Reflections is an unstoppable machine. This three-song EP was written by Jake Wolf (vocalist of Reflections) and Calle Thomer (guitarist of Vildhjarta), and it was produced by Buster Odeholm (guitar, bass, and drums for Humanity’s Last Breath). It is essentially a follow-up to Reflections’ three-song EP from 2021 called ‘Silhouette’ which also involved Calle and Buster.
For those who are familiar with this style, all I need to say is this: Thall. If you’ve somehow not listened to Vildhjarta and Humanity’s Last Breath, you have no idea the cavernous depths into which you’re about to descend. Abyssal atmospheres, ruinous soundscapes, and eery environments are at every turn.
Reflections leans even further into the Vildhjarta / Humanity’s Last Breath influences this time around. The tranquil atmospheres typically present in Reflections’ earlier work are juxtaposed with deep, slow grooves. Jake’s deathcore vocals, which have increased in presence on Reflections’ recent material, further solidify the heaviness of this EP.
It’s interesting because Reflections has so many sides to their music. The side on this EP is essentially a Humanity’s Last Breath release but with Jake on vocals. They have also been re-recording and remastering their early albums like ‘The Fantasy Effect’ and parts of ‘Exist’ (which they just released on October 22). They are both ridiculously good, and I’d love to see Reflections bring some of that progressive metalcore style back in the future. And then releases like ‘Willow’ and “Scapegoat” are super dark with the band going in more of a deathcore direction.
The only word of advice I have for Reflections is that they not lose sight of the vocal style from ‘The Color Clear’ and the albums before it. Jake’s lyrics are powerful, and being able to understand them is what hooks casual listeners and turns them into lifelong fans. The recent deathcore vocals are a great addition to the arsenal, and I remember how excited people were to hear small sections of them on the early albums, but an over reliance on them can cause songs to blur together and diminish the melodic aspects that Reflections does so well.
As one of my all-time favorite bands, I’m always excited to see Reflections continue to grow and try new things. The possibilities for these guys are limitless.
Reflections // Shadow
Categories: Reviews
