“Loom” and “Reflections” Emerge from the Vault of Smoke + Mirrors — A Stunning Revival You Can’t Miss…Read More…
In a move that has sent waves of excitement through the Imagine Dragons fandom and beyond, two previously unreleased tracks — “Loom” and “Reflections” — have been officially released from the vault of their critically acclaimed 2015 album, Smoke + Mirrors. A decade after the album first challenged the band’s sonic boundaries, these songs are not just a nostalgic throwback — they are powerful statements, rich with lyrical depth and raw emotion that resonate deeply in the current musical landscape.
The announcement, made via the band’s social media channels with the simple phrase “Loom and Reflections — Out Now from the vault of Smoke + Mirrors,” set off a flurry of speculation and excitement. Longtime fans immediately recognized “Reflections”, a track that had seen sporadic live performances and snippets over the years, while “Loom” was a complete surprise — a title never before publicly linked to the band’s discography.
Rediscovering the Smoke + Mirrors Era
Released in 2015, Smoke + Mirrors marked a bold departure from the soaring anthemic pop-rock of Night Visions. It was darker, more experimental, and emotionally charged. While critics were divided at the time, the album has aged gracefully, earning retrospective praise for its introspection and sonic risks. Now, with “Loom” and “Reflections” stepping into the light, fans get a richer glimpse into the creative landscape of that era.
Dan Reynolds, the band’s charismatic frontman, took to Instagram shortly after the release to share his thoughts:
“Loom was a song we wrote at 3 a.m. in a haze of exhaustion and clarity. It didn’t make the cut back then because we were still figuring out what Smoke + Mirrors wanted to be. Now, listening to it again, it feels like a missing puzzle piece.”
The lyrics of “Loom” speak to the emotional pull between certainty and chaos, blending haunting synth textures with Reynolds’ signature baritone. The chorus, which spirals into an atmospheric storm of sound, feels as timely today as it did ten years ago — a testament to the band’s prophetic songwriting.
“Reflections” — A Fan-Favorite, Finally Free
While “Loom” surprises with its emergence, “Reflections” satisfies a long-standing desire among fans. The track had become something of a cult favorite — a whispered legend at fan meetups and online forums. It had surfaced in bootlegs and setlists, but never received the full studio treatment until now.
With its crisp guitar lines, pulsing drums, and anthemic chorus, “Reflections” echoes the explosive energy of Smoke + Mirrors staples like “I Bet My Life” and “Shots”. Lyrically, it delves into themes of self-identity, illusions, and the masks people wear — themes that were central to the Smoke + Mirrors tour aesthetic and promotional artwork.
“We always knew Reflections had something special,” guitarist Wayne Sermon said in a behind-the-scenes video released alongside the tracks. “It just didn’t quite fit the narrative arc of the album back then. Now, paired with Loom, it feels complete.”
Why Now?
The timing of this release has left many wondering: why now? With Imagine Dragons recently wrapping their Mercury tour cycle and rumors swirling about a new album in the works, some speculated the release was a bridge between past and future — a way to close the book on one chapter before opening the next.
Reynolds hinted at this in a cryptic tweet:
“Sometimes you have to revisit the past to understand where you’re going.”
Sources close to the band suggest this release is part of a larger project: a deluxe 10th anniversary edition of Smoke + Mirrors, expected later this year. While unconfirmed, fans are hopeful that more vault tracks may soon see the light of day — perhaps even demos or alternate versions of beloved songs like “Gold” or “Dream.”
Fans React: “A Gift We Didn’t Know We Needed”
The reaction from fans was swift and emotional. Twitter was ablaze with trending hashtags like #LoomUnlocked and #ReflectionsReleased, and fan-made lyric videos quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of views. Reddit threads dissected the production layers and lyrical meanings, while TikTok saw a resurgence of Smoke + Mirrors-themed edits.
“It’s like getting a message from our younger selves,” one fan wrote. “Back when we first heard Smoke + Mirrors, we were trying to figure out who we were. These songs take us right back, but also remind us how far we’ve come.”
“Loom is already my favorite,” another commented. “That build-up? That chorus? Goosebumps.”
A Testament to Longevity
In an age where music is often fleeting and trends burn out quickly, Imagine Dragons’ ability to reconnect with their roots — and with their fans — is no small feat. The release of “Loom” and “Reflections” not only breathes new life into an already iconic era, it underscores the band’s enduring relevance and willingness to honor their artistic journey.
Whether these songs are standalone gifts or the first trickles of a larger retrospective project, they’ve already made their mark. They’ve reopened the door to an album that many now regard as ahead of its time — and in doing so, they’ve reminded us of the power of holding on to what was almost forgotten.
As Reynolds sings in “Loom”:
“I saw the truth inside the smoke, / It wrapped around me like a ghost…”
Indeed, some ghosts are worth revisiting.
Track Availability:
“Loom” and “Reflections” are now available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube. A limited-edition vinyl pressing is rumored to be announced in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned. The vault may still have secrets left to reveal.
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