As You Drown - 'Reflection'

Reflection is modern death metal full of youthful energy, but lacking any distinguishable traits.

As You Drown, the latest death metal import from Sweden, shows potential on their debut album Reflection. Signed to Metal Blade, the quintet fits well alongside the rest of the label’s artists with their sheer intensity and passion. These two elements help As You Drown in crafting songs with a rock-solid structure to them; however, the band comes up short in providing a pure visceral listening experience.

Predictability plays a large part in knocking the album down a few pegs on the death metal totem pole. Die-hard fans of the genre will hear nothing on Reflection that hasn’t been done by countless bands, from Oceano to labelmates Job For A Cowboy. The countless chugging breakdowns battling alongside a continuous stream of blast beats makes for an exercise in tedium.

The mid-paced material is As You Drown’s strong suit, as a hint of melody helps to add an undeniable catchiness to their songwriting. Songs like “Horns” and “Driven By Hatred” leave an impression due to infectious guitar work. “Ashes” is only four minutes long, but has an epic scope to it that show restraint, crafting a barren atmosphere that builds to a thrilling end. Closer “Needles” follows up “Ashes” with a lackluster speedy number, concluding Reflection with nothing more than a tiny whimper.

Musically, As You Drown is stocked with capable musicians who don’t step too far outside the box. The guitar work is decent, but no real stand-out moments, and the vocals are the standard growls and high-pitch screams.

Reflection is a debut that doesn’t leave a lasting scar on the listener. As You Drown has conviction in their sound, but without any type of distinguishable traits, Reflection languishes behind the rest of the pack. There are a few worthwhile tracks, but the album as a whole is nothing more than slightly above-average death metal.