Oh yes indeed-ily! Germany' merchants of misery finally return with their first proper full length release. Compared to Solitude Aeturnus, but quite honestly it stands on it's own and is unique amongst the horde of heavyness out there. Pure emotional and straight up doom metal with wonderful songs of pain and anguish. A current fave at the BT office!
CosmicDoom/ StonerRock.com (Canada):
This is doom along the lines of Texas doom heads Solitude Aeturnus. Mirror of Deception has that same kind of feel somewhat. It's not just like Solitude, but you can totally hear the similarities for sure. Mainly the vocal lines and the feel of the grooves... The first song on this album "Asylum" sets the mood with it's right off of the bat Doom approach that is uncanny in the style of greats like Candlemass and so forth. Now don't get me wrong when I make such comparisons because I speak only of similarities... These cats obviously have their own fish to fry. The whole album has a medium tempo slick Doom feel to it. The guitars are that tight distortion that is reminiscent of John Perez of Solitude, and these guys obviously have heard of Solitude... The overall flow is consistent and full of well rehearsed end of the world tunes and should be recognized mainly as that. The lyrics are very prophetic and serious...Got to love it.The songs are simple than my favorite doomsters lacking mainly in the guitar solo department, but I think that Mirror of Deception does quite well without the over the top metal leads. They know what they want and spare no expenses getting it. If you�re a fan of Candlemass or Solitude Aeturnus, you know the more metallic sounding doom... Penance even... that same feel - then you might want to check out what these cats from the UK have to offer... thumbs up!
Cosmic Lava (Germany):
This is a promo from the upcoming album of MIRROR OF DECEPTION.The band had recorded several Demo-tapes in the last ten years and the "Veil Of Lead" EP in 1997.In the same year they entered the Sub Zero studios to record "Mirrorsoil". The first release date should be in spring 1998 but they got a few problems and hopefully MIRROR OF DECEPTION will release it in 2000. "Mirrorsoil" contains eight songs, some are older like "Veil of Lead". They are in the same vein as SOLSTICE, COUNT RAVEN or CANDLEMASS. Very majestic Epic-Doom Metal and I think that MIRROR OF DECEPTION are getting better from year to year.They have nice ideas to keep the songs interesting like for example "Weiss" with German lyrics or the opener "Asylum",one of the best tracks on "Mirrorsoil". It�s very heavy with a nice melody line and good guitarwork .One of the trademarks of "Mirrorsoil" are the vocals of Baumi. They sound sad and tragic and sometimes too dramatically, I think.But decide for yourself ! The band appears also on the "I Am Vengeance" soundtrack on METEORCITY,together with PENTAGRAM,LAS CRUCES, GRIEF, CHURCH OF MISERY etc. Check out MIRROR OF DECEPTION, if you like the bands I�ve mentioned before, on their website and contact them.
Custom Heavy (USA):
From the opening chords of the first track, "Asylum", it's clear that the ten years Germany's Mirror of Deception has put into perfecting their craft has paid off in spades. "Mirrorsoil" is a triumph in both it's ability to be hauntingly beautiful and incredibly heavy at the same time. In all honesty, I really can't recommend this album enough, both to fans of Doom and those that just appreciate good, heavy music. The sound on "Mirrorsoil" is much different than that of recent Doom releases. The production is very clean, giving each instrument room to breathe and opportunity to be heard. Rather than a fixation on bowel-bursting bottom-end, the sound is majestic, recalling a Martin Birch-era Sabbath. This gives "Mirrorsoil" more of a "classic" feel than recent releases in the same genre, but still crushingly heavy as songs like "Veil of Lead" and "Sole" will attest. One of the distinctive attributes of Mirror of Deception is the twin vocal melodies of guitarist Michael "Siffi" Siffermann and vocalist Markus "Baumi" Baumhauer. They combine talents to add a haunting flair to an otherwise already excellent song structure. Maybe the best example of how well this works is "Dreams of Misery" - a virtual study on how good intertwined vocal melodies can be. It's so great to hear bands actually "sing" rather than scream and yell - a trend that seems to be all the rage these days. An interesting talent of Michael Siffermann's is the ability to use his voice much like that of a didgeridoo - a talent picked up listening to Tuvian folk music - which further leads to Mirror of Deception's ability to create atmosphere rather than taking your head off with pure volume. Fans of Solitude Aeturnus and Candlemass will be the most appreciative of the path that Mirror of Deception has carved out for itself, however, I really believe that "Mirrorsoil" will appeal to the general heavy music/metal lover. This really has the ability to cross genres. After ten years, these guys deserve the success they've worked so hard to achieve.
