Release
date: April
06th
2018.
Label: Self
Released.
Format: CD/DD
The
Mirror
– Tracklisting
1
About The World
2
Falling
3
Out Of Parts
4
Remember
5
In Circles
6
Queenslip
7
The Last Time
8
The Mirror
9
Rainbow's End
Members
Jason
- Guitar/Vox
Robbie
- Bass
Review
Canadian
Prog Stoner Rockers Sierra new album, The Mirror, carries on the 70s
sounding vibe of their last EP – 72 and brings in a more
progressive and experimental psychedelic sound. You can still feel
and hear the sounds from their earlier releases but this album
definitely sees Sierra playing a more confident 70s Progressive and
Hard Rock sound.
Opening
track – About The World – is a semi-acoustic psychedelic number
that has an eerie modern day Opeth feel to it. Jason’s vocals even
feel they were influenced by Mikael Åkerfeldt. The lyrics have have a
more trippy and emotional feel compared to their previous songs. It’s
quite an uplifting number and proves that Sierra have added a more
dramatic flair to their music.
Second
track – Falling – is a more heavier affair with the heavy
Doom/Stoner sounds playing a fine balance between Psychedelic Stoner
Rock and 70s Progressive Hard Rock. The instrumental work is first
rate with Jason’s guitars adding elements of classic sounding Hard
Rock/Heavy Metal riffs. Robbie’s bass adds a thumping rhythm and
provides a subtle heavy backdrop that holds everything together. I
don’t know if it’s me but I can definitely hear traces of NWOBHM
on this track and throughout the album.
Sierra
may have a vintage sound on this album but they do offer many moments
of modern sounding Doom/Stoner Metal vibes that allows The Mirror to
breathe and grow naturally.
Songs
such as Out Of Parts, Remember, In Circles, Queenslip, The Mirror and
Rainbow’s End are the other standout tracks on the album. As Sierra
expand their hybrid Progressive/Stoner Rock sound even further with
the focus more on melody than pure aggression. Maybe some people will
complain that the album isn’t loud or heavy enough. I advise those
folks to listen to this album again as Sierra have created a highly
intelligent and quite angry album at times.
The
lyrics seem more reflective and more personal compared to Sierra’s
previous releases. The best part of the album for myself is the
different genres of music Sierra have included on the album. Plus the
band have the balls to play a high amount of guitar solos on the
album. Maybe taking influence from the guitar riff geniuses over the
last 40 years. So be prepared for over-the-top guitar solo
riff-wizardry on this album.
The
Mirror sounds excellent and that’s perhaps down to Sierra teaming
up with Philip Cope of Kylesa fame to record this album. As this
album sounds impressive from the start. Sierra have worked with
Philip with all of their records to date and this is perhaps the best
they have ever sounded.
Sierra
have delivered the goods with this album. The Mirror has everything
that a genuine Hard Rock/Heavy Metal fan could possibly want. If this
is your first time listening to Sierra then this album is the best
place to start. If you’re a long time fan of the band like myself
then this album is going to blow your mind.
Excellent
and Highly Recommended.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Sierra for the promo. The Mirror will be available to buy on CD/DD
from April 06th 2018.
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