Reflection of Glory is a Symphonic Power Metal band from Atlanta, Georgia, USA who draws comparison to bands like 'Kamelot' and 'Choirs Of Veritas'. Reflection of Glory is a solo project with all instruments and music being independently produced & managed by Barry Dreier. The band takes the idea for their moniker from scripture as seen in 2 Corinthians 3:18 "And we all, with unveiled face, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Barry began studying music at the early age of 13 where he started out learning how to play the bass. During his High School years, he began to dabble in recording and production where he honed his skills working with many different bands. Over the years, Barry continued his studies of music while developing his skill on various instruments including the guitar and keyboards all the while developing his unique vocal style.
In 2008 Barry decided that it was time for a band name and it was then that 'Reflection of Glory' was conceived. Six years later, in 2014 'Reflection of Glory' released an independent full-length album titled 'Bird's Eye View'. This release finds the band developing their sound with a Singer/Songwriter meets Rock music approach. Although the album has some Rock moments, the arrangements cater more towards the the singer/songwriter side of music. Then, In 2016 'Reflection of Glory' released a full-length Christmas album simply titled 'Christmas'. This holiday release finds the band continuing in the same Singer/Songwriter direction.
With two releases already under his belt along with many hours in the studio producing other bands, Barry felt the winds of change and was ready to try something new and exciting. He had developed a love for both 'Classical Symphony Orchestra' and overdriven guitars. This love ultimately led him to the Symphonic Power Metal genre which nicely marries both styles of music.
Barry began studying music at the early age of 13 where he started out learning how to play the bass. During his High School years, he began to dabble in recording and production where he honed his skills working with many different bands. Over the years, Barry continued his studies of music while developing his skill on various instruments including the guitar and keyboards all the while developing his unique vocal style.
In 2008 Barry decided that it was time for a band name and it was then that 'Reflection of Glory' was conceived. Six years later, in 2014 'Reflection of Glory' released an independent full-length album titled 'Bird's Eye View'. This release finds the band developing their sound with a Singer/Songwriter meets Rock music approach. Although the album has some Rock moments, the arrangements cater more towards the the singer/songwriter side of music. Then, In 2016 'Reflection of Glory' released a full-length Christmas album simply titled 'Christmas'. This holiday release finds the band continuing in the same Singer/Songwriter direction.
With two releases already under his belt along with many hours in the studio producing other bands, Barry felt the winds of change and was ready to try something new and exciting. He had developed a love for both 'Classical Symphony Orchestra' and overdriven guitars. This love ultimately led him to the Symphonic Power Metal genre which nicely marries both styles of music.
Some bands that have played a part in influencing Barry's music style include Theocracy along with Symphonic bands like Nightwish and Kamelot just to mention a few.
"The purpose of this project is pretty straightforward: to bring honor to God.
I don't want it to be about me; that's why I didn't use my own name as the music brand.
My biggest hope is that the music will bring the Gospel to people."
I don't want it to be about me; that's why I didn't use my own name as the music brand.
My biggest hope is that the music will bring the Gospel to people."
2017
In 2017 'Reflection of Glory' saw a rebirth in the band's musical direction with the release of their debut independent full-length album appropriately titled 'Reborn'. Barry considers this release to be the band's debut album due to the fact that 'Reborn' reflects a complete directional change in their sound. This project finds the band now sailing into Symphonic Power Metal territory. With 'Reborn' the band steps onto the Metal scene delivering up a solid debut offering and establishing themselves in the Power Metal realm!
2021
In 2021 'Reflection of Glory' released their full-length sophomore album titled 'Escape The Dream' on an indie label. This follow-up release finds ROG continuing in the Symphonic Power Metal direction and is the band's strongest offering to date. In the Power Metal scene there are two main camps including the much heavier guitar driven Western variety and then there's the lighter, faster, uplifting, and more polished European Power Metal. 'Reflection of Glory' falls into the latter of the two with more of a European Power Metal sound which resonates throughout their arrangements. From the soaring vocals to the symphonic touches to the poundin' drum lines 'Escape The Dream' is sure to capture the attention of the Power Metal community.
Escape the Dream is a concept album that works through different "dreams" or allegories that show how our selfish desires and sin will only lead to death. The idea is that we "awaken" from believing in only what we can physically see to a Spiritual reality found in the Creator - Jesus Christ.
Escape the Dream is a concept album that works through different "dreams" or allegories that show how our selfish desires and sin will only lead to death. The idea is that we "awaken" from believing in only what we can physically see to a Spiritual reality found in the Creator - Jesus Christ.
On their latest 2021 offering, Vocalist-Barry Dreier delivers up a strong vocal performance. Somewhere between his lower-end register and his higher-end register a bit of magic transpires and this is one of the many elements that we have come to love about European Power Metal bands. Yes, the vocals are spot on with enough hooks & energy to keep the listener coming back for more! It's worth noting that Barry garners some additional help on track-5 "Folly of the Fall" from female (voice over artist)-Elizabeth DeVault.
