The Battles I Have Won
Pitch Black, 2025
8/10
Listen to The Battles I Have Won
The Greek metal giants, Reflection, return after 8 years without an album, and they’ve certainly made the wait worth it thanks to these 9 diverse and hard hitting tracks.
“Only The Swords Survive” begins with Stathis Pavlantis searing and complicated guitar alongside Kostas Toka’s powerful and nearly operatic vocals, and the title track follows with George Pavlantis’ furious drums that suit the thick presence and dynamic climate.
In the middle, the dark mood of “Siren’s Song” uses backing vocals amid the dense rhythm section in a way that balances abrasiveness with melody, while “Celestial War” allows for John Litinakis’ precise bass playing to help illuminate the intense album highlight.
“Lady War” and “City Walls Of Malla- The Great Siege” exit the listen. The former showcases Tokas’ incredibly detailed singing alongside the animated riffs, and the latter finishes with a cinematic presence that’s layered and ominous.
An effort that tips its hat to all the hallmarks of heavy metal that we appreciate, Reflection approach their craft with top notch musicianship and some really harmonic singing that you won’t soon forget.
Travels well with: Blynd- Unbeliever; Hardraw- Abyss Of Mankind