From Ashes to New // Reflections // Album Review

Following the success of 2023’s Blackout, From Ashes to New return with Reflections, an album that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but instead builds on what they already do well. After reportedly scrapping a full album’s worth of material to get things right, the Lancaster quintet have come back with a 12-track release that feels focused and confident, continuing to push their place in the modern nu-metal scene.

Reflections keeps the band’s core sound intact, with the contrast between Matt’s rap verses and Danny’s melodic choruses as strong as ever. That said, there’s a noticeable shift in tone. The electronic elements feel more refined and darker this time around, giving the album a stronger industrial edge that works well alongside the heavy guitar work.

Tracks like ‘Drag Me’ and ‘Villain’ lean into that heavier side. ‘Villain’ especially stands out, diving into toxic relationships and flipping the usual narrative, backed by a groove that’s both hard-hitting and infectious.

Moving into track four, ‘Die For You’ feels like the emotional centrepiece of the album, and it’s easy to see why it’s already become a fan favourite. Its restless energy, sharp riffs, and Danny’s passionate vocal delivery make it one of the standout moments on the record.

Further into the album, ‘New Disease’ takes aim at the influence of digital culture and trend-following. It’s a familiar style for the band—catchy enough to stick, but with enough bite in the lyrics to give it some weight.

Towards the end, ‘Falling from Heaven’ and ‘Your Ghost’ show a more restrained and introspective side. Rather than ending on a huge, explosive note, the album closes more reflectively, which suits the overall tone and shows a bit of growth in their sound.

The title Reflections feels fitting. Where earlier releases leaned more into external struggles, this one feels more inward-looking. It’s an album that shows a band that knows exactly what they’re aiming for. Scrapping and starting again during the writing process seems to have paid off, resulting in a record that feels more cohesive and well-thought-out, while still delivering the energy fans expect.

Review: Peter Watts