One Way Mirror: One Way Mirror
Released: July 22nd, 2008
Label: Metal Blade
Band Website:www.one-waymirror.com

Review by Nathan Dufour

Skepticism is a good thing. It keeps us away from music that sucks or things that are over-hyped as being the "next big thing." One Way Mirror stradles that line, and like the cheerleader in your wettest dreams, it seems so wrong. But damn, it is also arousing and piques the curiosity. It's a time machine. Early 90s ho!

Beginning like a bad impression of the totality of In Flames' "Soundtrack to Your Escape," One Way Mirror quickly shifts gears into the magical world of forgotten bands like B-Thong and Mary Beats Jane. And Mnemic. And Nu-Metal. And a blender. Yeah. Mix those ingredients together and then you will have a good idea where these guys are coming from. Syrupy synth lines collide with big, thick, downtuned nostalgia and simple but effective drumming. The vocals alternate between a Nu-Metal growl and accomplished croon. And the real kicker is, none of this gets the least bit boring. It's refreshing to hear a band revert, if you will, from the forward thinking of their usual gigs. I will let you figure out the alumnus bands that make up members of One Way Mirror because if I let it go, it may taint your opinion of what this band sounds like.

"What is the difference between me and the 21st century?" asks the vocalist in the song "21st Century." Not much really, except a truly stimulating look back at a time in Metal history that most would choose to ignore and in so doing, ignore the good things that went along with it. One Way Mirror is definitely worth giving a chance, especially if anyone remembers Frankie Goes To Hollywood.

Visit One Way Mirror's official website: www.one-waymirror.com