| Musical Style: Power/Progressive Metal | Produced By: Barry Dreier |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2021 | Artist Website: Reflection Of Glory |
| Tracks: 12 | Rating: 85% |
| Running Time: 69:52 |
When looking for an accompanying of European power and progressive metal with strong symphonic influences, you can’t go wrong with Reflection Of Glory and its independently released January of 2021 fourth album Escape The Dream. The brainchild of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Barry Dreier, Reflection Of Glory self-describes itself as ‘the power and depth of Theocracy meets the sound and style of Kamelot’ (noting in its press material). I might also add European power/progressive metal cohorts Northern Flame, with no small measure of comparison attributing to manner in which Dreier’s warm and rich mid-ranged vocals - capable of transitioning between lower register resonance and a soaring high note with ease - remind of Northern Flame front man Simon Granlund. Reflection Of Glory otherwise takes a ‘one man band’ approach similar to the Theocracy self-titled debut in that Dreier handles all instrumentation, including guitars, bass, drums and keyboards.
Getting his start on bass at age 13 and dabbling in recording and production during his high school yeas, Dreier went on to earn a bachelors degree in music and has since worked with dozens of artists in the studio. He proceeded to conceive in 2008 the name Reflection Of Glory, which draws upon 2 Corinthians 3:18 (and we, who with unveiled faces, all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His likeness with every increasing glory), prior to releasing the acoustic rock of debut Bird’s Eye View (2014) and sophomore effort Christmas (2016). Dreier’s ‘love for classical symphony orchestra and overdriven guitars’, however, provided the impetus for the next logical musical step towards symphonic power metal with third full-length offering Reborn (2017), which carried over to Escape The Dream. Artist sums things up best when he suggests (again noting his press material) ‘music is a reflection of the musician and the musician’s life, and mine is a reflection of glory’.
According to the artist in an interview with Christian Molten Metal, Escape The Dream is an ‘accidental concept album’. Specifically, individual songs fit together around the idea of ‘escaping the dream’:
“First, that our personal "dreams" (selfish desires and idols) seem good to us, but only lead to death. Anything in our life that we put in the place of God will only disappoint us. Second, it deals with the nature of reality, and how the material world is not the complete and ultimate truth. Like a dream is only a reflection of the waking world, material creation is a reflection of God and His character.
“So we ‘awaken’ from only believing in what we see to know the ultimate spiritual reality found in God Himself. Escape the Dream as an album works through different "dreams" or allegories that show these ideas.”
Album ambitiously opens to its lengthiest and most progressive piece in the twelve minute “The Hound Of Heaven”. Similar to other well-executed epics, it does not wear out its welcome despite the length, alluding to faculties in the form of an instrumental emphasis (as found in the extended instrumental run to start and lengthy keyboard stretch to end) and abundant melody (to keep the song fresh with repeat listen). In between, it gives rise to epic metal trimmings in the form of tower bells, angelic choirs and orchestral arrangements that have Theocracy written all over them.
“Holy War”, truncated at five minutes, embodies a Narnia like power metal form. It proves heavier and darker, with resounding guitars hammering in and out of the mix but not backing from the symphonic emphasis in terms of the classical keyboards. Smooth sounding upper end touch exhibited by Dreier vocally.
“The Curse Within My Blood” continues in a similar power based heading, with theatrical keyboards to start soon followed by crunch heavy guitars to conserve the upbeat makeup the remaining way. Artist again proves his ability to weave beguiling melody - majestic refrain draws in at once - not to mention bestowing lead guitar to dance over the final seconds.
“Demons In Me” ups the symphonic aspects with an angelic keyboard focal point. It otherwise proves up-tempo in form, not quite heavy as its two predecessors but every bit melodic, weaving between lighter moments in which crystalline keyboards hold sway and others to take a single-minded tone.
“The Folly Of The Fall” acts as a traditional ballad to feature guest female vocalist Elizabeth Devault. As albums most genteel and tranquil, song drifts to piano at a stilly done tempo as Devault evenly trades with Dreier for a soprano meets baritone duet until impetus picks up over the final minute and half and settled back down again.
“Sleep With The Lie” impresses as a companion track with a similar heading, as piano backed by orchestration leads the becoming way but with Dreier entirely on vocals. Succeeding and taking a like musical theme to piano and classical instrumentation is two minute instrumental “Dreams”. I mention both in the same paragraph due to how I identify with the two as one continuous song instead.
Also ballad based but leaning towards hard rock is “The Mirror”, which begins its first eerie minute and half to graceful guitars in upholding a somber landscape. Gait picks up as rhythm guitar buffets in, with emotion raised accordingly to reinforce Dreier’s smooth vocals and enchanting melody speaking of the palatable.
A return to symphonic power metal on “Battle Of The Alphas”. What we have is a mid-paced cruncher, towering with its concrete guitar walls (backed by airy keyboards) but uniformly grandiose in terms of the exalted refrain (of the indelible variety). Song proves undeniable with its silkily smooth and emanating capacity.
Metal slugfest “Graves Of Craving” maintains a marring mode it’s lengthy, underlying some of albums catchiest riffs within an upbeat context alongside another amiable melody pointing towards the eminent. Double-kick drum plays a lead role throughout the closing instrumental run bolstered by melodic harmonies and atmospheric keyboards.
Second epic “Beyond Evermore” is another winner. With a minute of cinematic orchestration to start, song explodes for catchy crunch riffs powering ahead only to settle down for a dreamy mid-paced clip for its serene verse sections. As force gradually builds, guitar triumphantly returns and carries the mirthfully uplifting (and significantly engaging) refrain. Am I out of line to suggest a hint of Symphony X?
Albums nine minute instrumental title track closes things. This is lone song in which I take exception, in that while far from bad, it is a little too much to digest a lengthy instrumental in that with sixty minutes of music preceding, I am ready for the album to wrap up. Perhaps a two to three minute (not more than four or five) ‘outro’ instrumental would make for the more sustainable listen. At the very least since the song is entirely classically keyboard driven, added variety in the form of neo-classical guitar might allow it to hold up better. Reference Trytan instrumental “The Godstorm” (off Blood Of Kings from earlier in the year) in this regard.
Credit Reflection Of Glory for creating such a quality symphonic power metal album in Escape The Dream. Too many good songs to mention but “The Hound Of Heaven”, “Battle Of The Alphas”, “Beyond Evermore” and “Graves Of Craving” stands out to this reviewer. Yes, the album lags a bit for its ballad-based mid-point and the closing instrumental is a bit trite, but kudos to Barry Dreier for a penchant to compose such catchy Theocracy-like melodies. Fine details shine as well in that production stands out with its weighty guitar crunch and clean keyboard separation. I also take to cover art, although packaging deserves expanding in that the single page insert is a bit bare; I would like to see a multi-page booklet with lyrics and detailed line notes instead. Still, if a fan of Theocracy and Northern Flame (or European symphonic power meets progressive metal in general), you can do no wrong with Reflection Of Glory fourth album Escape The Dream.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “The Hound Of Heaven” (12:42), “Holy War” (5:13), “The Curse Within My Blood” (4:33), “Demons In Me” (5:56), “The Folly Of The Fall” (4:27), “Sleep With The Lie” (4:02), “Dreams” (2:17), “The Mirror” (5:06), “Battle Of The Alphas” (4:16), “Graves Of Craving” (4:57), “Beyond Evermore” (7:25), “Escape The Dream” (8:58)
Musicians
Barry Dreier - Lead Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards & Drums
Guest Musicians
Elizabeth Devault - Lead Vocals
