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 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 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
Past membersAlex Curry
Charles Caswell
Cam Murray
Bo Blood
Logan Young
WebsiteReflections on Facebook

History

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 18th, 2023, Reflections releases "Deva" for their continuation of their "Silhouette" EP, "Shadow"

Musical style and influences

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

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 (2011–2014)
  • Logan Young - guitar (2019–2021)
Timeline

Tours

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2024

Discography

Studio albums

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

Extended plays

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

References