A work of rare passion, drama and intrigue released just over a week ago via Metal Blade Records (and streaming HERE), the self-titled debut from occult heavy metal alchemists, MIRROR, has been reaping the critical accolades of media critics both stateside and abroad.
The musical brainchild of bassist Tas Danazoglou (Satan’s Wrath, ex-Electric Wizard) MIRROR‘s collection of cult crypt-kickers and mighty conjurings bears all the hallmarks of an instant classic. A chance meeting with respected producer (Ghost, Cathedral, Paradise Lost) and accomplished drummer Jaime Gomez Arellano led to the pair hitting on a shared vision of a classically aligned outfit that drew inspiration from the epic amplified landscapes of lore and legend whilst avoiding the lure of mere tribute, rather reinventing the sound and fury they loved anew. They were soon joined by Satan’s Wrath axeman Stamos K, and their fate further sealed by the arrival of the mightily operatic tenor of vocalist Jimmy Mavromatis, before the ouroborus was completed with the arrival of Los Angeles-based guitarist Matt Olivo (Repulsion).
Together as MIRROR they deliver a thunderously resonant salvo of metal magnificence. Grandiose in approach, richly melodic in delivery and fiercely passionate in character, Mirror is a veritable feast for the lover of traditional hard rock and heavy metal. Whilst denim-and-leather-clad pastiche abounds in contemporary metal circles, Mirror stands proud and impervious to fashion, artifice or foolhardy overstatement – merely a true-as-steel testimony to power and ardor that transcends generations.
Dead Rhetoric dubs MIRROR. “….a progressive answer to retro rock…,” My Global Mind enthuses, “From the self-titled opening track ‘Mirror,’ the style of the album was set with a Sabbath-esque ‘Children Of The Grave’-themed build up, before the classic vintage tone ripped through my speakers. The blistering guitar work by Matt Olivo and Stamos K is reminiscent to so many classic bands like Mercyful Fate, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden…. an album for fans of classic heavy metal and perhaps new listeners of the evolving resurgence of occult rock scene (Ghost, In Solitude, The Devil’s Blood, Blood Ceremony, Jex Thoth) to check out.” Dangergog Music Revioews concurs, “MIRROR works from music’s defining elements: melody and harmony. You’ll find this in the twin guitar harmony, both in riffage and solos. And solos abound here… Without little doubt they are channeling the best of classic early ’80s American heavy metal. Good stuff and recommended.” While Sea Of Tranquility issues, “MIRROR have done a great job here incorporating classic hard rock and metal elements into a style that’s truly exciting and fresh while still paying homage to the past…a killer debut…” Adds MetalSucks of the band’s “Galleon” single in particular, “What’s great about this latest track by MIRROR… is that it’s never lazy or repetitive. ‘Galleon’ is fast, dynamic, and over the top, all while managing to hit every classic metal trope… The guitars create a whirlwind of dramatic atmosphere. Vocalist Jimmy Mavromatis isn’t just doing a Bruce Dickinson or Lips Kudlow impression, he’s going totally nuts. While so many other bands are bringing all the scattered pieces of classic metal, they rarely have the energy that fueled those incredible artists. MIRROR sound pumped up and ready to slay.”
From the Hammond-abetted bruiser “Heavy King” to the stomping groove and harmony-driven thrust of “Madness And Magik,” and from the galloping madness of “Galleon” to the colossal closer “Elysian,” these torrents of tumultuous riffing and monstrous bravura volley forth in gloriously devil-may-care style.
MIRROR‘s self-titled debut is out now with various ordering options and tracks streaming at: metalblade.com/mirror.
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http://www.metalblade.com/mirror