ION’s EP, Like A Sickness, is an ambitious, genre-defying journey into the realms of mysticism, ritual, and the human psyche. Across its six tracks, the project transcends conventional music-making to establish itself as a meditative and introspective experience, where sound becomes a ceremonial act. By blending themes of insanity, occult wisdom, and spiritual preservation with unique sonic textures, ION has created a visceral, otherworldly body of work.
The EP opens with ‘Mercurii Ritual’, a haunting improvisational piece on the organ that serves as a ceremonial invitation. The composition evokes the solemnity of ancient rites while maintaining an improvisational freshness that mirrors the spontaneity of spiritual journeys. Its ethereal tones create a sense of both anticipation and reverence, preparing listeners for the depths to come.
With ‘Homesick’, ION crafts an immersive tribal soundscape reminiscent of ancestral chants. Its hypnotic rhythms and layered harmonies evoke a collective yearning for spiritual homecoming. The track’s ceremonial energy bridges the gap between the ancient and the modern, inviting listeners to reconnect with forgotten roots through a dance of vitality and introspection.
In a sharp tonal shift, ‘Surface Tension’ delves into the chaos of societal constraints. Its frenetic rhythms and suffocating intensity echo the overwhelming pressures of conformity, capturing the fragile boundary between sanity and madness. The accompanying imagery of a psychiatric ward amplifies the visceral unease, making this track a raw exploration of mental strife.
Sung in ION’s native Albanian, ‘Lost In Translation’ mourns the erosion of ancient spiritual knowledge. The melancholic melody underscores the tragedy of humanity’s disconnection from its pagan past. Through its poignant lyrics and haunting instrumentation, the song becomes a lamentation for the wisdom of ancestors, now obscured by the fog of modernity.
A dreamy, ambient piece, ‘iamvessel’ portrays escapism as both refuge and illusion. Through hypnotic synths and a lullaby-like vocal delivery, ION creates a sonic sanctuary—a fragile world of imagination where the listener can retreat. The track’s delicate layers emphasize its dreamlike quality, immersing the audience in a soothing yet transient escape.
The EP closes with ‘You Hear Her Too?’, a masterful duality that examines witches from both internal and external perspectives. The first part is harmonious and reverent, celebrating the witch’s nurturing connection to nature and healing. The second part grows darker, reflecting centuries of societal mistrust and fear. This dichotomy challenges listeners to question their perceptions of the mystical and the misunderstood, leaving them with an evocative sense of wonder and unease.
Like A Sickness, marks a bold transformation in ION’s artistic identity. With its blend of experimental soundscapes and ritualistic themes, the EP transcends the boundaries of music, venturing into spiritual and philosophical terrain. ION’s deep connection to the occult and early spiritual practices shines through in every note, creating a multidimensional experience that is both intimate and expansive.
ION’s declaration that this EP represents his “transmutation” as an artist is evident in the intricate fusion of sound and symbolism. He has crafted a sonic universe where ancient traditions meet contemporary expression, allowing listeners to explore uncharted realms of thought and emotion.
Like A Sickness, is not merely an EP—it’s a profound auditory ritual. ION invites us to confront the complexities of our inner worlds, reconnect with forgotten wisdom, and question societal norms. With its innovative approach and thematic depth, the EP solidifies ION’s place as a trailblazer in ritualistic and spiritual music.
Listeners willing to embrace its mysteries will find themselves transformed, left pondering the fine line between madness and enlightenment.
