Cave Of Swimmers - Reflection

Hailing from Florida in the United States (even though the 2 members are from Venezuela), Cave Of Swimmers have returned with their sophomore effort entitled “Reflection”. A very unusual and unique band, Cave Of Swimmers use an unorthodox combination of vibes and influences to get a very mesmerizing and thought provoking sound on this new album. Labelled as a doom/progressive/hard rock band, these guys push the envelope of each and every one of those genres by utilizing their talents to the fullest extent. This is such a vibrant breath of fresh air in these particular styles of music.

The guitar work here is doomy at times but really strong in the progressive aspect at times resembling bands such as Dream Theater, Riverside, Candlemass. However I would also venture to say that is also rooted firmly in classical and traditional inspirations as well but the doom and progressive elements come in really strong here. The change between the 2 influences is pretty much flawless and even 50/50 at times like if you could picture Riverside playing Dream theater songs or vice versa. I will also go out on a limb and say that there is a bit of a Steve Wilson and Porcupine Tree influence as well.  I mean the guitar work is all over the place here but it works taking you through the different stages or parts of these songs. The first song is 2 parts. The second one is 2 parts, and the 3rd one is 3 parts with the 4th one being the title track and an instrumental. The solos are excellent, crisp, clear and on point. The drum tracks are this way too. Classic and progressive influences, but not so heavy on the doom influence. Fantastic skill on the skins none the less. There are a few moments on this album where the guitars and drums blend together in such a way that it gives that certain part of the tune a folkish vibe. To top it off are the vocals which remind me of a combination of the vocals on Confessor’s “Condemned” and Candlemass’ “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus”, if you can imagine that.  So these changes in style throughout this CD are no doubt constructed and planned by the band to be that way. These aren’t just songs, people. When you put this CD in and press play, you have begun a sonic journey into the aforementioned genres so trap yourselves in and enjoy the ride. It will be one you won’t soon forget! Seriously, this cd has and incorporates absolutely everything anyone that is a fan of the doom/progressive/hard rock genres would want. Usually there is something amiss when you try to mix doom and progressive elements together but I am pleased to say that Cave Of Swimmers Have mastered this ability with this new album as it really blew me out of the water (no pun intended).

This album is sure to turn heads and I would highly recommend it to prog heads and doom heads alike. There is just so much going on here and so much that the band is trying to bring forth. They definitely show that they have the ability to be a force to be reckoned with, and with efforts like this they will be around for years to come. Even decades! Get this album and support the band. When bands like this come along we need to give them all the support that we can so we can let them know that their excellent efforts are not in vain!


  1. The Prince Of The Power Of The Air
  2. The Skull
  3. Still Running
  4. Reflection
  5. The Prince Of The Power Of The Air (Promo Edit)

Self released
Reviewer: twansibon
Jul 2, 2015

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