Synths, Spells, and Steel: Gloomy Reflections' Oath of the Paladins Rules the Revival

Alchemical amalgamations abound once again as Will Spectre (Tarot, The Wizar’d, Spectre) and Lord Gordith (Quest Master, Steröid) unite their explosive talents to conjure Oath of the Paladins, the debut full-length from Gloomy Reflections. Drenched in synths, steeped in the nostalgic haze of NWOBHM, and topped with a Berlin School ambiance straight out of a Tangerine Dream fever dream, this album is a testament to magickal collaboration and genre-bending brilliance.

Born from the esoteric experiments of Spectre and Gordith, who first dabbled in dungeon synth with their 2022 EP A New Dawn of Primeval Wisdom, this record is a triumphant leap forward. While their earlier work explored atmospheric, synth-heavy landscapes, Oath of the Paladins introduces a heady fusion of heavy rock, prog, and traditional metal that feels both fresh and timeless. The album cover itself, crafted by Gordith, sets the stage perfectly: two paladins locked in an epic chessboard battle of light versus dark, a visual echo of the thematic and musical dualities contained within. The surreal imagery gave me Alice in Wonderland vibes, and I knew instantly that this album was going to be something special. And let me tell you, I never thought I needed an album like this in my life, but now I can’t live without it.

Like Tarot before it, Gloomy Reflections thrives on resurrecting the raw, analogue warmth of the 70s while injecting it with something uniquely modern. This is no simple nostalgia act—it’s a masterclass in melding genres, where shimmering Berlin School synths intertwine seamlessly with fist-pumping heavy metal riffage. The tracks are layered with melancholic yet infectious vocals, raw guitar tones, and just enough lo-fi grit to give the whole album an edge.

Tracks “In the Age of Night” bursts onto the scene like a knight’s charge, bringing in retro synth textures and a guitar solo courtesy of Felix Russel that’ll send chills down any fan of heavy psych or prog rock. The interplay of synth and guitar feels almost otherworldly, like Deep Purple jamming with Klaus Schulze in an interdimensional studio. For fans of NWOBHM’s energy, tracks like “The Clock Tower” and “Blazing Spirits (Rising High)” are undeniable highlights. Dual harmonized guitars duel it out as Gordith’s synth passages weave a mystical backdrop. What sets Oath of the Paladins apart is its ability to immerse you in a story without relying on any over-the-top theatrics. Each song is meticulously crafted, offering distinct flavors that still fit perfectly into the greater whole. Gordith’s synths provide a mystical dimension to Spectre’s riffing, while melancholic yet melodic vocals tie it all together seamlessly.

The balance of ambient breaks and hard-hitting rock ensures the pacing feels intentional. One moment you’re immersed in Berlin School-inspired synth passages, and the next, you’re caught in the crossfire of heavy metal riffage that demands headbanging. The whole album exemplifies this dynamic interplay, delivering an experience that’s as powerful as it is atmospheric. The production choices—intentionally lo-fi but precise—ensure that no detail is lost. The swirling synths and melancholic vocals never overpower the instrumentation, and every riff is given its moment to shine. There’s been a lot of talk about how the New Wave of Heavy Rock Revival serves as a counterpoint to the overly polished, clean aesthetics of modern nu-metal and metalcore. And sure, maybe that’s true. But who cares? Everyone’s getting their “New Wave of” something these days—NWOTHM, NWOPunk, NWOPostPunk—it’s all out there. Some of it is derivative, sure, but not Oath of the Paladins. This is the perfect example of taking retro influences and crafting something fresh and exciting.

To truly appreciate Oath of the Paladins, you need to experience it from start to finish. At just under 39 minutes, it’s the perfect length for an uninterrupted listening session. The album flows seamlessly, with each track building on the last, leading to a full-circle experience that’s as satisfying as it is immersive.

The album was released on golden and silver vinyl, but (of course) both sold out almost instantly. I missed my chance to snag a copy, so now I’m just hoping for a second pressing. Until then, I’ll be streaming this on repeat and crossing my fingers that Gloomy Reflections will bring their magickal sound to Germany someday.

Having seen Tarot live twice, I already know what Will Spectre is capable of on stage, and I can only imagine how epic a Gloomy Reflections performance would be.

Gloomy Reflections - Oath of the Paladins

Oath of the Paladins isn’t just an album; it’s an experience. With its infectious riffs, spellbinding synths, and impeccable storytelling, it’s a testament to what happens when talented musicians push the boundaries of genre and create something truly unique.

So do yourself a favor: carve out 39 minutes of uninterrupted time, press play, and let this album take you on a journey. It’s not just one of the best releases of 2024—it’s a magickal masterpiece that’ll stand the test of time.