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I have said it before and I will say it again; whoever is responsible for making the decisions on whom to sign or get the rights for the North American release at the offices at The End Records needs a sizable raise. Release after release from this label is simply outstanding. You would think that this streak would have to come to an end some time but with the release of Winds' first full length album the streak is alive and well.

Winds is a band from Norway and with "Reflections of the I" you would expect some areas that could use some work or something that could be changed in order to increase the appeal of the album but this is simply not the case here. This album is filled with excellent musicianship and songs that are so well written you would think that this is their tenth album and not their first. The musical style is in a genre all its own when you take into consideration everything that is being used to forge the beauty contained on this album. Dark progressive sounding guitars, classical piano, philharmonics, a light touch of synths and a full string section (courtesy of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra) combine to create a listening experience you won't soon forget. The vocals are all clean and there are a few sections where a baritone sounding voice over is used which adds even more dynamics to an album that is already bursting with them. The lead guitar work is also worthy of note on its own as there are some absolutely shredding leads on this album that will certainly make you sit up and take notice as well as make the guitar players out there start drooling.

Overall another brilliant album offered up by what is becoming one of the best labels out there today and once again another release that is Highly Recommended.