Beautiful death metal. That's how I described Lament in the Linkage department based on their first album Tears of a Leper, and that description remains perfect after having heard Through the Reflection. So many of the key reasons I love Lament are still present here including a completely innovative style new to even their old album.
Having dropped down to a three piece until drummer Abel Gomez takes over on the vocals and even though a lot of people will disagree with me I think his vocals are much improved to the bands style. It's a throaty sort of scream rather than a deeper growl from before. Still very deathy feeling though.
Now the highlight of this album for me the musicianship. The guitar and bass trade off so much on this album. The bass player is not afraid to take center stage here and show what he's made of, often times heavily overshadowing the guitars. Nevertheless just when you're wondering what's going on, back come the guitars full force.
One element of Lament that has stayed the same is the taste for their mexican heritage music. It's woven throughout this CD with acoustical guitar parts and other softer guitar pieces, yet even with these parts playing the vocals come in overtop of them full force heavy. Or they will throw in a rhythm guitar that is just crunching right along with these softer melody parts. This is what keeps you interested in this album from start to finish.
Lyrically these guys play with your heartstrings like you were a marionette! With passion and emotion thick songs, Jesus is always displayed forefront here. Only one track in Spanish this time, and just like last time even though I've got no idea what the song is about the language itself is beautiful and really becomes another instrument.
The only negative thing I could possibly say is that the vocals are mixed a bit too high. Actually I must admit that I felt it at first and forgot about it but when it was pointed out again by a friend you really do notice that it's a bit harsh on the vocal side and things would blend better if they were more subdued by the music. Still the vocal style is improved.
For fans of...LAMENT definitely, you get more of what we had with Tears...only I feel the vocals are better here than before. Check this one out soon.
9/10
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #78Reviewed by Doug Van PeltThis trio of amigos de Mexico has returned with its second full-length album - Through The Reflection. Apparently, the band said, "Out with the thrash and in with the classic metal," cause this Chuck & Laurie Wilson production certainly captures that layered and distinct instrumentation that made the intro to Iron Maiden songs so fun to listen to. One ingredient the band kept in their recipe,…Art for the Ears 1999Reviewed by Marco PovervestThis band from Mexico was once known as Beheaded. I can't think of a name more unoriginal. In this world there have been many bands with such a name, over the years. Lament sounds way better. And the name fits with lyrics like: "In the reflection, all I can see is the vain face of loneliness. Hate reigns in my eyes. Fed by their anger." (The first verse of the titletrack). This sounds rather…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Chris KingThe thing that bothered many people about this band's first album, Tears of a Leper, was an unfulfilled threat of really brutal music, and the disparity between music and vocal delivery. That album was often referred to as death metal, but the progressive thrash on it had little to do with that genre besides the vocals. So how does their latest effort compare? Through the Reflection sees Lament…Dead Zine 1999Reviewed by GrindboyMy, what a lovely death metal band you're listening to! Ok, so maybe lovely isn't exactly the word to describe the latest Lament, but this is not your typical death. The first noticeable thing about this cd is that the bass is mixed VERY prominently. The next thing you'll notice is that the bass is carrying the melody about half of the time! This is one of the most unique effects I've heard in a…Similar sounding releases
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