Reflections (Minnesota band)

Reflections is an American progressive metalcore band formed in the Twin Cities, Minnesota in 2010. Their logo is the Japanese Kanji (Ō), meaning king.

Reflections
Performing in 2014 at the Skyway Theatre in Minneapolis. Depicted from left to right: Jake Wolf, Charles Caswell, Francis Xayana, Patrick Somoulay, and Cam Murray (obscured by monitors).
Performing in 2014 at the Skyway Theatre in Minneapolis. Depicted from left to right: Jake Wolf, Charles Caswell, Francis Xayana, Patrick Somoulay, and Cam Murray (obscured by monitors).
Background information
OriginTwin Cities, Minnesota, U.S.
GenresMetalcore, djent, progressive metal
Years active2010–present
LabelsIndependent, eOne, Good Fight
MembersJake Wolf
Patrick Somoulay
Francis Xayana
Nick Lona
Josh Solvedt
Past membersAlex Curry
Charles Caswell
Cam Murray
Bo Blood
Logan Young
WebsiteReflections on Facebook

History

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On April 28, 2012, Reflections released their debut album, The Fantasy Effect, which was home-produced and recorded by the band using Mixcraft 4, a Windows music recording and mixing program.[1] Soon after releasing The Fantasy Effect, Reflections were signed to record labels eOne and Good Fight.[2][3] Reflections' second album and record label debut, titled Exi(s)t, was released October 22, 2013.[4][5] The album's first single, "My Cancer," was released for download through iTunes and all other digital retailers on September 10, 2013.[6] Reflections simultaneously released a lyric video for the single through their YouTube channel.[7] Exi(s)t debuted at #179 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 1,972 copies within one week of release.[8][9]

It was announced that work for the band's third album would commence sometime in February 2015.[10] On August 18, 2015, they released a music video for the song "Actias Luna" from the then upcoming album.[11] Later, the album title was revealed as The Color Clear and was released through eOne and Good Fight on September 18, 2015. It was their best numbers and charting to date with a first week total of 3,025 copies sold and debuting at #6 on the Heatseekers Albums Chart, #15 on the Independent Albums and #96 on the Billboard 200 Chart.

In late 2016, the band announced that they were to stop touring and take an indefinite hiatus.

In late 2019, the band announced the hiatus would be ending and releasing a song on December 11, 2019. Francis was welcomed back to the band along with new member Logan Young. On February 20, 2020, the band released their fourth album, Willow, featuring a much heavier, chaotic style similar to Exi(s)t era.

In 2021, the band released their EP titled Silhouette, consisting of 3 tracks written with guitarist Calle Thomer of Vildhjarta.

In 2022, to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the band's debut album, Reflections released The Fantasy Effect: Redux, a completely re-recorded and re-arranged version of their debut full-length The Fantasy Effect.

In February 2023, vocalist Jake Wolf started the side project called "Surgeon".[12]

On the October 22, 2023, Reflections releases "Vain Words From Empty Minds" Redux as a single for their upcoming "Exi(s)t Redux" EP, releasing on the exact same date of 2024. Shortly after, Reflections releases "Scapegoat" as a surprise release.

On December 20, 2023, Reflections releases a single titled "Alone"

On February 16th, 2024, Reflections released "Deva" for their continuation of their "Silhouette" EP, "Shadow". On August 30th, 2024, Reflections released their second song from their upcoming EP, "Shadow", called "Anhedonia".

Musical style and influences

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Reflections has been described as progressive metal,[13] metalcore, and djent.[14][15] They use seven-string guitars tuned to Drop F tuning (F–C–F–A–D–G–C).[16]

Their influences include bands such as Pantera, August Burns Red, Gojira,[17] the Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza, After the Burial, Born of Osiris, Architects, Structures,[17] and Veil of Maya.[18]

Band members

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Current
  • Jake Wolf – lead vocals (2010–present), drums (2011–2012)
  • Patrick "Patty" Somoulay – guitar (2010–present)
  • Josh Solvedt – guitar (2023-present)
  • Francis Xayana – bass (2010–2016, 2019–present)
  • Nick Lona – drums (2014–present; touring 2013)
Former
  • Boris "Bo" Blood – drums (2010–2011)
  • Alex Curry - guitar (2010-2011)[19]
  • Cam Murray – drums (2012–2014)[19]
  • Charles Caswell – guitar, backing vocals (2011–2014)
  • Logan Young - guitar (2019–2021)
Timeline

Tours

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2012

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2013

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2014

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2015

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2016

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2024

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Discography

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Studio albums

2012 The Fantasy Effect
  • Released: April 28, 2012
  • Label: Self-released
2013 Exi(s)t
2015 The Color Clear
2020 Willow
  • Released: February 20, 2020
  • Label: Self-released
2022 The Fantasy Effect Redux
  • Released: April 28, 2022
  • Label: Self-released

Extended plays

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2021 Silhouette
  • Released: May 26, 2021
  • Label: Self-released
2024 Exi(s)t Redux
  • Releases: October 22, 2024
  • Label: Self-release
2024 Shadow EP
  • Releases: November 29, 2024
  • Label: Self-release

Singles

  • "Advance upon Me Brethren" (2011)
  • "My Cancer" (2013)
  • "Vain Words from Empty Minds" (2013)
  • "Actias Lunas" (2015)
  • "Shadow Self" (2015)
  • "From Nothing" (2019)
  • "Samsara" (2020)
  • "Help" (2020)
  • "Cicada" (2021)
  • "Noir" (2021)
  • "Coda" (2021)
  • "Vain Words from Empty Minds - Redux" (2023)
  • "Scapegoat" (2023)
  • "Alone" (2023)
  • “Deva” (2024)
  • ”Anhedonia” (2024)

