Book of Reflections are a “supergroup” compromising some of the top names from the Lion Music roster although the songs are solely the works of Lars Eric Mattsson. They’ve been categorised by their label as being a blend of progressive metal and classic hard rock but to my ears they have a touch of power metal about them with some huge backing vocals and gargantuan riffs. In addition to three different lead singers, the wonderfully named Eddie Sledgehammer plays drums but, in my only real criticism of this album seems to sound like he played in a different continent to the rest of the band sound-wise. That’s only a minor detail though. 

For the most part this is a highly enjoyable album, possibly one of those albums that you enthuse about to your mates whilst they look blankly at you. It has some real high points especially in the first half and the lesser parts still add to the package as a whole. The album kicks into gear with the title track and immediately this listener was ready to get out the metaphorical broadsword such is the power metalness of this song. This is even more obvious in Bringer of the Torch which actually mentions the “sword of steel” yet managers to sound like Bruce Dickinson singing Dio! 

Free My Soul is outstanding. It features cheesy Power Quest style keyboards and sumptuous guitars that are a cross between Portuguese band Oratory and Virgin Steele – and that is totally epic in my book. Sadly, I have to report that to my ears, Heal Me is a bit rubbish, but isn’t that what the skip button is made for? 

Fortunately Uncover the Lie Ashes to Ashes, Make Sure You Don’t Fail are of a much higher standard and begin to bring in some of the more progressive elements mentioned earlier. Blink of an Eye finds the band in acoustic mode. Quite why rock acts feel the need to bring out the acoustic gear so readily always amazes me and therefore I can take of leave this particular track. 

Got to Get Low and Love Conquers All bring the album to a rocking close and despite the vast number of musicians on it, this is a cohesive, well-executed piece of metal that will doubtless find many admirers amongst those who get to hear it.

Let us know your views on 'Unfold The Future'

Track List

Unfold the Future
Bringer of the Torch
Free My Soul
Heal Me
Uncover the Lie
Ashes to Ashes
Make Sure You Don’t fall
Deep Inside
Blink of an Eye
Got to Get Low
Love Conquers All