So here’s the deal – if I hadn’t reviewed music and gotten myself promos I wouldn’t have given Labÿrinth the time of day. Why? Well, I have never been into Power Metal and I certainly wasn’t going to go out of my way to find any new bands within that genre. Also, the few Italian acts I have been giving an ear haven’t impressed me the least. Ergo: I wasn’t interested even though I had heard of the band. That’s why it was a huge surprise for me that I found their last album – Architecture Of A God (2017) – a rather good one. Firstly, it wasn’t at all all that much of a Power Metal record – melodic Metal is a far better description – and secondly, the songs were really good. But what I found most satisfying was that I didn’t have to deal with another one of those high-pitched loudmouths with a forced vibrato of a singer. Nope, Roberto Tiranti showed voice control and he only brought what the song needed without overdoing anything.
Without me still haven’t heard any of their previous stuff, I was curious to see if the band could surprise me once more four years after their last release. Opening with the single “The Absurd Circus”, the band throws an uptempo melodic Metal number our way and I instantly start to think of Pretty Maids – one of my all-time favorite bands. It’s a punchy and hard tune but also driven by melodies. Catchy guitar riffs coupled with keyboard dito and a strong main-melody and a slower, contrasting down-beat passage makes for a winner. However, the chorus is good and hooky but it leaves me waiting for the punchline. Still, it’s a good tune. “Live Today” is a rapid metal-belter – hard and rowdy but with clear melodies and a sing-along friendly refrain. The softer and down-beat bridge makes for a more dynamic experience but it’s too much of a European (read: German) sounding Power Metal song to go all the way for me.
“One More Last Chance” opens on a slower and more laid-back note but soon grows into a mid-paced number that blends Melodic Rock with Hard Rock and a dark and heavy bridge that reminds me of Evergrey. Just like the case of the last album, the Fates Warning sound-alike vocal-melodies are present albeit with a catchier outlook. I dig this. “As Long As It Lasts” continues in the same direction. With down-beat verses which are close to balladry which turns into a mid-paced Melodic Rock meets Metal number, big hooks within the vocal-melodies and a very catchy refrain it grabs a hold of me by first listen. The dynamics created by the beautiful, held-back solo part and the smooth arrangements and feelgood keyboard-works takes the the song up yet another notch. Very good, indeed.
“Den Of Snakes” starts out with a slow intro of Iron maiden-like twin guitars but when the tune gets going, the drumming creates a kicking beat and the tune changes in tempo into a faster pace and gets more in-your-face. It’s a melodic piece but holds some classic Metal riffing and a punchy beat combined with a vocal melody once again with a slight Evergrey influence. The chorus is distinct and effective – not hit-catchy but very memorable. Good one. “Word’s Minefield” is an uptempo Power Metal stomper with chugging guitars and pompy keyboards. The melody-arrangement in the verses are pretty bang-on-target and a ballsy chorus. It’s an ok tune that works best when it calms down some, like the laid-back passages.
“The Unexpected” kicks off with some thrashy riffage. It’s a fast, hard and aggressive number, straight-forward and rowdy but also quite melodic when it comes to the vocal arrangements. The down-beat and earthy bridge gives us time to breathe some before it goes kicking and biting again. It’s an ok tune at best but fails to linger. The cover of Ultravox’s “Dancing With Tears In My Eyes” – also covered by The Poodles many, many years ago – is pretty good but feels a bit out of place for some reason. It holds a big pop vibe, especially in the verses, but it takes on a crunchier Metal twist as soon as the chorus arrives and the song really takes off.
“Skywalker” takes a curveball turn and goes right into Melodic Rock territory with some AOR-ish melodies, big on both crispy guitars and smooth keyboards. The only Metal connection here is within the ballsy and tough rhythm section which brings on a nice contrast to the otherwise pop-laden tune. It’s a mid-paced rocker with a memorable main-melody, big hooks and a catchy refrain that sticks from hello. Very good. “A Reason To Survive” is a gorgeous ballad based on acoustic guitar and a keyboard sound that holds a late 60’s touch which brings a slight folky vibe to the song. It’s slow and dramatic and the main arrangement is actually calming.
The ballad is really a much needed breather, especially as a much more fierce and kicking tune awaits. Which is “Finally Free”, an uptempo Power Metal belter that lands somewhere between early Avantasia, Manowar and Hammerfall. Fast riffing, shred-friendly, kicking drums and an intense yet melodic vocal-melody and a catchy, sing-along ish refrain. The song slows down quite the bit when the solo-part enters and we also get a bass solo for good measure. Even though it’s a bit too Power Metal for my taste, I actually like the song but that being said, there are better songs on the album.
As a whole, Labÿrinth has come up with a good record although I hold its predecessor somewhat higher. The Power Metal vibes are more frequent here and I like this band best when they hold back on those but the biggest reason I prefer the last album is that it was more direct and the melodies stuck with me both faster and longer. As musicians, these guys are all faultless and even though the production is a bit too compressed and could be a bit more loose, it’s really nothing that bothers me all that much. It’s an enjoyable hour, no more no less.
6/10
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Tracklist:
1. The Absurd Circus
2. Live Today
3. One More Last Chance
4. As Long As It Lasts
5. Den Of Snakes
6. Word’s Minefield
7. The Unexpected
8. Dancing With Tears In My Eyes
9. Sleepwalker
10. A Reason To Survive
11. Finally Free
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