CONCERT REVIEW: Evan J. Thomas recently covered Gemini Syndrome at The Forge in Joliet, IL with openers A Killers Confession, Ovtlier and Pushing Veronica, Check out his review and bad ass photos! - SEE IT ALL HERE

8/1/2021

By: Evan J. Thomas

After a year and a half of no live music, tours, festivals and shows has shown us how important live music is to the psyche of those who need live music in their lives. Myself being one of those people and on this night it was the perfect storm. Gemini Syndrome headlining at The Forge in Joliet, IL along with metal acts A Killers Confession, newcomers Ovtlier and punk rock band Pushing Veronica it was a night of eclectic evening of Rock and Metal music.

Punk rockers Pushing Veronica kicked off the show and boy did they bring the energy to a nearly sold out crowd. Thrashing around, having fun and showing their youthful exuberance, Pushing Veronica was a perfect band to work the masses into a frenzy before the heavy hitters came up. I've been following PV on their socials and have played their music on my radio show (Rock Hard with Evan J. Thomas) but after finally seeing them live they solidified a new fan here. I got to talk and meet the band after their set at their merch table and they are a very impressive group of talented musicians.

I was stoked to see newcomers Ovtlier who hail out of New York and A Killers Confession fronted by former Mushroom head vocalist Waylon Reavis as they were up next on the four band lineup and both lived up to my own hype on stage and musically.

I had the opportunity to sit and talk with vocalist Aaron Nordstrom and drummer Brian Medina prior to the show and they had let the cat out of the bag with me as they unveiled they would be releasing a new song in a few days called "Abandoned" and debuting it on stage tonight as well as announcing a new album called "3rd Degree - The Raising" due out on October 15. Their hour plus set included the before mentioned new track as well as favorites "Sorry Not Sorry", "Remember We Die", "Stardust" and many more!

I have loved seeing Gemini Syndrome since the first time I saw them in 2016 at Chicago Open Air and their sets have only grown more visually appealing and their catalog of great music just keeps growing. With Nordstrom at the helm, Medina on the sticks, Alessandro Paveri on bass they have one of the most talented trios in metal along with Meegs Rascon and Nicholas Arnold on guitar Gemini Syndrome will be a force to behold for years to come.