Mirrors Album Review

From the outset New Way Home’s latest release Mirrors is a rip-roaring beast sure to get the mosh pit pumping. Building on some of the best metal sub genres while forging a truly original sound all of their own, the five piece hailing from Auckland have incorporated the perfect blend of delicate harmonics and unrelenting heaviness. 

In a league of his own singer Rich Simpson runs the full gamut of vocal techniques, from smoky warm softness to death metal harshness. At times channeling Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) to great effect, Rich seems to effortlessly maneuver around the song dynamic with lyrical perfection.

This is where the extensive engineering skills of guitarist Zorran Mendonsa come to the fore. Subtle effects, delays and clever harmonies create space, giving the vocals a presence rarely heard on other metal albums. Professional in every sense of the word, Zorran’s mastering is nicely complimented by his proficiency on the gat with reverb drenched power and alternate chord structures adding the X factor.

Opening track Mirror is the epitome of controlled anger with all the dynamic depth you could ever want. Not to be outdone is Paper Hearts with its dark chorus and pinch harmonics working a real aural treat. The power ballad Autumn then takes you on an epic journey that lets the vocals freely soar through spacious heavens. Changing back up a notch, Chrysalis explores tight polymetered timing with guitarist Christian Humphreys giving the wall of sound an extra stereophonic crunch. A clever bass interlude by Romilly Smith is reminiscent of Tool’s Ænima, but better. Phoenix also builds up the momentum and tension with some of the best syncopation you’ll ever hear. The expansive melodic counterpoint of Tides poignantly captures the emotion of heartfelt loss while showing a depth of maturity only ample time together playing music can impart. Again moving from a slow dynamic, Atrophy with its fast paced intro, multiple time signatures and excellent juxtaposition of strong and dissonant melodies is the stand out track. It’s truly massive! Scott Wotherspoon’s blistering drumming on all eleven tracks and particularly the powerful build up in Black Eyes is sure to raise a few hairs on the back of your neck. This guy is on fire. The soft ambience of Soul and Saturn have hit written all over them, with Adrift closing out a faultless album you should definitely check out.

Not only does this album incorporate the industrial intricacies of bands like Meshuggah, Machine Head and Soilwork, it delivers an atmospheric punch that must be heard to be believed. The underlying resonance of formidable song structures is technically brilliant and gets better with every listen. Mirrors has literally smashed it right out of the park. Go catch it today.