Mirror Mirage Redefines Progressive Rock with Bold Debut EP “Missing Pieces”

After years of silence, the winds of progressive rock shift once again—and at their heart stands a familiar force with a renewed vision. Wouter van der Veen, known for his formidable work with Armed Cloud and Steelyard, makes a powerful and poetic return to the genre he helped shape with the launch of his ambitious new project: Mirror Mirage. With the release of the three-track debut EP “Missing Pieces”, van der Veen doesn’t just pick up where he left off—he reshapes his musical legacy with precision, passion, and raw melodic fire.

There is a certain poetry in the name Mirror Mirage—drawn not only from a past track title in Armed Cloud, but from a deeper philosophical yearning. It’s a name steeped in duality and deception: seeing what isn’t really there, chasing what lies just beyond reach, caught between vision and illusion. That symbolic resonance echoes throughout “Missing Pieces”, a record that meditates on dreams, illusions, loss, and the fragility of human ambition—all while wrapped in some of the most electrifying progressive rock of recent years.

For Wouter van der Veen, progressive rock and metal isn’t just a genre—it’s home. “Progressive rock and metal is and remains a genre that is close to my heart and where I can express my musical inspiration the most,” he shares. “It is a versatile style and writing songs in it comes naturally to me. This is why I had to start again at some point.” That deep personal connection is the lifeblood of Mirror Mirage, a project that—while currently a studio-only endeavor—is intended to evolve with fresh, regular releases over time.

The EP’s title, “Missing Pieces”, carries layered significance. “I had these songs lying around for quite some time and therefore it feels like they are the missing pieces of my repertoire that are now finally coming out,” van der Veen explains. The theme isn’t just personal—it’s woven into the lyrical fabric of the EP itself. One of the tracks is even titled “For All The Missing Pieces”, reinforcing the sense of reclaiming something long lost.

Musically, the EP speaks fluently in the dialects of the genre’s titans—Rainbow, Dream Theater, Symphony X, Dio, and Yngwie Malmsteen—but with a distinct modern cadence that propels it far beyond homage. Here, Mirror Mirage bridges past and future, classic virtuosity and contemporary edge. It’s an invitation not only to remember what made progressive rock so influential, but to see where it can boldly go when driven by fearless innovation.

“Too Close To The Sun” sets the tone with subtle genius. From its opening notes, a tapestry of progressive acoustic guitar builds tension and expectation, before thick, distorted guitars crash in like a long-awaited revelation. Wouter van der Veen’s vocals take center stage—clean, emotive, and full of restrained intensity—soaring above rhythmic grooves and melodic intricacies. The chorus bursts with anthemic energy, pairing the grandeur of prog with lyrical melancholy. A virtuosic yet tasteful guitar solo slices through the mix before the song gently dissolves into atmospheric fade. This opener is a masterclass in balance: emotive storytelling and technical prowess in perfect sync. With layers that reward repeat listening, it quickly becomes a standout introduction to the project’s sonic world.

The second track, “For All The Missing Pieces”, is where Mirror Mirage stretches its progressive wings in full flight. Clocking in at just under seven minutes, this is a shapeshifting epic that hits hard from the first measure. Thunderous riffs meet ambient synths and otherworldly harps, while clean vocals navigate the sonic landscape like a lone traveler chasing lost dreams. Van der Veen’s mastery of dynamics is on full display here, as the track oscillates between aggression and introspection, showcasing his ability to craft tension and release with cinematic flair. It’s a journey in every sense—one of shifting textures, emotional crescendos, and the elusive search for connection in a fractured world. The song feels like a centerpiece, reflecting the very themes of fragmentation and longing that give the EP its name.

Closing the EP is “Law Of The Jungle”, a true departure in tone and delivery. Here, Frank Leemhuis takes the vocal helm, bringing a grittier, darker resonance to a track that leans into doom-laden riffs and ominous atmosphere. Drawing comparisons to Tool and early sludge-metal stylings, Mirror Mirage proves they are unafraid to explore heavier, shadowier territory. Yet even within its more metallic architecture, the song retains the band’s signature fluidity. A sudden tempo shift ignites thrashing drums and blistering guitar leads before slowing once more into a brooding, hypnotic churn. This contrast isn’t just compelling—it’s essential, reinforcing the band’s versatility and unwillingness to be boxed into a single sonic mold. It’s the kind of closing statement that leaves a mark—dark, mysterious, and demanding reflection.

With “Missing Pieces”, Mirror Mirage is not merely revisiting progressive rock’s golden years—they’re reviving its soul with a contemporary heartbeat. Every note, every lyric, every shift in tempo is deliberate. And while fans of classic prog will undoubtedly find echoes of their heroes here, what truly stands out is how Wouter van der Veen reclaims and redefines his voice within the genre. This is not a retreat into the past, but an evolution shaped by experience, reflection, and renewed creative fire.

Technically, the EP is superbly produced. The clarity of each instrument allows for complex arrangements without overwhelming the listener, and the mixing gives space for emotional nuances to breathe. The songwriting, while progressive in structure, never loses its accessibility—this is music with both head and heart. Whether you’re a guitarist dissecting time signatures or a casual listener chasing sonic escapism, there’s something deeply rewarding here.

Mirror Mirage is just getting started, but if “Missing Pieces” is the blueprint, then we are standing on the brink of something extraordinary. This debut is not just impressive—it’s inspiring. For long-time fans of Wouter van der Veen, it’s a triumphant return. For newcomers, it’s an invitation into a world of illusion and truth, riffs and revelations. It suggests a future filled with even bolder compositions, unexpected twists, and a relentless commitment to musical storytelling.

Progressive rock is alive and well. And with Mirror Mirage, it has a new voice—one that dares to dream, dares to chase the sun, and dares to show us that sometimes, what we see in the mirror—even if just a mirage—can still be beautiful. “Missing Pieces” is available now.