Interviews: Reflection Of Flesh

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Melodic Metal band Reflection Of Flesh from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. For readers discovering Reflection of Flesh for the first time, how would you describe the band's sound and identity?

ROF: Uniquely unique. It has definitely changed over the course of the nearly ten years we've been together. There are melodic elements, along with thrash and groove metal. Some death metal due to the drumming. We thrive on trying to sound like nothing but Reflection of Flesh.

2. What inspired the writing of "Souls Reign Fire", and what does the song mean to you personally?

ROF: Tying back to the thoughts of personal loss and grief was definitely a factor. We've all (meaning everyone) experienced this at some point in our lives. Recently, Chris's father was diagnosed with ALS, and he has been helping take care of him, which was a factor for him.

3. The title is powerful and intriguing. How did you come up with "Souls Reign Fire"?

ROF: Phil comes up with the lyrical aspects, but we do what we always do when writing. We toss ideas back and forth, arrange things a bit, and add layers and other ideas. We spent a little extra time with this one as we normally do, but we were going for something that grabbed people's attention, as well as retained that attention the entirety of the track (nearly seven minutes long). It doesn't feel like it's that long when you get to the finish.

4. What message or emotions do you hope listeners take away after hearing the song?

ROF: Grief and loss are painful, sometimes traumatic experiences. It is in our human nature to question higher spiritual power when something like this happens. It changes you. But we each hold the power to make changes to better our emotions and moods. Hopefully, people can realize that and learn to take these kinds of negatives and be positive.

5. Can you tell us about the songwriting process? Did this track come together quickly, or did it evolve over time?

C: “Souls Reign Fire” took a little bit of time to write, but not that long. Garrett and Phil write the basic guitar and bass lines, then Chris works his magic behind the kit. Phil always has new lyrics in the chamber, so it's just a matter of finding the arrangement of the riffs to suit the lyrics. It did take some time to get our last full-length CDs, so once we received those, we immediately began working on the song in October 2024. We pushed through the winter, constantly working out of it, then rehearsed it a lot before tracking it in March 2025. Then on to the mixing/mastering process it went, and then it was just scheduling the release.

6. How does "Souls Reign Fire" compare to your previous releases? Does it represent a new direction for Reflection of Flesh?

ROF: We believe we started the actual Reflection of Flesh sound with the last album, “We Are Legion.” Our earlier stuff, albeit fun to play and still great, was with each of us individually being at different levels in our personal lives and playing capabilities. Now that the lineup has been consistent for the last six years (with the three of us altogether since 2018), we were able to hone in on what we wanted to sound like. With the changing tides of metal, we wanted to remain consistent with the times yet still stay true to our original style.

7. Your music blends melody with crushing heaviness. How do you strike that balance while writing?

ROF: It's extremely difficult, but while we still try to capture that heaviness, we try to let the song breathe as much as possible, keeping the vibe/feel very open. That allows us to embellish certain sections/passages to make them fit the melodic area and also add crushing heaviness if it calls for it.

8. Who were your biggest musical influences while creating this single?

ROF: We had been listening to a lot of different styles of music, but with the almost original lineup of Dream Theater getting back together, that was one of them. But also Ulcerate, Rush, Emperor, Dissection, the Police, and Toto.

9. You've shared the stage with many well-known bands and toured extensively across the U.S. What has been one of your most memorable live experiences so far?

C: For Chris, playing with BATTLECROSS in Chestertown Fieldship outside of Detroit. Also, being able to perform at the Oriental Theatre in Denver, CO, with Necronomicon, The Convalescence, Alukah, and our boys in Bound By Years. Garrett looks back to the show in Boise, Idaho, at The Shredder, which was an absolutely killer show. We all know Phil had a blast in Salt Lake City for a certain, very enthusiastic patron.

10. You're releasing this single through Golden Robot Records. How has working with the label helped the band?

ROF: Like working with other labels, working with Golden Robot Records has obviously added worldwide attention to the music that we didn't have previously. They have been extremely easy to work with, and couldn't have asked for anything more. It's always a privilege to be part of such an extensive and powerful roster.

11. What can fans expect from your upcoming Southwest and Western U.S. tour?

ROF: Well, the tour already came and went. We hadn't even gotten into the first show when we had to deal with extreme weather. Unfortunately, it seems like we have an issue with Mother Nature. We played the Topeka, KS, show, which was amazing. Shout out to Chad and the staff at 6th & Polk Music. They made the night absolutely amazing. Right after the show, we made our journey to Corpus Christi, TX. We made it to Houston, TX, before having to pull off the freeway with brake issues. Unfortunately, that is where the tour stopped. Being late the day before Good Friday, in Texas, we could not locate a rental for the rest of the tour, and had to wait out the repairs. Luckily, Jesse and the crew at All Things RV did a crazy job getting the repair done, just a little past the point of no return. After 36 hours of travel behind, going into the desert and mountains for the first time, we went back home. Expect a short run to make up for some of those shows this Fall.

12. Is "Souls Reign Fire" a standalone release, or does it hint at a larger project currently in the works?

ROF: Albeit being released as a single, “Souls Reign Fire” is part of a larger project in the works. We've had new family members come into the world, as well as some leaving this plane of existence. That being said, we'll be continuing the work to get that tracked in the Fall/Winter.

13. What keeps Reflection of Flesh motivated after nearly a decade of writing, recording, and touring?

ROF: Honestly, just keeping the grind going. Punches always keep coming, so we just adapt and continue to do what we do. That's been a mantra of ours since before this band started, and we will always do what we do. It also helps that the three of us are family, and we hang out with each other's families frequently. It makes it easier when that happens.

14. If you could tour with any three bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

ROF: Necronomicon - Rob and Ramm were amazing to us on the road and super supportive. They're still great friends of ours, as well as Brandon Richter, who was drumming for them when we toured together. He's now playing guitar for Bleeding Through. They absolutely crush live. BATTLECROSS - I've known Hiran for a bit, but Tony and Don were super chill with us, always offering help when it looked like we needed it. Also, the band rips. Alukah - The homies; love those boys, and they also absolutely crush. They were amazing to tour with when we did, but RJ and Danny are gone now, so I'm not sure what they are up to. Unfortunately, Bound by Years is no longer active, but Chance, Chase, Shawn, Dennis, and Johnny will always be our boys. Great guys all around.

15. Is there anything else you'd like to share with the readers of Breathing The Core Zine?

ROF: Keep listening to all metal and keep it relevant. Remember, when times get tough, listening to metal music can get you through a lot of emotions and difficulties. As always, give us a like/follow on all social and streaming platforms. Just keep your eyes and ears peeled for what comes next. Reflection of Flesh is coming for you!! And as always, keep it metal!

Support independent metal journalism — Visit the official BTC store