Reflections embody every bit of the dichotomy of the “Twin Cities” from which they were spawned. Their music is pulverizing, their live show explosive, while their message is empowering and their offstage demeanor both optimistic and outgoing. The title the metal quintet chose for their new album, Exi(s)t, further exemplifies that creative duality: exist, or exit.
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Exi(s)t demonstrates a knack for the merciless death-core onslaught of bands like Suicide Silence and (Reflections tourmates) All Shall Perish, the unrelenting bottom end crunch of the legendary Pantera and the esoteric/atmospheric trippy experimentalism of France’s Gojira. The progressive virtuoso guitar playing of Patrick Somoulay and Charles Caswell rivals the topmost of what the scene has to offer, as the fluidly dynamic bass work of Francis Xayana and the masterful drumming of Cam Murray lay an unshakeable foundation upon which Jake Foster unleashes his vocals.
The group’s onslaught has been honed on the road with bands like Oceano, The Contortionist, Within The Ruins, After The Burial and Born of Osiris. Curious onlookers who witnessed their performances at events like New England Metal Fest and The Jamboree became ferocious consumers of what Reflections creates, clamoring on forums and blogs for new music.
Audio Hammer Studios workhorse Eyal Levi (The Black Dahlia Murder, Unearth) helped the Midwestern metal mavens capture and refine their expansive sound deep in the heart of Florida, employing both his expertise as a producer and his experience as a touring musician to Reflections’ songs. The end result is one of the most incredible heavy albums of 2013.
Every song on Exi(s)t is a sonic rollercoaster blazing through with enormous depth and shockingly- raw personal exposition. “Delirium” is a straightforward banger; “Bridges” sees the band at their most technically proficient. The doomy, down-tempo “This House” is unlike anything Reflections had done before. “Candle” visits uncharted territory, as well.
The close proximity of the band members (each of them live in the same neighborhood) has created an intimacy that extends to their audience. They are careful to make sure every fan they meet walks away with a positive experience, to be remembered as down-to-earth guys with heart. The endgame goal of Reflections is to teach others about the things that are possible when expectations and limits are removed. Reflections Exi(s)t is evidence of the awe-inspiring power of a band channeling their talent, their technique, their life experiences and their brotherhood into their art.
Official Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQBt3–4nIY
Reflections Is:
Jake Foster – Vocals
Patrick Somoulay – Guitar
Charles Caswell – Guitar
Francis Xayana – Bass
Cam Murray – Drums
Cam's Gear:
– Drums: Tama Silverstar – 10×8, 12×10, 16×14 toms, 22×18 kick.
– Cymbals: Meinl HCS 14" Hats, Zildjian A Custom 16" Crash, Zildjian A Custom 18" Crash, Zildjian K Custom 21" Ride, Zildjian Oriental 16" – China, Meinl 18" MB20 China stack w/ Thomas Lang Filter China.
– Tama Iron Cobra Power Glide pedals
Reflections are currently on tour with Born of Osiris, and will do some dates with label-mates Within The Ruins after that. Full dates here: https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsmn/app_123966167614127
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsmn
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