REVIEW

The second album from New Zealand cosmic doom project REMINA.

Formed in 2021 in Dunedin, the project is led by Mike Lamb (Sojourner) and Heike Langhans (Sojourner, ex-Draconian, ex-ISON). Lamb handles guitars, bass, and synthesizers, while Heike takes on vocals, lyrics, synthesizers, and even the artwork. With the addition of drummer Shayne Roos on this release, the project now operates as a trio.

Compared to Heike’s earlier work with ISON, the sound here appears more concise and accessible, yet its vast, drifting sense of scale remains intact. Across the album, a striking contrast emerges between boundless darkness and the distant shimmer of stars, rendered with a cinematic sense of space.

At the core of the record is #5 “Theia”. Layered atmospheric guitars and synthesizers intertwine with Heike’s ethereal voice, evoking a vast nebula suspended in the depths of space. The track stands as a defining moment for REMINA, suggesting the full scope of their sonic identity.

The guest contributions also prove effective. On #2 “Algol” a duet with Mick Moss of Antimatter unfolds with measured restraint. His warm mid-range contrasts with Heike’s fragile delivery, their voices flickering in tandem like the variable star Algol. The pairing further suggests a mythic duality, reminiscent of Perseus and Medusa, reinforcing the track’s thematic depth.

Elsewhere, the album ventures beyond the framework of their prior projects. #6 “Io” introduces a rigid industrial beat—at times echoing Heike’s darkwave project :LOR3L3I:—while #7 “Silence and the Silver Sea”  leans into a more dynamic progression, recalling elements of gothic rock and early gothic metal.

Beyond her vocal performance, Heike’s role as the visual architect of the project further underscores her creative range. Like Voyager continuing its journey into uncharted space, her work here suggests an ever-expanding artistic trajectory.