A self-written, self-played, self-produced and self-released album doesn't always bode well for the creator or the listener. As a matter of fact I've heard some such releases that spelled doom for my ear drums, which is why MIRRORED IN SECRECY's new offering is a rather pleasant surprise, crafted by multi-instrumentalist David Timsit, BLACK HALO offers the listener a chance to see what one guy can do if dreams are substituted with actions. What do I mean, you ask? Well, as I said in the opening line, the entire album from start to finish was crafted by Timsit himself.

Granted the intro is a bit corny with the classic Dark / Gothic Metal speech intro, luckily that's where the "boring" ends as we are swept into the appropriately titled "Into The Madness", and madness it is. There's no heaviness for the sake of heaviness on this record, which is proven by the title track "Black Halo" a masterfully crafted song with a fantastic chorus and great melody, "Never Will" continues along the same lines, however that's when things begin to change,

"Android" is a real gem on this album, a standout track that mixes the albums Dark Metal with electronics giving it an Industrial feel. The mood changes again with the softer "Hunting Dreams", which at times reminded me of HIM. "Fear" continues the ever changing mood of this album, reminiscent of early 90s British Gothic / Doom Metal. The album closes with "Under The Gun", the longest song on the album, clocking at just under 6 minutes, is the perfect choice the close the album with a bit of an epic feel to it.

This is not a perfect album, however Timsit managed to create a fantastic mix between the heavy and the melodic, great musicianship and wonderful songwriting makes this an album that I would certainly like to own as part of my record collection. A moody and engaging affair, this album is very recommended for anyone who loves their Metal dark and brooding.