AA
Ash Avildsen
Lead Vocals
Founding member (2000-2006)
Founded Sumerian Records in 2006, signing Periphery, Born of Osiris, Asking Alexandria, and dozens more. Directed the film American Satan (2017). Transformed the modern metal industry.
Washington, D.C. — 2000–2006
La Historia de Reflux
Una banda de corta vida con un legado enorme. Reflux fue el crisol que forjó a algunas de las figuras más importantes del metal moderno.
Timeline
2000
Formation
Reflux is founded in Washington, D.C. by vocalist Ash Avildsen and guitarist Tosin Abasi. The original lineup includes co-vocalist John Mehoves, bassist Evan Brewer, and drummer Dave Lozano.
2001
The Demo
The band records a five-track demo. Dave Lozano departs during sessions and is replaced by drummer Steve Clifford (who later joins Circa Survive). After the demo, both John Mehoves and Steve Clifford leave. Vincent Vinh is hired on drums and Avildsen becomes the sole vocalist.
2002-03
D.C. Underground
Reflux builds a devoted following in the Washington D.C. hardcore and metal scene, known for technically demanding live shows and a genre-bending sound that fuses progressive metal, jazz, and metalcore.
2004
The Illusion of Democracy
Their debut album is released October 12, 2004 on Prosthetic Records. Produced by Andreas Magnusson at Cue Recording Studios (Falls Church, VA) and Planet Red Studios (Richmond, VA). 11 tracks, 53:53. All lyrics written by Ash Avildsen and John Mehoves. Earns a 5/5 from Sputnikmusic, 8/10 from Lambgoat, and 95/100 from Can This Even Be Called Music.
2005
Second Album Begins
The band begins working on a second studio album with a targeted release date of spring 2006. They tour extensively, sharing stages across the metal and hardcore spectrum. Two demo tracks ("Above the Pyramid and the Eye" and "Single File to Bliss") had been re-recorded for the debut, and "Life Is More Precious Than Land" was reworked into "An Ode to the Evolution of Human Consciousness."
2006
Dissolution & Legacy
Plans for the second album never come to fruition and the band disbands. Their influence only grows. Tosin Abasi is approached by Prosthetic for a solo project that becomes Animals as Leaders. Ash Avildsen founds Sumerian Records. Evan Brewer joins The Faceless, Fallujah, and Look What I Did.
The Illusion of Democracy
Album Lineup
TA
Tosin Abasi
Guitar
Founding member (2000-2006)
Approached by Prosthetic Records for a solo album, which became Animals as Leaders. One of the most technically innovative and celebrated guitarists in modern music. Designed the Abasi Concepts guitar line.
EB
Evan Brewer
Bass, Backing Vocals
Founding member (2000-2006)
Joined The Faceless, Fallujah, and Look What I Did. Launched a celebrated solo career as a progressive bassist known for his innovative fretless bass work.
VV
Vincent Vinh
Drums
Album lineup (2001-2006)
Replaced Steve Clifford after the demo sessions. The rhythmic backbone of The Illusion of Democracy, contributing to the band's signature polyrhythmic sound.
Demo Era & Session Musicians
Earlier Members & Contributors
JM
John Mehoves
Co-Vocals, Lyrics
Founding member (2000-2001)
Co-wrote all lyrics on The Illusion of Democracy with Ash Avildsen. Featured in multiple Reflux band photos and posters. Left after the 2001 demo sessions.
DL
Dave Lozano
Drums
Original drummer (2000-2001)
Departed during the recording of the five-track demo in 2001, replaced by Steve Clifford.
SC
Steve Clifford
Drums
Demo sessions (2001)
Replaced Dave Lozano during the demo recording. Left after the demo release and went on to join Circa Survive.
CD
Chris Dowhan
Keyboards, Piano
Album sessions (2004)
Additional musician on The Illusion of Democracy, providing keyboard and piano parts that added depth to the progressive metalcore sound.
Behind the Record
Production
Andreas Magnusson
Producer, Mixing, Guitar & Bass Tracking
Brad Vance
Mastering
Stephen Juliano
Design, Artwork, Layout
Studio
Cue Recording Studios, Falls Church, Virginia
Studio
Planet Red Studios, Richmond, Virginia