Review: “Under the Sign of Vlad Țepeș” by Dark Reflection

Originally a one man project born of the mind of guitarist, bassist and songwriter Riccardo Silla in 2022, Dark Reflection grew from man to beast as he was joined by drummer Lorenzo Domizi (Emperial Abyss, Bothers), the growler and producer Mauro “Ulag” Mancinelli (Deathcvlt, In Lacrimaes et Dolor, OsseltioN) and guitarist Mike Rossi “The Unholy” (Scala Mercalli) in early 2023. Together they went back to the roots of Death Metal, combining their influences in both the Florida and Swedish flavours of the genre and crafting debut record “Under the Sign of Vlad Țepeș“. A concept record with a historical resonance and lyrics co-written by Michele Romani, it tells the tales of multiple engagements lead by Vlad the Impaler against the Ottomans in order to regain the independence of his country…

Adorned by “Batalia cu Facle”, a painting by Theodor Aman (1831-1891), “Under the Sign of Vlad Țepeș” comes to life with an eerie riff as “The Forest of Impaled” rapidly becomes a demonstration of the power that Dark Reflection posses. A powerhouse offering in Pestilence style old school Death Metal with a tasteful solo to accompany dry throated, raspy vocals, it’s enough to collapse mountains should they lay in the bands path to Valhalla. Restless and relentless drumming from Domizi on “Battle of Giurgiu” is an absolute pleasure as Silla moves between some more technical rhythmic battery on the guitars, bordering on Black n’ Roll and even Groove Metal with a couple of well written passages. A sinister mid section offers up a fleeting melodic break before the band go hell for leather once more, the caustic vocals a genre tour de force. Taking a leaf from the Penny Coffin playbook “The Forest of Vlăsia” nails the dark, damp, torcher chamber hell atmospheric perfectly as a rampage through old school Death Metal riffs plays out in gloriously hellish fashion. The tempo changes are as swift as the movement of the executioners axe, each one as precise as a laser guided missile. Attention to detail is paramount when telling historic tales and no stone has been left unturned in the approach that has been taken with this one. Grand finale “Battle of Târgoviște” is the metaphorical blood on the blade, a barbed cut of murderous intent that is performed at the tempo of the damned with Mancinelli’s growls pure evil. Another tasteful solo gives this one a little more style and grace, elevating the bludgeoning percussive battery to a new level of pain. All you need is love? No. All you need is Dark Reflection [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. The Forest of Impaled
2. Battle of Giurgiu
3. The Forest of Vlăsia
4. Battle of Târgoviște

“Under the Sign of Vlad Țepeș” by Dark Reflection is out 13th January 2025 via Pest Records and is available over at bandcamp