoyable mix of technical precision and a live feel. Saving the best-known song for last, the band tore into “Stardust,” first single from Lux, as the small but fevered crowd sang every word. This song strongly showcases the band’s ability to mix heaviness with a fantastic melody. Show closer “Pleasure and Pain” wrapped up a set that was well-rounded. A great show by a great new band.

Among the quintet of openers, of interest are A Life Less Gray, who played a short but sweet set of heavy rock’ D-Railed, who may see a bright future as they were quite good; and Black Tide, a high-energy, metalcore band with great vocals and hot solo work. | Marc Farr