Daredevil magazine (Germany):
I�m happy, yeah I�m really happy, to know that there�s a German Doom-Metal Band and it�s a good one. When I first received the CD I thought: "Oh, cool Doom-Metal", I�ve put in the CD and I was amazed. These guys play melodic heavy shit, slow as fuck and really catchy. No it�s not a clone of the American way of doing the Doom, it�s pretty European and it�s cool. Mirror Of Deception are around since 1990 now and they are still in the scene. I must say, if a band holds on for over ten years, that�s worth a big respect. But back to the music. The CD contains eight songs of melodic, doomy heaviness. Mirror Of Deception bring together influences of old masters like Sabbath, Candlemass and Trouble. The vocals are pretty dark sometimes, but also full of emotion and feelings. I like that, really, it makes me feel good somehow, cause it�s not that kind of shit 69 Eyes and these other Goth-Metal freaks are doing, that shit, which makes you really depressed, if you know what I mean. The recording of this CD, hmm, what should I say, it�s untypical for a Doom-Release, it�s more like a Maiden-Album, I mean the recording, great, I love Maiden. All together I can say, it�s an album, which is worth buying...Doom out!!! (Ralf Burkart) Rating: 1-2
Daredevil Records (Germany):
Already formed back in 1990 it took MIRROR OF DECEPTION nearly ten years to release their first fulltime album. Now finally after the unusual long time of three years of recording and production, MIRRORSOIL sees the light of day.The band released several demos (3 of my knowledge) and a Mini CD before and toured with such Doom gods like COUNT RAVEN, SOLSTICE and UNORTHODOX. Doom Metal, thats the playground for MIRROR OF DECEPTION. I heard their VEIL OF DECEPTION Mini CD before, but it did not impress me to much a few years back. So after listening to their new output the first times I'm astonished. The band took major steps regarding songwriting, arrangement and composition. Their Doom majorly influenced by bands like COUNT RAVEN, older CANDELMASS and SOLITUDE AETURNUS should satisfiy ever maniac out there. The eight featured tracks are packed with emotions, great and outstanding guitar work and of course the great vocals of Michael, which show some similaritys to Dan Fondelius (COUNT RAVEN) and therefore Ozzy himself. The only criticism I can bring up her is track three called WEISS, which fails due to its partial german lyrics, who won't fit to the song. At the end of the CD more melancholy and mellowness been added to the tracks.The clean and dry production is fine, but the snare sound is a little bit hollow. DOOM fans get this one! (Thomas Schubert) GENRE: DOOM METAL / MUSIC: 8 / SOUND: 7 / INFO: 8 Songs / 44:30 min
Game Two mailorder catalogue (USA):
True German Doom Metal from this long-standing band brought forth by MISKATONIC. Eight epic tracks, full of power, melody and sheer heaviness.