References

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  1. ^ "Log In or Sign Up to View". Facebook.com. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  2. ^ "eOne Music/Good Fight signs Reflections | Comments | Lambgoat". Lambgoat.com. May 1, 2013. Retrieved July 24, 2013.
  3. ^ "The Circle Pit: REFLECTIONS FINALLY GET SIGNED / ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM!". May 3, 2013. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
  4. ^ Brian Kraus (August 22, 2013). "Reflections announce new album, 'Exi(s)t – Alternative Press". Alternative Press. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  5. ^ Benanne (August 23, 2013). "Reflections: new album 'Exi(s)t' announced | got-djent.com". Got-djent.com. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  6. ^ "My Cancer - Single by Reflections". Music.apple.com. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  7. ^ ReflectionsMN (September 10, 2013). "Reflections | My Cancer | NEW SONG 2013 – YouTube". YouTube. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
  8. ^ "Metal By Numbers 10/30: Motörhead's 21st Album Shocks The Charts". Metal Insider. October 30, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2014.
  9. ^ "Reflections Exist lands on Billboard 200 chart". Lambgoat.com. Retrieved December 29, 2014.
  10. ^ [1] [dead link]
  11. ^ "PREMIERE: Reflections' "Actias Luna" turns tragedy into triumph". Archived from the original on September 20, 2015. Retrieved September 18, 2015.
  12. ^ "SURGEON - Unleash Debut Single "Universe 25"". insaneblog.net. February 2, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  13. ^ "Twin Cities Metal". Twincitiesmetal.blogspot.com. October 12, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2014.
  14. ^ "Reflections – The Fantasy Effect". Realmetalreviews.com. Retrieved December 29, 2014.
  15. ^ "Reflections [Mathcore, Ambidjent, Progressive Metalcore]". Metalkingdom.net. Retrieved December 29, 2014.
  16. ^ "Chris Giordano – what the hell tuning are u guys in on ur... – Facebook". Facebook.com. Retrieved December 29, 2014.
  17. ^ a b Micah (October 30, 2012). "Interview with Reflections | Pig Squeals and Breakdowns". Pig Squeals and Breakdowns. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  18. ^ "Charles Caswell of Reflections — The Heavy Blog Is Heavy Interview – Heavy Blog Is Heavy". Heavyblogisheavy.com. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  19. ^ a b "Interview with Reflections | Facebook". Facebook.com. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  20. ^ McConnell, Kriston. (August 29, 2012)."AFTER THE BURIAL TO EMBARK ON MIDWEST MADNESS TOUR". Under The Gun Review. Retrieved on 2016-04-15.
  21. ^ "Tour to a Tour that Tours to a Tour that Tours to a Festival with The Contortionist". Heavy Blog Is Heavy. Retrieved on 2016-04-15.(2013-03-04).
  22. ^ Hartmann, Graham. (May 2, 2013)."All Shall Perish, Oceano, Within the Ruins + More Team Up for Heavy MTL South of the Border Tour". Loudwire. Retrieved on 2016-04-15.
  23. ^ (2013-09-16)."Reflections Announces New Tour Dates With Erra". Metal Underground. Retrieved on 2016-04-15.
  24. ^ Fisher, Jason. (September 25, 2013)."Within The Ruins Announces Tour With Sworn In". The Gauntlet. Retrieved on 2016-04-14.
  25. ^ (2013-12-03)."CHIMAIRA: CELEBRATE THE CHAOS U.S. TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED!". Skullsnbones. Retrieved on 2016-04-15.
  26. ^ Arsenault, Nici. (January 27, 2014)."Erra Announces Tour with Veil Of Maya and Reflections". Substream Magazine. Retrieved on 2016-04-15.
  27. ^ Sharp, Tyler. (March 27, 2014)."For The Fallen Dreams Announce Headlining Tour With I The Breather, Obey The Brave and More". Mind Equals Blown. Retrieved on 2016-04-15.
  28. ^ Crane, Matt. (May 28, 2014)."Glass Cloud, Scale The Summit announce co-headlining tour". Alternative Press. Retrieved on 2016-04-15.
  29. ^ Zarillo, Zack. (August 5, 2014)."Texas In July announce tour with After The Burial". Property of Zack. Retrieved on 2016-04-15.
  30. ^ (2014-09-23)."Betraying The Martyrs, Reflections & Invent, Animate November North American Tour". The PRP. Retrieved on 2016-04-15.
  31. ^ (2014-11-12)."Betraying The Martyrs denied entry into Canada". Lambgoat. Retrieved on 2016-04-15.
  32. ^ Stahl, Mike. (July 2, 2015)."Reflections, Toothgrinder, Yüth Forever, Exalt Tour". The Circle Pit. Retrieved on 2016-04-15.
  33. ^ Leak, Brian. (August 19, 2015). "Texas In July announce dates for final tour". Alternative Press. Retrieved on 2016-04-15.
  34. ^ (2016-01-20)."UNEARTH ANNOUNCE FURY TOUR WITH RINGWORM, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, AND REFLECTIONS". Brave Words. Retrieved on 2016-04-15.
  35. ^ Mautner, Zack. (November 13, 2015)."Protest The Hero To Tour Japan". It Djents. Retrieved on 2016-04-15.
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