Ok let's just forget whilst i am writing this review that i am clearly in love with Gemini Five's bass player 'Hot Rod'. I can be impartial.. honestly.
Gemini Five are another one of the new breed sleaze bands to emerge from Sweden. Although they have been going since 2001 and Hot Rod was a rhythm guitarist for the Beautiful Creatures they have not had much publicity and their previous album 'Babylon Rockets' came and went with out much hype.

However it's seems that with the new found interest in sleaze rock (especially from Sweden) that 'Black Anthem' maybe Gemini Five's big break.

The thing about that is that their previous album was sleazy and fun whereas the production on this album appears to have placed a strange almost industrial feel on top of everything.

It takes a bit of listening to, just to get your head round the transformation that has occurred. This new dark side is particularly evident on the title track 'Black Anthem', which has a eerie sinister feel to it especially with the barely audible piano in the background. The lyrics are also somewhat dark 'Like a song for the broken heart seduce me again, dying just to thorn, the deepest scars, songs of faith and devotion
all the pain you will know, reveals the darkest, secret of your heart, you're a slave to black love'. It's fantastic song but some may find it hard to believe it's Gemini Five.


Of course there are stand out tracks such as 'When The Body Speaks' and 'Insane is sane'. The former being a mighty track with thudding bass lines and heavily distorted guitars.

I have found that the more i listen to it, the more i can actually appreciate the new sound and the quality of the production. The CD is well written and the playing on all the songs is flawless.

Other highlights for me after one or two listens are:'You lead me to the madness' and 'Making love song.

If you like your glam albums to still sound like they were recorded and produced in the 80's this may not be for you. However if you are prepared to accept the twist that some newer bands are putting on the music, you will love 'Black Anthem'

7.5/10
Kerri