ION – Like A Sickness (2024)
In Like A Sickness ION ushers listeners into an enigmatic realm where ancient rituals intertwine with modern reflections on identity and mysticism. This EP represents the first chapter of ION’s artistic transformation, capturing a bold departure into deeper, more intimate expressions of the occult. Each track reflects a different facet of a haunting, ritualistic journey, blending smooth harmonies with driving rhythms and contemplative lyrics. It is an exploration of spirituality, mysticism, and the struggle for personal and collective freedom, all through the lens of ION’s unique vision.
ION describes Like A Sickness as a monumental release, marking a turning point in his artistic evolution. “This EP is the initiatory body of work in my transmutation as an artist,” he shares. “It represents a shift towards ritualistic, more intimate expressions of the occult.” His intention is clear: to reawaken the purity and sincerity of early spiritual devotion while venturing into new, unexplored realms. Through these songs, ION invites listeners to embark on a journey that challenges the boundaries of reason and enchantment.
The EP opens with ‘Mercurii Ritual’, a piece that immediately sets the tone with a ceremonial organ improvisation. It creates a sacred ambiance, evoking an atmosphere ripe for new beginnings and spiritual journeys. The track feels like an ancient invocation, preparing listeners for the mystical voyage ahead.
The second track, ‘Homesick’, carries a chant-like quality that taps into early human spirituality. It is, in ION’s words, a “ceremonial homecoming” reconnecting with the indigenous ways that once nurtured humanity’s deepest spiritual practices. The track serves as a tribal anthem, celebrating ancient traditions and the veneration of sacred pasts. Its hypnotic rhythm and chanting vocals pull the listener into a trance, honoring both the spiritual and the sensual in a collective experience of dance and ritual.
‘Surface Tension’ is perhaps the most unsettling piece on the EP. As the first single, it sets the stage for the EP’s exploration of mental and societal constraints. The track pulsates with frantic energy, depicting the suffocating feeling of being trapped by society’s rules and expectations. ‘Lost in Translation’ brings a shift in tone, offering a moment of reflection as ION draws from his Albanian heritage. The track blends ancient prayers with evocative, personal memories, exploring themes of identity and shared ancestral wisdom. This piece is introspective, reaching deep into the past while creating a bridge to the present.
The penultimate track, ‘iamvessel’, offers a soothing contrast. It is a moment of escape, where ambient synths provide a serene refuge from the chaotic world. ION explains that the track encapsulates “the intoxicating feeling of escapism”, a desire to retreat into one’s own sanctuary as a means of coping with external pressures. With its dreamy, lullaby-like delivery, ‘iamvessel’ transports listeners into a tranquil, almost otherworldly space, offering a reprieve from the struggles that punctuate everyday life.
The EP closes with ‘You Hear Her Too?’, a track that provocatively examines the portrayal of witches and the societal conditioning that shapes our understanding of the mystical and the unknown. ION encourages listeners to challenge conventional narratives, urging a deeper exploration of hidden truths and marginalized perspectives. Growing up in the hilly region of Kosovo, ION’s music is deeply influenced by the folklore and spiritual traditions of his homeland. In Like A Sickness he layers his sound with a rich tapestry of influences, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Find out more about ION on his Instagram and Spotify.
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