Hand of Doom (Vol. 7) (Sweden):
Finally!!! The german doomsters have been around for a good decade now and in this period they have two demos one promotape a mini album titled Veil Of Lead that was the last release and it was the first Cd release for this band, a small german label Sub Zero Records was responsible for it, and it was this label that was supposed to release this album as well but that never happened, so instead the band released it as a promo and now finally the brittish doom label Miskatonic Foundation will bring it out later this year and that is very positive. M.O.D have done various shows mostly in Germany so far but they have received a pretty good response anyhow from other places outside of Germany and that is a good thing. The material on this album date back a few years, numbers like Be Kept In Suspense and Asylum was already on Veil Of Lead(97) and the track Veil of Lead was featured on the Veil Of Lead promo tape(96) the rest is pretty much new stuff.M.O.D have definitely progressed since the first demo they did(93) back then it wasn't that special but already on Words Unspoken their second demo(94) they started to hammer out fine epic doom metal and since then it has just got better. With Mirrosoil the band have definitely done the best recording so far, it's a fine blend of dark epic doom metal in combination of a more gothic sound kind of Count Raven & Solitude Aeturnus jamming out with Type O Negative. If you dig classic epic heavy doom laden metal then Mirrorsoil is your thing. (Gabriel Lilliehook)
Hand of Doom (Vol. 10) (Sweden):
The latest signing to the brilliant british doom label Miskatonic Foundation. The southern german band Mirror of deception are finally out with their debut album Mirrorsoil, an album that have already been reviewed in the previous editon but now when the album is out it deserves a second opinion. Mirror of Deception originally formed in 1990 and have so far after 3 demos and a fantastic minialbum Veil of lead out on Subzero Records 1997 become one of the oldest and one of the more respected bands in the underground doom metal scene and definitely one of the most original bands also. Mirrorsoil was originally recorded between 1997 to 1999 and it seemed nearly hopeless to bring the album out but finally last year Miskatonic Foundation saved the situation and here it is. This 5 piece unit have always stayed true to their roots of the original bands Candlemass, Saint Vitus, Pentagram, Trouble etc. and from there they have progressed in their ambition to create a unique and memorable sound, with Mirrorsoil they have made one of the most ultimate doom albums of the year even though its early to say that but the album stands on its own. There is plenty of faves here Asylum the opener a uptempo dark melancholic journey that reminds me of Count Ravens Destruction of the void, the epic Veil of lead classic doom. Weiss never have german lyrics sounded this good as in this song ,Sole another genius number classic memorable doom propaganda another fave is Be kept in suspense a progressive melancholic number, I can keep on going how much this album have to offer. In my first review I said that the album reminds me of early Type O Negative there are some similarities especially the dark and melancholic parts of the album. The guitarwork of Fopp and Sifferman are unique and leadsinger Baumi have progressed into a very strong frontman and the choirs adds a special dimension. Mirrorsoil is a very strong album that have a lot to offer. A wonderful epic melancholic album that stand the test of time. (Gabriel Lilliehook)
Heavy Metal.hu (Hungary) :
It took many years since the foundation of Mirror of deception. After countless demos the epic doomsters present now their debut album, the
genious "Mirrorsoil". The debut comes with 8 songs in 45 minutes, and a beautiful booklet. It's difficult to compare their music to other bands, but we can name Candlemass, as a similar band, with the difference of the high vocals, which are not present here. Markus Baumhauer and Michael Sifferman (guitar/vocals) sing in the middle regions, and with extremely high standards.The quality of the professional arranged songs is unbelievable. "Mirrorsoil" combines everything, what doom is all about: you'll met by strength, power, heaviness, sorrow and honesty. The guys totally FEEL, how to play sorrowful Epic Doom. Without it's emotions this album wouldn't be meaningful to us. I feel, that many of you would be absolutely satisfied with this high-level disc, but because nobody is getting more info (than this) about the album, most of you will miss "Mirrorsoil". Regret it!