The guitars are handled by shredder-Barry Dreier who shows his prowess behind the six strings from track to track with driving guitars and lightening fast fret work.
The lyrics for 'Escape the Dream' take the listener on a journey through the
struggle of man, the condition of the heart, the nature of reality, and salvation.
The following are some excerpts from the band's lyrics:
struggle of man, the condition of the heart, the nature of reality, and salvation.
The following are some excerpts from the band's lyrics:
"The Hound Of Heaven"
At the end of the pursuit, finally caught up by that brute
His voice comes crashing down like thund'ring seas:
"Why should love set you apart? There's no good in your blackened heart
"I AM the only One to bring forth life!
"Human loves needs human merit, yours is stained a filthy scarlet
"You've no clue of how unworthy that you are!
"Who can you find, who will love you as I?
Coming down from on high
To pursue you, your dead heart to raise
"All your life, all the idols you chased, as I took them away
To protect you, by omniscient grace
"Like a child, you cannot comprehend, my eternal plan
To redeem you, now come follow Me!"
"Holy War"
Yet still this Savior fights for me
Cancelling the debt of my iniquity
Crushed by the law of justice to set me free
Oh my God help me believe
Yes this Savior fought for me
Hanging in my place up on Calvary
And by His grace gave his righteousness to me
(And all who would believe)
Oh my God help me believe
"The Folly of the Fall"
As I rest beneath this tree
I see all I could be - and more
The fruit looks good to eat
but something's whispering - to ignore
"Graves Of Craving"
Such a feast - will not save cannot feed - what I crave
But mislead - and enslave us in the graves of our cravings
Such a feast - bringing doom Sugar laced - poison spoon
Judgment faced - will entomb us in the graves of our cravings
"Beyond Evermore"
Following the One who pushes back nightmares within
I see the truth within all earthly things
On my own, I dream in death in Him awake to Life
Enlighten me - open my eyes
I throw wide the door to see the land beyond Evermore
Open my eyes, I realize truly life means more, beyond Evermore
Help me find the door bring me to beyond Evermore
Kill my disguise, reveal my lies give me Your true life, beyond Evermore
At the end of the pursuit, finally caught up by that brute
His voice comes crashing down like thund'ring seas:
"Why should love set you apart? There's no good in your blackened heart
"I AM the only One to bring forth life!
"Human loves needs human merit, yours is stained a filthy scarlet
"You've no clue of how unworthy that you are!
"Who can you find, who will love you as I?
Coming down from on high
To pursue you, your dead heart to raise
"All your life, all the idols you chased, as I took them away
To protect you, by omniscient grace
"Like a child, you cannot comprehend, my eternal plan
To redeem you, now come follow Me!"
"Holy War"
Yet still this Savior fights for me
Cancelling the debt of my iniquity
Crushed by the law of justice to set me free
Oh my God help me believe
Yes this Savior fought for me
Hanging in my place up on Calvary
And by His grace gave his righteousness to me
(And all who would believe)
Oh my God help me believe
"The Folly of the Fall"
As I rest beneath this tree
I see all I could be - and more
The fruit looks good to eat
but something's whispering - to ignore
"Graves Of Craving"
Such a feast - will not save cannot feed - what I crave
But mislead - and enslave us in the graves of our cravings
Such a feast - bringing doom Sugar laced - poison spoon
Judgment faced - will entomb us in the graves of our cravings
"Beyond Evermore"
Following the One who pushes back nightmares within
I see the truth within all earthly things
On my own, I dream in death in Him awake to Life
Enlighten me - open my eyes
I throw wide the door to see the land beyond Evermore
Open my eyes, I realize truly life means more, beyond Evermore
Help me find the door bring me to beyond Evermore
Kill my disguise, reveal my lies give me Your true life, beyond Evermore
(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)
If you are looking to add some Symphonic Power Metal to your collection then check out what 'Reflection of Glory' has delivered up with their debut and sophomore offerings. Reflection of Glory is for fans of bands like 'Kamelot', 'Choirs Of Veritas', Gloriam Dei, Theocracy, and Northern Flame. Also check out the interview I had with the band.
'Escape The Dream' will be officially released on January 31st!
Musicians:
Barry Dreier - Vocals, Guitars, Bass, and Keyboards
(The Orchestra & Drums were all arranged and programmed by Barry)
Guest Musicians:
Elizabeth DeVault - Vocals on "Folly of the Fall"
(Elizabeth is a Voice Over Artist)
Barry Dreier - Vocals, Guitars, Bass, and Keyboards
(The Orchestra & Drums were all arranged and programmed by Barry)
Guest Musicians:
Elizabeth DeVault - Vocals on "Folly of the Fall"
(Elizabeth is a Voice Over Artist)
