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The Illusion of Democracy

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The Illusion of Democracy
Studio album by
Reflux
ReleasedOctober 12, 2004[1]
StudioCue Recording Studios, Falls Church, Virginia
Planet Red Studios, Richmond, Virginia
GenreProgressive metalcore[2]
Length53:53
LabelProsthetic
ProducerAndreas Magnusson
Reflux chronology
Reflux EP
(2001) 		The Illusion of Democracy
(2004)

The Illusion of Democracy is a studio album by American progressive metalcore band Reflux. It was released on October 12, 2004, through Prosthetic Records.[3] Live music videos were released for the songs "Above the Pyramid and the Eye" and "Single File to Bliss".

The band previously released a self-titled EP in 2001 that was re-released digitally in 2023.

Reflux began working on a second studio album with a targeted release date of spring 2006,[4] but these plans never came to fruition.

REFLUX (Self-titled EP) cover

Background

[edit]

Reflux was founded in 2000 by Ash Avildsen and John Mehoves; with guitarist Tosin Abasi in Washington, D.C. The band's first line-up would consist of Avildsen and Abasi along with co-vocalist John Mehoves, bassist Evan Brewer, and drummer Brandon Foltz. Dave Lozano replaced Brandon later that year. In 2001, the band would begin work on a five-track self-titled EP; Lozano would leave during the recording sessions and be replaced by Steve Clifford. Clifford finished recording the EP and stayed with the band for their first full U.S. tour. Clifford eventually joined Circa Survive. Vincent Vinh was hired to replace Clifford while Avildsen would become the band's sole vocalist after John began “losing his voice” from all the performances. “I never used any false techniques. I wish I would have to be honest but in those days there was no such thing as a vocal coach for extreme metal.” All lyrics and vocal patterns for the EP and Illusion of Democracy were written by Ash and John.

Two songs from the EP, "Above the Pyramid and the Eye" and "Single File to Bliss" would be re-recorded for The Illusion of Democracy while "Life Is More Precious Than Land" was re-worked into "An Ode to the Evolution of Human Consciousness."

1. Above the Pyramid and Eye

2. Single File to Bliss

3. Life is More Precious than Land

4. Covet the Day

5. Orea

Legacy

[edit]

Following the break-up of the band, guitarist Tosin Abasi was approached by Prosthetic to release a solo album, with the project becoming Animals as Leaders.[2] Abasi was hesitant at first, but later when Reflux disbanded he agreed. Saying "I saw a solo thing as a way to express my voice."[5]

Vocalist Ash Avildsen would go on to establish the record label Sumerian Records in 2006.[6][7][8]

Bassist Evan Brewer would go on to join bands such as the Faceless, Fallujah, and Look What I Did.[9][10][11]

Reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Can This Even Be Called Music95/100[12]
Lambgoat8/10[13]
Sputnikmusic5/5[14]

In a review for CMJ New Music Report, Amy Sciarretto described the album as "an experiment that never gets boring or predictable," and noted that the band "refused to adhere to a singular style or scene." She commented: "They employ some serious guitar wizardry, precisely built walls of noise and off-the-beaten-path time signatures... but they don't skimp on the melodics, either."[15]

Kirby Unrest of Lambgoat wrote: "A huge part of what makes Reflux not only good, but memorable, is that their immense technical talents do not undermine a dedication to cohesive and flat-out catchy numbers. They don't dumb things down, but Reflux do succeed in maintaining musical bravado, filled with awe-inspiring moments."[13]

Writing for Can This Even Be Called Music, Dæv Tremblay remarked: "Reflux shows above all insane musicianship. Tosin and Evan tappings, fast riffs and constant changes within the songs make them interesting... Lyrics are also worth checking out... there should be more artists like this."[12]

Track listing

[edit]

All lyrics are written by Ash Avildsen; all music is composed by Reflux

No.TitleLength
1."Above the Pyramid and the Eye"4:15
2."Thoughts Dictate Reality"7:38
3."An Ode to the Evolution of Human Consciousness"3:59
4."The Sudden Realization..."6:33
5."...Of What You Were Missing"4:02
6."-=[*]=-" (Instrumental)4:17
7."Single File to Bliss"5:39
8."There's No Sunlight In My Cubicle"4:39
9."The Keats Persona" (Instrumental)5:35
10."1984-2004" (Instrumental)1:14
11."Modern Day Babylon"6:02

Personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from AllMusic:[16]

Reflux
Additional musicians
  • Chris Dowhan – keyboards, piano
Production
  • Andreas Magnusson – production, mixing, guitar and bass tracking
  • Brad Vance – mastering
  • Stephen Juliano – design, artwork, layout

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Reflux - The Illusion of Democracy". AllMusic. Retrieved August 31, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Politte, Elliott. "Tosin Abasi: 8-String Animal". Guitar Edge. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  3. ^ "The Illusion of Democracy | Reflux". Bandcamp. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  4. ^ "Reflux begin work on new album". Lambgoat. October 11, 2005. Retrieved August 31, 2023.
  5. ^ Allyn, Bobby (February 9, 2009). "Q&A: Animals As Leaders." Washington City Paper.
  6. ^ "Label Profile: Sumerian Records". Alternative Press #263 (June 2010), p. 38.
  7. ^ "VEIL OF MAYA Signs With SUMERIAN RECORDS Archived 2011-06-06 at the Wayback Machine", Blabbermouth.net, January 11, 2008, retrieved August 8, 2023
  8. ^ "FELLSILENT Inks U.S. Deal With SUMERIAN RECORDS Archived 2011-06-06 at the Wayback Machine", Blabbermouth.net, October 1, 2008, retrieved August 8, 2023
  9. ^ “The Faceless Announces New Bassist April 7, 2011. Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  10. ^ wookubus (April 26, 2022). "Fallujah Announce New Album And Lineup, Stream "Radiant Ascension"". Theprp. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  11. ^ "Look What I Did Joined By Bassist Evan Brewer". Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  12. ^ a b Tremblay, Dæv (July 23, 2012). "Reflux – The Illusion of Democracy (2004)". Can This Even Be Called Music. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Unrest, Kirby (February 12, 2005). "REFLUX 'Illusion of Democracy' Album Review". Lambgoat. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  14. ^ Gerhart, Thompson D. (July 29, 2009). "Review: Reflux - The Illusion Of Democracy". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  15. ^ Sciarretto, Amy (October 25, 2004). "Loud Rock". CMJ New Music Report. p. 17 – via Google Books.
  16. ^ "The Illusion of Democracy - Reflux | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
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