Rating: 10/10 (Hajas)
Horrible Eyes No.2 (Germany):
After a recording time of at least 3 1/2 years the 1st album of this old German outfit is finally completed, opening the gates to 3 quarters of an hour of intense Doom Metal. Remarkable is the simple yet stunning guitar play that creates together with the clean and well-though vocal parts an epic & dramatic but somehow calming motion. "Mirrorsoil" just means a dripping melancholy that comes in waves, tracks like "Asylum" or "Sole" are provided with complex but catchy choruses that won't leave my mind that fast. I'm not really familiar with the German lyrics of "Weiss" which might carry a certain statement but do't sound too good in my ears. However this is an honest and at least good album every Doom freak should be atracted by! (Ronald Zieger)
Metal Heart March 2001 (Germany):
The probably longest serving, "pure" Doom Metal formation of our country releases now after ten years of underground work finally their debut. As expected it doesn�t deliver any trendy music but extremely dragging, sad melodies with guitars in the Black Sabbath heavyweight league, and that�s just great as it is. The opener �Asylum� engulfs in deepest emotions, as the entire album of the South Germans. Next highlight is �Weiss�, a title with emotional, German lyrics. Does who enjoy heavy doom and don�t expect musical virtuosity nor sound finesses will get a good value for money with this album, as the songs have interesting arrangments and beautiful, melancholy melodies. The only disappointment could be the vocals, which sound sometimes simply false and thin, but this is definitely a "could�, because Doom writes its own laws and this cd will nevertheless satisfy fans of the genre to 100%. And beyond a frosty winter. (Andras Kais) - 7.5 points out of 10
Metal Invader No. 53/ Spring 2001 (Greece):
M.O.D. come from Germany and this year is their 11th birthday. The band has already released a CD called "Veil of Lead" some time ago through a small German label to limited quantity and of course it is now sold out. "Mirrorsoil" is a doom metal album, which owes a lot to the big doom metal bands (of course names is useless to refer to.) but the weak point, here too, is the vocals. Markus Baumhauer didn't convince me his hypnotic and quite non-potential voice. But I better not convict them since I know that a lot of fans of this sound might find their staff interesting. To me though, only "Weiss" (the only song of the CD with German lyrics) is a big hit. I would rather hear some more songs like it. M.O.D. might not bring the revolution in the metal market but the fans of doom metal should hear them.
Metal Observer (Germany):
After several demos we now finally have the first full-length-album of German Doomsters MIRROR OF DECEPTION. Doom is not a music for everybody, because it's honest, completely untrendy, minimalistic, yet very passionate and sometimes a bit odd. The stuff on this CD also is for a smaller, yet hand-picked audience, which will hold this album in highest esteem for sure. Listening closely, MIRROR OF DECEPTION don't sound that weird after all. The vocals, e.g., are not typically Metal. Who doesn't like those high-pitched vocals, should find the right one here. The deep, lachrymose voice has a slight Alternative-touch and sounds pretty original. The songs, all of them very emotional, are ultry-heavy and in most cases lava-like, just like the real Doom should sound like. Very thought-through and with surprising twists and turns, the songs just drill their way through your ears. (For me) they always remain understandable and I would wish the guys that "Mirrorsoil" will find the buyers it deserves.They won't get into the charts, but at least they will get some great reviews, deservedly. You almost have to describe bands like this as "exotic", because I am sure that it would be a whole lot easier to produce some trendy, flavour-of-the-day music. MIRROR OF DECEPTION will have their own definition of "success", for sure a different one than Britney Spears and co. They are idealists, but consequently pull through! As long as there are bands like this, "our" Metal will always remain fresh and interesting! (Ralf Henn) - 8.5 out of 10
Monolith (Greece):
Finally after 11 years of existence they made it to a full length release. These Germans burst with extreme emotions of anger... Not meaningless anger, but anger for somethings that never seem to change. The problems that we meet in our relations are here to be heard and discussed. Just read the "Veil Of Lead" lyrics and then you can understand what it's all about... Look no further if you are looking for an honest doom metal release that had to wait so long to be unleashed to the world...
