“The Holy Shield” was advance released a few weeks ago, providing a tantalizing look at how Projekt Gemineye’s In the Year 3073 trilogy might conclude. Now we have the complete final chapter and it does not disappoint.
Over the five tracks on the album, a powerful and engaging story is told. “Man Your Stations” is an immediate kick in the butt. Writer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Mark Anthony K whips outs his formidable chops with an opening instrumental which conjures both Dream Theater and ‘90s-era Yes. The multitracked guitars, double bass drumming, and Chris Squire like bass work together to create a vision on impending doom and conflict.
“The Holy Shield” follows and is a perfect segue to the Projekt Gemineye power ballad, “In My Dreams.” K paints what’s at stake very directly with his lyrics: “Is this just a nightmare? Can this all be real? Are we doomed to repeat all our past mistakes?” The feeling of despair is contrasted with the melodic acoustic guitar touches throughout the song and the soaring electric guitar chorus effects he employs.
“War of Words” is a driving dialog between the characters Admiral Worthington (sung by Mark Anthony K) and Professor Stanislav (sung by labelmate Joe Bailey). Propelled by K’s slashing arsenal of guitars and analog-sounding synths, “War of Words” struggles as it deals with the futility of war and the optimism of a possible future.
The song is a driving tease to Projekt Gemineye’s trilogy-ending epic, “God of Time and Design.” The prominent bass and drums support the dialog between the characters, admiral Worthington and Professor Stanislav. The give-and-take of the lyrics are also embodied in the contrast in vocal styles.
Divided into five segments (preparation, realization of doom, crisis realized, hope, and crisis averted), K provides a guitar-drenched compelling end to what started with Projekt Gemineye’s Book I back in 2019. It’s been an invigorating ride, with an ending which more than exceeds expectation.
Projekt Gemineye’s In the Year 3073 Book III is out Jan. 21 via Bandcamp, with CD and limited-edition vinyl editions to follow.
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