ALBUM REVIEW: Reflections – The Black Wizards

One glance at the multicoloured artwork that adorns the cover of Reflections will give you an indication of the sun drenched psychedelic trip THE BLACK WIZARDS are about to take the listener on. Groove driven riffs, echo drenched vocals and high octane guitar solos are the order of the day here, all propelled along by an uber tight rhythm section and bathed in a mind expanding aura. Hailing from Portugal, it’s clear that the sunshine and blissed out landscapes have infused their sound. 

The album opens with the storming Imposing Sun, the first single to be released from Reflections. A driving dose of hard rock that would clearly work perfectly as a set opener, it’s the most conventional track on offer here, breaking the listener in gently before the album embarks down a more hallucinatory route. On Outlaws, the album’s second track, things begin to get interesting. Opening with a scorched eastern flavoured riff accompanied by rattlesnake percussion and trembling bass, the track expands to include both heavy, driving passages and calm, trippy interludes. The vocals of Joana Brita float effortlessly throughout the whole track, sounding like PJ HARVEY if she found herself jamming with KYUSS in some hazy desert swaray. 

56th Floor showcases the spectacular rhythm section once again as a loose groove and cowbell carry the stripped back stoner riffage along, recalling CLUTCH at their boogieing best – try sitting still listening to this one. The moody Starlight is a sultry, shuffling number, glowing like it’s namesake in an expansive desert night sky. One can almost feel the campfire flicker as delicate guitar leads reverberate over loosely brushed snares – gorgeous. Soul Keeper begins gently before turning off into heavier territory with some squealing wah adorned solos. Closer Kaleidoscope Eyes brings to mind the long drawn out jams of 60s heavyweights CREAM and JIMI HENDRIX ending the album in spellbinding fashion. As the band throw everything they have into the mix, the ethereal vocals of Brita are juxtaposed with heavier, fuzz fuelled riffs and more of those far out guitar solos that here take the listener to another dimension. 

Whilst many of THE BLACK WIZARDS‘ influences may have disbanded long ago, they keep the spirit of their psychedelic forebears alive and kicking, making their sound feel fresh and relevant. Indeed part of the album’s appeal is it’s timeless nature. This is a band that knows their craft, so buckle up and enjoy the trip. 

Rating: 7/10

Reflections is set for release August 23rd via Kozmik Artifactz/Raging Planet. 

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