Moshpit (Germany):
The tough-flowing stream of Doom Metal seemed drained. But particularly in the last years a runlet of bands formed, that breathe new life into this virtually oldest Heavy Metal genre. Beside albums by Memory Garden, Solstice and Jack Frost the South German Mirror of Deception are finally here with a full-length CD named "Mirrorsoil". The ball which Black Sabbath set rolling in the early seventies finds here it�s continuation in the third and fourth generation. It is beautiful to experience, that MoD couldn�t be more profound and breathe more melancholy even without using keyboards and growls. MIRROR OF DECEPTION are in this original and pure tradition of Doom cult combos such as Revelation, Count Raven, Saint Vitus, Candlemass and Pentagram. The sad crystal clear vocals instructs the creeping, crushing anything in their way guitar riffs the varied route of march. MIRROR OF DECEPTION avoid neatly the biggest problem of Doom Metals: the danger of monotonousness! However the singing could particularly be a little bit more ecstatic. Thus MOD do justice to their name and reflect only the current status of the scene and cannot compete yet with highlight acts such as Solitude Aeturnus or the old Candlemass. Longtime Doom maniacs will nevertheless find a gem in form of "Mirrorsoil". I will avoid individual song descriptions here, since I would not like to emphasize a track in the complete work. It might deter possible new fans by the letter flood otherwise. (Jens Koch) - 7.5 out of 10
Psychedelic # 8/ Spring 2001 (Hungary):
True Doom Metal bands had it always hard to release records, so Mirror of deception (like many other Doom outfits) had to struggle through the years, they even split for over 1 year, I guess. They did continue and had the fortune to get a deal from Rich Walker�s (Solstice) Miskatonic Foundation. The already recorded first full length (after 10 years of existence!) came out in January and no Doom fan should be without it. Heavy mind numbing guitars, a myriad of epic styling, brilliant clean vocal style and loads of variaton in style and delivery of the songs are just a few points to pigeonhole their art. If you don�t believe my words, then taste their song on the Psychedelic CD, it�s quality epic Doom harking back to the days of Candlemass and Solitude Aeturnus. The CD comes with a top production and a very informative, nice booklet. A Top 5 Doom album for 2001 and a constant Psychedelic office favorite. Why aren�t there more bands like this?! (Mark Hegedus)
Roadburn (Roadburn Picks August 2001) (Netherlands)
Do you remember how good heavy metal made you feel when you listened to it as a young teenager? How the music was speaking to you in a way that other music didn't? The way the aggression and melody charged you full of energy until you felt invincible? I remember that feeling like it was yesterday. So does Mirror of Deception. And, while that would be enough to make them a worthwhile band, they do even more. They combine this childlike love of metal with intelligent and mature songwriting, and a well-developed sense of how they want their music to come across. Many thanks to the Miskatonic Foundation for releasing this excellent record. Mirror of Deception fit nicely into the category of modern classic doom bands like Candlemass, Solstice (Guitarist Rich Walker runs Miskatonic), Voodoo Shock, Warning, and Sanctuary. These bands are characterized by slower tempos, heavy riffs, majestic songs, and a healthy dose of NWOBHM sound quality. There is a melancholic air to "Mirrorsoil" but not as prounounced as the gothic melancholia of the "neo-doom" bands like My Dying Bride, Skepticism and the like. All of Mirror of Deception's singing is of the "clean" variety, no neo-doom cookie monster growls here. Production-wise the sound is a bit thin and a bit gritty, definitely the weakest part of this fine record, but the sound quality adds character. Whether this is by accident or design, I cannot tell, but after a few listens it didn't bother me at all. As you would expect from hearing this record and the band's attention to detail, these Germans have been around for quite some time. The band formed in 1990 and their first demo was released in 1993. The years show in both the band's restraint and emphasis on writing complete songs. These facts are amply displayed throughout "Mirrorsoil". Another strength of Mirror of Deception is that they have two vocalists and the interplay between them really defines their sound. One voice singers mid-register and one sings lower and the combination creates a lot of depth in the music. The bands ability to play heavy music but to make it beautiful and haunting is their other calling card. One of the ways they do this is to add sonic shading and texture to their songs. On the first song, "Asylum" there is this odd droning sound which sounds like a didgeridoo. Amazingly enough, it is the voice singer/guitarist Michael Sifferman. "Mirrorsoil" is a record that you need to hear many times so that you can pick out all the nuances and details that Mirror of Deception have put in. Do you like metal? Do you like doom? Get it. (Drew Webster)
