Where to begin? Kolony Records are expecting big things from this rising band, but if you've heard either 2007's "Beyond Redemption" or the newly released "A Bleak Reflection", you're most likely scratching your head and asking why. First things first: Death-Doom is a very cult sub-genre, which is exactly the sound this band is trying to breathe new life into. Secondly, it is a sound that is rarely done right, as this group has now twice proven.

The tracks on "A Bleak Reflection" are long, and for the most part, quite stagnant. The slow and bland riffs do nothing to capture your attention, and most of them are carried on too long and repeated too many times throughout each track. The most recognizable problem this group runs into is the structure of their song composition. If and when a song picks up, finally demonstrating the skills of the players, it is already too far into the song, and they've already lost the listener's attention.

If you manage to sit through the entire thing, you will figure out that these guys really can play, and that this is in fact a very serious and ambitious attempt at resurrecting an old sound of music. Unfortunately, it is impossible to deny how bored you are from the lack of excitement, transcendence, and overall, soul. If you're one of the few who did enjoy their previous work, by all means, have a listen. It's pretty much true to their roots, and consistent, if nothing more. It is also not absent of improvements from their debut.

Despite how hopeful many Doomsters may have been for an evolved sound of this band, the sad truth is that this is a very skipable effort.