Hailing from the jungles of Nicaragua, Reflection of Misery helps us commune with our twisted selves with their second full length release Communion with the Vile. This is a grimey and rather heavy black metal album, with slow and methodical parts that creep along in a grim way. There’s a lot packed into each song, makes sense given that the album is only four tracks and they all have decent running times save for one, so there’s a lot of diversity to be had. They’ve really grown in terms of sound and production from their first album, Total Scorn of Life. Though still keeping the raw sound, the production is just all around more well put, especially on the drums where they sound much cleaner yet still keeping a harsh bite.
The album can be easily described as chaotic misery. The riffs twist around, conjuring mental images of despair is something that is apparent all through out the album, and is I feel the main focus of the whole album. The drums, while they are executed well, they very much serve a purpose and deviate very little other than on the final track Corruption of Benevolence, where there’s a brief moment of respite, and a slow atmospheric groove helps you along before an onslaught of hellish vocals and guitars. There are great moments of clashing harmonies provided with the layered vocals and layered guitars on some tracks. For the vocals, there are multiple going on, saying the same lyrics, though one more guttural and bestial while the other high pitched and screeching. They sound like two bickering demons arguing among one another. The guitars on the other hand, have clashing melodies and add to the immense and chaotic sound this album has at times.
Reflection of Misery really do capture a very unique sound, striking a fine balance between punishing blast beats and more methodical ambient sections that capture that dreadful atmosphere this album has. There’s a strong lack of caring for those who listen, as to those who are unaware of what to expect would be punished in assuming this is your typical black metal release. The riffs are memorable and the intensity of the drums are just as impactful. I did enjoy listening to it in full, but I must admit that it was a little tiring after a while having to endure these long tracks of endless blast beats. Thankfully though it is diverse enough to keep you on your toes and interested.
I’d give this a good recommendation. Its a solid sophomore album that does what it needs to do having the band’s sound progress in a much positive direction with the healthier production and more diverse song writing that strikes a very dreadful atmosphere. I wouldn’t pass over this one.