(Heavy/Power Metal) [CD] Dark Mirror - Portrait of Evil - 2009, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Not long ago I got acquainted with this American band with the re-release of their debut album ‘Visions Of Pain’ (also reviewed in this edition of Lords Of metal) and was rather impressed by the band’s qualities. On that album the band revealed a tasty old-fashioned (US) heavy and speed metal and NWOBHM in the vein of bands like Grim Reaper, Attacker, Judas Priest, Omen, Halloween, W.A.S.P., Mercyful Fate/King Diamond and countless other bands that roamed the underground 25 years ago and up to this day are considered (semi) legendary. Due to Alonso Dosono’s high-pitched vocals the band also managed to approach the mysterious atmosphere of King Diamond quite well.

Their second long player, ‘Portrait Of Evil, which saw the light of day last year, is a logical follow-up for ‘Visions Of Pain’, only this time they have focused more on the King Diamond elements within their music! It already starts with the album title of course. For the uneducated lads among us; King Diamond’s debut album was titled ‘Fatal Portrait’ and just like on King’s debut album, ‘Portrait Of Evil’ also contains a song called ‘The Portrait’. Or what to think of Asylum’ (King Diamond: ‘Out From The Asylum’) or ‘The Arrival… Unholy Crusade’ (King Diamond: ‘Arrival’)? And then there is of course the band’s outfit in which they have posed for the photo shoot of this album; smoking and high hats… I also suspect ‘Portrait Of Evil’ to be a conceptual album, although I’m not really sure about that!

And finally there is of course the music, which from the very first second of ‘At The Edge Of Reality’ summons the atmosphere of albums like ‘Abigail’ and ‘Conspiracy’. On this album Donoso sounds more than King than before and I must admit that he does a tremendous job. The same compliment goes out to the music by the way. Okay, they haven’t managed to come up with ingenious riffs and solos a la Andy La Roque and the music is many times simpler, but that definitely is not a reason for complaining. More importantly, despite the obvious references to King and co. I really don’t get the feeling that Dark Mirror is a mindless imitation and I would definitely not call them a clone! And also don’t forget the in the above-mentioned influences, which are again fully represented.

In comparison with its predecessor, ‘Portrait Of Evil’ is a step forward on every matter. The songs are better composed, Donoso has made a lot of progression and doesn’t sound forced for a second and the album has a much stronger production. The biggest default on the debut might have been the fact that the solos were not supported by a second guitar, but fortunately that is also fixed on this album. What remains is a highly respectable and entertaining heavy metal abum, which will definitely apply to the fans of this genre.

Review written by Nima for www.lordsofmetal.nl

Marco Battaglia - Bass
Alonso Donoso - Vocals
Clint Blomker - Drums
Blitz Creagan - Guitars