Rock Hard No. 166/ March 2001 (Germany):
What takes a long time, becomes finally good. A long time has passed since the the last sign of life from the Swabian doom metal craftsmen � the mini-CD "Veil of Lead" was released back in 97. The South Germans are now finally back with their first longplayer. And that is, to sum it up - a genuine killer. The combination of sublime and nevertheless kind of relaxed riffing, the inconspicuous, however effective work of the rhythm department and the outstanding, unbelievably emotional vocals result in its� whole in nothing else than doom metal in perfection. Whereby MIRROR OF DECPTION are definitely firmly rooted in the tradition of the genre they successfully bestir to capture originality and an own identity. That finds its� expression amongst other things also in a multiplicity of playful details, which demand a second or third listening to shine through. This results in the best piece of doom metal, which has ever been committed by a German band. Listening recommendations: the powerful straight forward opener �Asylum� (which reminds me of Blue �yster Cult�s classic �Don�t fear the reaper� at times) as well as the weightlessly floating �Float� - virtually the Swabian response to Black Sabbath�s �Planet Caravan�. (Andreas Stappert) -- 8.5 out of 10 points
Slow Ride No. 6 Summer 2001 (USA):
Brrr! This is like a soundtrack for a cold Winter day - I think I'm gonna cry now! MIRROR OF DECEPTION is pure melnacholia. This full-length is full of atmosphere and kind of reminds me of early KATATONIA with their haunting, chanting vocals. Not many bands do this style anymore and I don't know why. I really do miss it, knowing what True Doom feels like. The lyrics are top-notch, very poetic and depressing. These Germans keep me enchanted form the beginning to the end of this CD. But be forewarned: this will set you in a really dark mood. Wallow in sorrow folks, I think we got a winner here. Excellent packaging too! (Jeff Montoya)
Snakepit No. 9 (Austria):
How many bands play real Doom Metal in these days? I am sure not to count more than 20 but at least with OVERSOUL, THUNDERSTORM, IRON MAN, REVELATION, SOLITUDE AETURNUS, PENTAGRAM, DAWN OF DREAMS, SOLSTICE and MIRROR OF DECEPTION there are some active outfits that play majestic Doom Metal that is not for the masses but for people that know that music can be far more than jumping around. I prefer the Power Metal influenced Doom stuff as CANDLEMASS played and THUNDERSTORM delivered with their debut. MIRROR OF DECEPTION are among the more psychedelic Doom bands, though still powerful and with wide, open melodies from the clean voice of Michael Siffermann. With the slow, mighty SABBATH riffing, the music can transport deep feelings. For Doom Metal lunatics a must, for Power Metal supporters as I am a cool listen and surely worth checking out if you wanna get psyched and doomed..... (Heinz Konzett)
Tartarean Desire April 2002 (Sweden): NEW
The German Mirror Of Deception is, believe it or not, one of the oldest doom metal bands of Europe and was founded in 1990. Influenced by the forefathers of this rather young genre - Black Sabbath, Candlemass, St Vitus, Trouble and others - they started developing their own style and sound which today is distinctly different from most others. While listening to this album I suddenly remember how much I like My Dying Bride. This isn't exactly the same thing but they do have something in common - both of them are playing doom metal and they manage to make their music interesting by including unexpected riffs and tempo changes together with strong vocals. Mirror Of Deception is perhaps less sad but more melancholic than My Dying Bride and their vocals are clean and opened up instead of growling or dark and held back. Even though this is a band that has been around for more than a decade this is their first full-length album although they released a mini album through the German label Sub Zero Records in 1997. Mirror Of Deception is a very good doom metal band and definitely worth checking out if this is the kind of music you enjoy. (Vincent Eldefos) 7.5 out of 10
Terrorizer No. 87/ March 2001 print zine (UK):
