Seneca's version of metalcore is demonstrated from the get go with "Optical," with the band treating their audience to a plate of breakdown double bass kicks and muted riffing before sweep picking and low-end growling on "Palehorse." This album stays focused in its ways and doesn't stray very often, and although moments of acoustic guitar and clean vocals do make the occasional appearance they are used to alleviate the heaviness Seneca unfurl throughout Reflections. Occasionally, Seneca take their raw and visceral sound even further down the metal genre rabbit hole with a speck or two of death metal blast beats and vocals on "Carousels," but they manage to remain focused in their musical endeavours by turning to breakdowns as a way to ground themselves. Reflections does manage to hold one's attention throughout its entirety, yet this album hasn't done anything inventive for heavy music. One thing is for certain: Seneca do what they do and they do it well.
(Lifeforce)Seneca
Reflections
BY Dave SynyardPublished Mar 24, 2009