Reflection is one of the oldest and most
respected names in Greek heavy metal. Formed in the early 1990s and debuting
officially with "The Fire Still Burns" in 1999, the band has remained
a steadfast presence in the underground, committed to their brand of epic,
doom-laden heavy metal. Their music draws from mythology, history, and
traditional metal values, influenced by acts like Manowar, Iron
Maiden, Omen, and Candlemass, yet with a Mediterranean
character unique to their homeland. Founding guitarist Stathis Pavlantis
and drummer Giorgos Pavlantis have been the driving force since the
beginning, later joined by long-time bassist John Litinakis and, most
recently, vocalist Kostas Tokas, who was previously a guest on "Bleed
Babylon Bleed." After an eight-year silence, they return with "The
Battles I Have Won," released via Pitch Black Records.
"The
Battles I Have Won" arrives after nearly a decade of silence and feels
like the result of years of introspection, patience, and artistic purpose. The
album moves across traditional heavy metal, doom, and epic storytelling without
relying on overly complex arrangements or overproduction. It’s straightforward,
immersive, and sincerely crafted.
Opening
with “Only The Swords Survive,” the album steps into battle with conviction,
merging galloping riffs and steady rhythmic weight. The mood remains heavy but
never stagnant, balancing grandeur with motion. The title track, “The Battles I
Have Won,” carries a sense of struggle and pride without melodrama, with Kostas
Tokas’s voice delivering with natural authority—neither exaggerated nor
underwhelming. His tone fits the band’s direction without overshadowing it.
Tracks like
“Once Again (Crime In The Valley Of Death)” and “Celestial War” continue the
lyrical journey through war, fate, and mythical imagery. The band doesn’t try
to overcomplicate its themes, instead keeping the lyrics narrative-driven,
often personal, without leaning into empty fantasy. The inclusion of
orchestration by Kostas Rekleitis adds texture without crowding the mix,
supporting rather than leading.
“March Of
The Argonauts” and “Lady In The Water” offer a late-album lift—moody and
adventurous, capturing both tension and melody. The final track, “City Walls Of
Malta—The Great Siege,” is a fitting conclusion, combining solemn passages
with more aggressive segments. It does not attempt to be overly climactic,
instead staying in line with the tone of the rest of the album—steadfast and
deliberate.
The
production, handled by Stathis Pavlantis, allows space for each
instrument without emphasizing gloss or volume. The sound is layered but never overwhelms. The
artwork by Alexandros Vasilopoulos matches the musical themes—heroic,
historical, and evocative without theatrics.
"The
Battles I Have Won" doesn’t try to be grand for the sake of grandeur. It is honest in tone,
heavy in spirit, and grounded in experience. It carries a timeless feel without
sounding frozen in the past. Reflection delivers an album that rewards
patient listening—unhurried, melodic, and steeped in conviction.
Score: 8.6
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