| CD REVIEW Mirror Of Deception |
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Band: Mirror Of Deception Mirror Of Deception are a German outfit, originally formed in 1990 near Stuttgart, and therefore: (un)happy 20th anniversary, dear doomers… In the early years, Mirror Of Deception was strongly inspired by bands as Candlemass, Revelation or Solitude Aeternus, yet they sort of evolved into an own, rather unique style. This goes for the music and vocals, yet also for the lyrics. When it comes to the latter, A Smouldering Fire isn’t different. The album deals with personal thoughts and experiences, local happenings, as well as inspirational elements from authors like José Samarago or William H. Hodgson. And like it was the case with both former albums, Foregone and Shards, this new album was recorded in their home city at Soundman Studios with Marc Martin and Mitch Meister. A Smouldering Fire is comparable to both former releases, yet with one important difference: much more epic than before! What stays the same are the melodic approach and rather traditional performance. As said before, Candlemass, Solitude Aeternus and Revelation have always been of influence to this German combo, and this time is not different. Yet there are some other bands that sometimes come to mind, like Cirith Ungol, Procession, Count Raven, Trouble or Doomshine – even Ereb Altor, Primordial and Bathory (Viking-era, evidently) may have been of influence. These final additional bands and projects have to do with the melodic-epic approach (modestly flirting with the edge of Folk-oriented craftsmanship), undeniably a surplus in comparison to the past! Yet in spite of all these comparable entities, Mirror Of Deception do have an own characterisation, an own way of performance. Consider it a symbiosis of higher mentioned projects with own inventions and creative additions. The initial album, lasting for fifty seven minutes, will also be released as a double-digi-pack, including a bonus-CD with excellent extras (like: newly recorded demo tracks, tracks that were formerly released on vinyl only, covers and unreleased material) -> look out for this (limited) edition! 81/100 Ivan Tibos. |