Angelic voices start "Reign In Hell", which is quite unexpected. After this, SPACE VACATION goes for the throat, with a good riff, leading into a very pleasant song. What is immediately clear is that singer Scott Shapiro has quite a soft voice. At first you have the feeling that it doesn't fit the pure Heavy Metal riffs. But the further along the album you get, you can only conclude that the way he uses his voice is exactly what "White Hot Reflection" needs. These guys hail from San Francisco, California, and you will be able to hear it from time to time.

The band started in 2008, and since 2009 they have coughed up four full length albums. "White Hot Reflection" is actually their fifth attempt at world domination, but although I really like what SPACE VACATION is doing on this album, that is just one step too far. But, that doesn't mean they haven't got anything to offer. They really have. Their brand of Melodic Metal is something to behold for the right set of people. SPACE VACATION plays Hair Metal the old-fashioned way, but without the borders that were set when this music style was first introduced. So, when they diverge into other territories, they doe that willingly and with confidence.

I don't know who of our readers is familiar with the 1977 album "Trigger" by the band with the same name. The reason I mention this is because there are a lot of times that I am reminded of that brilliant album by the way SPACE VACATION has written, arranged and is playing the songs on "White Hot Reflection". That is, unless they really pick up speed, because then they are completely different. And even in a different class. Definitely at least one higher, as the music they play all of a sudden has the right kind of urgency, an extra dimension of interest.=Hot TReflecyttion

What makes this extra clear is the interaction that SPACE VACATION uses between the faster and slower parts of their songs. They blend together in just the right way, with the positivity that makes the music stand out. It makes the band switch between Glam Rock (CINDERELLA-style), Melodic Rock (TRIGGER-like) and Melodic Metal (think faster DOKKEN). All together it makes "White Hot Reflection" into a very pleasing album that won't set the worlds on fire. On the other hand, it also won't disappoint when you give it a shot. I'm glad I did.