Exi(s)t
| Company type | Album |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | October 22, 2013 |
| Founder | Reflections |
| Products | Progressive metalcore, djent music album |
| Parent | eOne Music, Good Fight Entertainment |
Exi(s)t represents the sophomore full-length release from the American metalcore ensemble Reflections, which became available on October 22, 2013, via eOne Music and Good Fight Entertainment. The album's production was handled by Eyal Levi, noted for his collaborations with acts such as August Burns Red, the Black Dahlia Murder, Motionless in White, Unearth, and Whitechapel. This record highlights the band's signature fusion of progressive metalcore and djent influences.
The initial single, "My Cancer," was digitally released on September 10, 2013, alongside a lyric video posted on their official YouTube channel. Vocalist Jake Wolf characterized this song as an intimate portrayal of personal battles and victories, aiming to resonate authentically with the audience beyond superficial appeal. Notably, the album experienced an unauthorized leak shortly before its scheduled launch.
Chart performance
Upon release, Exi(s)t entered the Billboard 200 chart at position #179, achieving first-week sales of 1,972 units. It secured placements on five distinct Billboard rankings:
- Heatseeker Chart – #6
- Hard Rock Chart – #12
- Independent Album Chart – #35
- Top Current Album Chart – #179
- Digital Albums Chart – #130
In addition, the album appeared on four separate iTunes charts across the United States and Canada:
- iTunes Metal Album Chart – #1
- iTunes Rock Album Chart – #15
- iTunes Canadian Album Chart – #91
- iTunes Album Chart (all genres) – #68
Guitarist Charles Caswell expressed appreciation for these chart achievements, emphasizing their importance for a debut release.
Reception
Critical response to Exi(s)t was predominantly favorable, with commendations focusing on its sophisticated sound and emotional resonance. Austin Weber from No Clean Singing regarded it as a marked improvement over their initial album, highlighting the record’s powerful combination of intensity and nuanced melody that elevated Reflections into a higher echelon. Similarly, Dave at Hellhound Music praised the album’s dynamic variety and candid emotional delivery.
In contrast, Metal Blast offered a negative review, describing the album as substandard and ultimately disappointing to listen to.
Personnel
- Reflections[1]
- Jake Wolf – lead vocals
- Patrick Somoulay – lead guitar
- Charles Caswell – rhythm guitar, second lead guitar, backing vocals
- Francis Xayana – bass guitar
- Cam Murray – drums
- Additional personnel[1]
- Eyal Levi – producer, recording engineer, mixing engineer
- Alan Douches – mastering engineer
- Jason Suecof – mixing engineer
- John Douglas – assistant engineer
- Jeremy Frost – guitar technician
- Ronn Miller – drum technician
- Daniel Wagner – artwork and layout designer
- Jason Mageau – management
- Eric Powell (16Volt) – booking agent
- Greg Johnson – intro music producer for "Exit"
- Becka Graham – guest vocals on "Lost Pages"