Distorted Reflection – Doom Rules Eternally
Label: Iron Shield Records | Released: February 9, 2024
Photo Courtesy of Kostas Salomidis/Distorted Reflection
Greek band Distorted Reflection entered the scene around 2022 with a firmly defined sound they call Power Doom—a blend of progressive-leaning power metal tinged with doom atmosphere. Their debut album Doom Rules Eternally, released through Germany’s Iron Shield Records, is a compact, 36-minute offering that stays loyal to its chosen identity throughout.
Formed by Kostas Salomidis, co-founder of Greece’s long-running Sorrows Path, Distorted Reflection is a project rooted in vision. The band includes Stelios Pavlou on drums, Vangelis Yalamas on bass/synth, and a handful of guests including Ross Friedman (Manowar) and Nicholas Leptos (Warlord), adding respectable credibility to the lineup.
The musicianship across the album is notably tight. The guitar riffs lock in rhythmically with the drums, and the songs move with precision. Tracks like “Colours” and “Victim of Fate” feature sharply executed instrumentation, showing off solid arrangements with well-timed transitions and clean, traditional metal riffs. When the band leans slightly more progressive, as in “Ghosts of Mind” or “The Eternal Gate,” the energy shifts just enough to reengage the ear.
Vocally, Salomidis delivers something quite distinct. His voice has an affected tone—somewhere between a traditional power metal singer and the theatrical eccentricity of Jello Biafra. There’s a noticeable accent and vibrato, and a certain old-school flair to his delivery that gives the album a unique identity. Depending on the listener’s taste, this can either be charmingly individualistic or somewhat jarring. It’s not your typical soaring power metal voice, but it certainly makes Doom Rules Eternally stand out.
One of the strongest moments comes in “Cassandra”, where melodic introspection gives way to dynamic progression. The structure is refreshing compared to the more straightforward arrangements that dominate much of the record. Other tracks, like “Mr. Snake” and “Ring of Fire,” are competent and thematically consistent, though the album’s unchanging mood and vocal tone may feel repetitive by the latter half.
Lyrically, Doom Rules Eternally dips into classic metal tropes—revenge, mystical reflections, serpents, and internal battles. There’s a nostalgic flair that may appeal to fans of 80s metal and fantasy-driven storytelling, though at times it reads a bit dated. The synth textures in the background attempt to add cinematic weight, although occasionally detracting from the otherwise tight performances.
It’s also worth noting that the band’s decision to remain low-profile—no live shows, no interviews—gives Distorted Reflection an almost cult-like aura. Whether that will help or hinder their visibility in today’s crowded metal landscape remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a bold move.
Distorted Reflection earns points for professionalism, musicianship, and dedication to their sound. While the album may not break boundaries or appeal universally, it’s an honest and coherent debut from a band who clearly knows what they want to create. Doom Rules Eternally will likely find its audience among listeners who appreciate traditional power metal infused with doom undertones and a touch of theatrical eccentricity.
Standout Track: Cassandra
For Fans Of: Candlemass, Sorcerer, Sorrows Path, early Sanctuary
