Album Review: FROM ASHES TO NEW - “Reflections”
Written by: Toree Diver | Tuesday 14th April 2026
“Reflections is a well-rounded album which has resonated with a wider audience who are discovering FROM ASHES TO NEW for the first time.”
FROM ASHES TO NEW’s fifth album Reflections, distributed by label Better Noise, is the follow up album to 2023’s Blackout. Gaining a strong following over the years, this album has taken on a more mature and polished sound with songs sounding much more rock.
Drag Me is the first track on the album and features some heavy riffs and a smooth transition to Matt Brandyberry’s rap vocals. This track has performed well in the charts since release on December 5th, 2025. By Christmas, it reached one million streams. Originally it was their fastest-performing song ever released… shortly taken over by Die For You a few months later.
Forever is the next track, and it is definitely a slower rock song. Danny Case’s vocal range is outstanding. The album’s third track is Villain, which was released as a single in January 2026. It hit one million streams by end February, less than a month from release.
Next is newest single Die For You. This track is the fastest growing single of FROM ASHES TO NEW ever (previously Barely Breathing from the Blackout album). Amongst fans, Die For You seems to be most relatable lyrically with some saying “it hits you right in the heart. I love how it tells the story from both sides. Giving everything you got and also finally standing up for yourself”. It achieved one million streams on Spotify as of end of March.
Black Hearts is the fifth track and is my favourite on the album. An upbeat chorus along with great rap verses by Brandyberry. This is followed by Upside Down featuring heavy riffs and a bit of scream. (Not) Psycho is a heavier song – I like it. Parasite starts strong with Brandyberry rapping.
New Disease was the first single released from this album. It is a heavy song with a ‘blegh’ which fans loved! Next up is Darkside and Falling from Heaven – rap verses are killer in this one. And finally, the last track Your Ghost really showcases the vocal ability of both Brandyberry and Case.
FROM ASHES TO NEW has faced online criticism with comments that “rap doesn’t belong in metal”. Listening to this album, and their previous albums, you have to disagree. Brandyberry and Case complement each other with a perfect balance between Brandyberry’s rap and Case’s melodic, screams and even the ‘blegh’ on New Disease. Making touring bassist Jimmy Bennett an official part of the band in 2025, and becoming a five piece, they aren’t looking back!
Reflections is a well-rounded album which has resonated with a wider audience who are discovering FROM ASHES TO NEW for the first time, with a strong influx of new listeners and fans. Drag Me and Die For You have been standout tracks in the charts. This album might just be the one that breaks the band into mainstream. Coming off a near sold out UK/Europe tour, FROM ASHES TO NEW are ready to conquer the world!
Lead singer Case recently teased Australian fans with a hint of a visit in the later part of 2026. Last in Australia for the Good Things festival in 2024, fans here eagerly await their return!
Reflections is out April 17th on Better Noise Records. Get it here.