Black Rose were formed in 1990 in Fagersta which is a small town in Sweden.Their debut album “Fortune Favours” was released in 1993 with several gigs in Sweden as well as a few mini albums and demos released through the years ,which has also seen several line up changes in the band over their 35 year exsistence.Most recent albums include “Turn On The Nightland” in 2013 and “A Light In The Dark” in 2018 the first album recorded with current singer Jakob Sandberg.Black Rose have constantly toured around Sweden and Europe and have supported bands such as The Poodles,Fate and Soul Sign (Yngwie Malmsteen Members).”The Mirror” is the band's first album in four years since the 2021 release “Game Of Souls” .

A lively fast energetic power metal  start to this album with “Dualities” which has a fast paced rhythm with some crunching guitar work certainly grabs my attention,”Heavy Metal Angel” is an 80’s flashback,a track with swagger with an infectious guitar riff and Jakob Sandberg doesn’t half sound like Ian Astbury the whole track definitely has traits of The Cult with Mikael Dahlin in stellar form with a blistering guitar solo.Another stellar track is “Shine” which sees Black Rose go more AOR/melodic , a great track with a big chorus.”The Labyrinth Of Me” has more of a heavier and darker melody with a stomping bass line and more great vocals.”Heavens Gate” with the more relaxing intro with lapping of the sea,mellow guitar riffs is a lighter more ballad style track definitely relatable and an album highlight powerful vocally which builds with another great guitar solo and powerful rhythm section.Peter Haga and Anders Haga deliver a great rhythm intro to the impressive

“Sole Survivor” which is consistent throughout this track,the album in fact,another strong track but not my favourite on the album.”Rebel Soul” on the over hand is such a strong track the funky bass lead in leads to a great melodic rock fest with more great vocals from Sandberg.The album closes with “The Divine Sign”  which has a dramatic and heavy feel,which is full of great guitar runs and is a strong and fitting end to this record. “The Mirror” is a great record which any heavy metal fan would appreciate,it has so much more appeal and more to give than some of the other standard format offerings which other bands are releasing at the moment.A very solid release from Black Rose which is definitely one to purchase or stream.