The latest release from underground doom label Miskatonic Foundation (home of the mighty Warning) is the first full length album by Germany's Mirror of Deception, much hailed in doom demoland, now finally let loose in a proper studio. Indeed, the production of "Mirrorsoil" is one of its greatest features. Loud, thick, cavernous and heavy as hell, it lends the guitars a headcaving intensity which, with the mournful harmonies and churning riffs, makes this an all-encompassing experience. While the music connects at a deep level, Markus Baumhauer's vocals often seem a little flat and quivering. They are much more expressive on "Weiss", the only song written in their native German, and perhaps the album's finest track. The band often come over like a darker, heavier Solitude Aeturnus with a dash of wrought-iron Gothicism, while the propulsive wall-of-guitars approach on "Dreams of Misery" lends them an urgency rare in the doom genre. (Chris Chantler) -- 7.5 out of 10
Vampiria No. 5 July 2001 (Italy):
DOOOOOOM! Magick world the one created by these German guys followers of the occult tradition generated some lustrums ago by BLACK SABBATH and interpreted in a modern key by bands like SOLSTICE and WHILE HEAVEN WEPT passing through the soul of legends like TROUBLE, CANDLEMASS and CATHEDRAL. It is not the most modern of the sounds but the amazing atmospheres it succeeds to create and the leaden aura it is able to inject in your soul is unique and I like it, because it is part of me, it is part of my musical culture, it is a part of my DNA. Eight slow, melancholic and epic compositions are here reserved to the followers of these sonorities, but you have to be sure that here you do not find only the dark world generated by these Doom Gods; not at all! Here you can find Doom music re-written with new rules combining these new ones with the classic Doom producing something new, great and amazing at the same time. Doom music sometimes could seem boring, but MIRROR OF DECEPTION succeed to be various and it is a great virtue of this band. (Francesco Palumbo) -- 70/100
Vampster e-zine (Germany):
WOW! I am surprised and completely chuffed! Swabian Doomsters MIRROR OF DECEPTIOM hid for 10 years in the deepest underground and without any preliminary warning they show up in the metal world with one hell of an album. Why the first full length album of this band finally turns up after 10 years will be discussed at another place, fact is however that the time of waiting was definitely worthwhile. Because "Mirrorsoil" is not like any other newcomer doom album. "Mirrorsoil" supplies exactly what actually each fan of doomy sounds should thirst for: heavy, mostly slow riffing, deep emotions and above all a characteristic style. Similar as the recently praised OVERSOUL, MIRROR OF DECEPTION do not just deliver the usual standards, but connect perfectly traditional trademarks with hard to categorize influences, so the final result sounds independent and fresh. Further on MIRROR OF DECEPTION does not occur to me as a band, who sound directly comparable with any other doom band. The qualities of "Mirrorsoil" are various. On one hand the album lives of its moving melodies, into which you can sink so beautifully. Close your eyes sink into the heaviness and forget about the the world around you! YES! Besides that MIRROR OF DECEPTION set massively on twin guitar harmonies and vocals lines, which finds its climax in "Dreams of Misery" reminding me on LIFE OF AGONY - by the way the most uptempo song of the album. But forget instantly about this comparison, because MIRROR OF DECEPTION have nothing in common with alternatively flavoured modern metal sounds. MIRROR OF DECEPTION are MIRROR OF DECEPTION and that�s it. Speaking about the individual songs, no fillers can be found on "Mirrorsoil". All tracks are on an equally high level and breathe their own life. Everyone will find a personal favourite, but mine is definitely "Weiss". An absolute killer, that sends me shivers down the spine still after I�ve listened to it plenty of times. I believe I�ve never heard such moving German lyrics until the present day - by the way the only on the album, it would be unfortunate if they would just use this as a gimmick like so many other bands do these day. But I do not want to concentrate too much on this particular song, because each one on this album is actually worth really it to receive its mention. Starting off with the opener "Asylum" - with its Didgeridoo-style vocals by guitarist Michael Siffermann � until the slightly psychedelic sounding final track "Float". Yes, "Mirrorsoil" turned out as a masterpiece and there�s only one point of criticism, which is the somehow high-pitched overall sound. But that�s about it. Metal freaks, who are looking for nice, smooth-ironed melodies should not waste their "precious" time with "Mirrorsoil", but those who prefer deep emotions, interesting arrangements, heavy guitars and an own sound, should get hold of this album. Some may not be able to share my enthusiasm after a first listen, should simply give it some time. "Mirrorsoil� grows with every listen! It might sound exaggerated to some, but speaking for myself, I can say that I�ve yet found a quite hot candidate for my top ten disks of the year 2001 just a few days after New Year. (Fierce)
then check THIS out!!
