Mirror Touch ends up being a frustrating listen—not because it’s outright bad, but because it rarely captures what made Volumes so compelling in the first place. The album is polished, technically solid, and heavy, yet it often feels safe, as though the band is smoothing out its edges rather than pushing its identity forward. For longtime fans, that distance from the spark of earlier releases is hard to ignore.

The album opens with “Sidewinder,” immediately showcasing both its strengths and shortcomings. The production is tight, the djent riffs hit hard, and the band is locked in technically. But compared to earlier Volumes tracks, which thrived on intricate riffs and rhythmic unpredictability, this leans into blunt heaviness that feels functional rather than exciting. “Bottom Dollar” continues in a similar vein—crushing riffs, solid drums, distorted synths—but the personality that once defined the band feels muted. The dual-vocal approach, once a defining trait, now comes across as interchangeable rather than complementary.

There are brief sparks of engagement, such as on “Bad Habit,” where clean vocals take center stage and modern metalcore influences evoke That’s the Spirit-era Bring Me the Horizon. There’s a hint of melody and variation, but it doesn’t last long. “California” pivots sharply into radio rock territory, with safe structures and low-concept themes that feel a world away from Volumes’ earlier ambition. Here, the album’s identity crisis becomes most apparent.

Tracks like “Adrenaline” and “Stitch” offer glimpses of heaviness and punchy drumming, but the songwriting often feels underdeveloped. “Adrenaline” sounds closer to Michael Barr’s solo material than a full-band Volumes track, stripping away much of the complexity fans expect. “Stitch” reintroduces grit with improved screamed vocals, but the riffs feel undercooked and oddly tuned. Similarly, “S.O.A.P.” and “Dream” swing between epic, synth-laden moments and radio-friendly djent that rarely hits with impact. Attempts at emotional weight, as on “Worth It,” fall flat, with soft pianos and dreamy textures that never fully land.

The album only comes alive on “Suffer On,” featuring Black Sheep Wall. Faster, more intricate riffs, aggressive drums, and vocals that carry real fire echo classic Volumes, offering a glimpse of what Mirror Touch could have been with more risk-taking. The delayed, ringing riffs and crushing breakdown feel purposeful and energized, reminding listeners of the band’s potential when they lean into their roots.

Ultimately, Mirror Touch isn’t a disaster. It’s a technically solid, occasionally heavy record that would impress as a debut from a newer band. But for Volumes, it feels safe, diluted, and creatively cautious. The album shows that the band still has their spark—particularly on “Suffer On”—but disappointingly, they rarely choose to ignite it.