Mirror of Deception - Transience

Mirror of Deception is a doom metal band from Germany that formed in 1990. Their latest album, “Transience,” is their sixth full-length.  They have also released three demos, four splits, two EPs and a compilation. I wasn't familiar with the band before they sent me this promo—I have no idea how I missed them but after “Transience,” I definitely won't ever let them fall off my radar.

Everything about “Transience,” is tight and focused. From the vocals to the songwriting itself, this album has been crafted well with a lot of standout moments. My favorite thing about this album is how melancholic and sullen it is, while still being one of the catchiest doom metal albums I've heard so far this year.

They are labeled as traditional doom metal and so many bands of this style bring the doom but tend to not be very melancholic. But Mirror of Deception does it well on this album, effectively taking the huge riffs and clean vocals of traditional doom and adding in Gothic flavors of melody and despondency. They do all this with songs that have a clear vision and goal—and each one is a banger with memorable choruses.  

“Transience,” sounds incredible too—the production and mix are on point. Every instrument is balanced where it should be and the vocals are powerful but not overpowering.

The album grabbed me immediately with its opening song, “Death, Deliver Us.”   The groovy riffs and melodies, even the drums…. it’s all memorable and quite a statement.  This is how an opening song should be done.  Michael’s vocals are wonderful, casting out a lot of emotion.  He also plays guitar alongside Jochen and together they weave their magic by combining epic notes with a wall of sound.

According to their Metallum page, bassist Pascal also does vocals.  Honestly, I’m not sure which one does what vocals, as there are some extreme ones on here as well, but, regardless, there isn’t one vocal line that is delivered with perfection.  Pascal’s bass and Uwe’s drums are a tight rhythm machine that ebb and flow across the moods of the song without missing a beat.

“Haven,” hits the ground running with catchy vocal lines that stick in the ears.  Their harmonies pair with the riffs well, a punch that is heavy yet melancholic.  The song flows well, gathering its rising action that leads up to killer growls.  I like the passage from 2:22 to end of the song, very Gothic but also has urgency.  

“Consumed,” is one of my favorite songs on the album.  The first riffs are great and at over 7 minutes in length, the song is paced well.  The melodies and harmonies flow effortlessly but I really like the slow parts that piece the song together, especially after the 5-minute mark.  The uptick in tempo near the song when the vocals get very expressive just before the melodic textures end the song is yet another hallmark—-this band knows how to end a song with a bang. 

“Meander,” ends the album—the bass intro sets up the song for guitar parts that could move mountains.  The atmosphere when the vocals go hazy is a nice touch, makes the heavier parts sound even better while injecting a unique approach to the song’s structure.  The final half of the song is among my favorite passages on the album.  It’s deep, emotional Gothic laced grooves bring the feels while the rhythm keeps it all a force to be reckoned with. 

Mirror of Deception’s “Transience,” is a great traditional doom album because it isn’t another Sabbath clone with lyrics about flying marijuana monsters or something.  This is a serious, engaging work of art that every doom fan needs to check out. 

Rating: Excellent