Mirror Premiere “Galleon” from Self-Titled Debut
Newcomer classic metal unit Mirror will release their self-titled debut full-length on Nov. 13 through Metal Blade. The five-piece brings together current and former members of Satan’s Wrath, Repulsion and Electric Wizard, but sounds pointedly like none of them, basking instead in righteous NWOBHM gallop and soaring vocals somewhere between Iron Maiden and rawer, earlier progressive rock. The track “Galleon” careens smoothly and is as battle-ready as its title might lend one toward believing, but remains far from cartoonish power metal and in line stylistically with a heavy revivalism. I haven’t heard the whole thing yet, but if Mirror have an allegiance with occult aesthetics, it would have to make sense.
Founded by bassist Tas Danazoglou (ex-Electric Wizard, Satan’s Wrath) and drummer Jaime Gomez Arellano (also producer for Cathedral, Paradise Lost, and many others), who also recorded Mirror, the band seem to come into their first album with a white-knuckle grasp on what they want to do musically. Vocalist Jimmy Mavromatis is an essential component in making that happen, but the contributions of guitarists Stamos Koliousis (also Satan’s Wrath) and Matt Olivo (also Repulsion) are not to be understated. While the rhythmic foundation is clearly solidified on “Galleon,” the guitars propel the track forward and give Mavromatis a pace to match with his commanding presence. It’s a quick listen, but taken in kind with the previously-unveiled “Heavy King,” goes a long way in demonstrating where Mirror are coming from.
As such, I’m thrilled to be able to host the premiere of “Galleon” today. You’ll find it on the player below, followed by the release details for the self-titled.
Enjoy:
Occult heavy metal conjurors MIRROR will unveil the cult craftings of their self-titled debut through Metal Blade Records on November 13th, 2015.
The brainchild of bassist/die-hard metal connoisseur/Satan’s Wrath vocalist Tas Danazoglou, MIRROR was forged in fire following a chance meeting with London-based producer (Cathedral, Angel Witch, Paradise Lost) and accomplished drummer, Jaime Gomez Arellano. The union ultimately led to the two embarking on a shared musical vision that encompasses a classic hard-rock/proto-metal sound with tasteful songwriting and musicianship. Satan’s Wrath guitarist, Stamos K., was next to join, his musical instincts and considerable production experience suiting the band’s ethos perfectly. Vocalist, Jimmy Mavromatis who, with his operatic tenor, rounded out the growing unit would subsequently join the folks. The ouroboros was completed with the final addition of Los Angeles-based guitarist Matt Olivo whose infamy was earned as the co-founder of grindcore pioneers, Repulsion.
The recording of MIRROR‘s self-titled debut began in London at Orgone Studios (Ghost, Paradise Lost, Cathedral) in the autumn of 2014 with Arellano handling production duties. The recording boasts strong melodic ideas with classic, heavy riffs inspired by the sounds of Scorpions, UFO, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple and the like.
Sample first single, the epic “Heavy King,” where you’ll also find preorder bundles at metalblade.com/mirror.
Mirror Track Listing:
01. Mirror
02. Curse of the Gypsy
03. Year of the Red Moon
04. Heavy King
05. Madness and Magik
06. Galleon
07. Cloak of a Thousand Secrets
08. Orion’s Sword
09. Elysian
