ION ‘Like A Sickness’ – out now!
ION has unveiled his long-awaited EP, Like A Sickness, a daring venture that transcends conventional music boundaries to delve into the realms of spirituality and the occult. He crafts an auditory experience that serves as a vehicle for navigating themes of madness, occult wisdom, and spiritual preservation. He describes the EP as a “sonic rite,” inviting listeners not merely to hear but to embark on a transformative journey through intricate soundscapes woven with ritualistic undertones.
The EP marks a pivotal moment in ION’s artistic evolution, signalling a shift toward a more intimate and ritual-based creative process. With six evocative tracks, Like A Sickness, immerses listeners in a contemplative atmosphere that evokes the essence of ancient spiritual practices while incorporating modern experimental techniques. The opening track, “Mercurii Ritual”, sets the stage with an improvisational organ composition that feels both sacred and ominous, laying the groundwork for an exploration of the mystical. Following closely is “Homesick”, a piece that transports listeners into an aboriginal-inspired soundscape, characterized by tribal rhythms and primal chants. Here, ION pays homage to the vestigial spiritual traditions of humanity, invigorating them with a contemporary edge.
One of the standout tracks, “Surface Tension”, provides a stark examination of societal constraints and the suffocation that can accompany them. Accompanied by a haunting music video set in a psychiatric ward, the track’s frantic melodies and distorted sound evoke a claustrophobic sensation, mirroring the pressures of conformity. This raw portrayal of mental unrest resonates deeply with listeners, reinforcing the EP’s exploration of madness. In contrast, “Lost in Translation” channels a more personal reflection, as ION sings in his native Albanian about the disconnection from ancient spiritual knowledge. The haunting lyrics lament the loss of sacred traditions, capturing a profound yearning for a deeper connection to the past.
As the EP reaches its conclusion, “You Hear Her Too?” explores the duality of perceptions surrounding witches, balancing themes of healing and malevolence. This complex narrative invites listeners to question societal conditioning and the often misguided associations with witchcraft. The track oscillates between light and darkness, leaving the listener in a contemplative state—a fitting end to a journey that blurs the lines between reality and illusion.
In, Like A Sickness, ION has crafted a profound work of experimentalism that invites listeners into a world where music transcends mere entertainment. This EP is not only a reflection of ION’s artistic metamorphosis but also a challenge to confront deeper themes of mysticism, chaos, and the sacred. By pushing the boundaries of music’s role, ION transforms sound into a spiritual experience, urging us to engage with the complexities of our existence and the ancient echoes that continue to resonate within us. As ION continues to evolve as an artist, Like A Sickness, stands as a testament to the transformative power of music and its ability to connect us to our most profound selves.
