Thursday, April 6, 2017

REVIEW : LABYRINTH -- Architecture of a God (2017)

For sure the name of LABYRINTH is no stranger among the fans of the Euro Melodic Power metal scene. Formed back in 1991, Labyrinth became a fan favorite and achieved to gain the respect of each and every single fan of this particular scene.

Back in 1998 Labyrinth released their 'signature' record with the title "Return To Heaven Denied". That was the first album that featured Roberto Tiranti as the lead shouter. That was the opus which 'pushed' the band's career and the whole Italian scene, into a higher step and received great feedback from press and fans. The follow up album, “Sons of Thunder” was released in August 2000, breaking onto the official album charts in Japan and Italy.

More albums followed and several line-up changes till the spring of 2016 when the band members received a call from Frontiers, asking the founding members, Cantarelli and Thorsen, to discuss with Roberto Tiranti the possibilities to reform the band. The answer was yes and with a new line-up rounded up by the extraordinaire John Macaluso (TNT, Riot, Ark etc.) on drums, Oleg Smirnoff (Vision Divine, Edritch) on keyboards, and Nik Mazzucconi on bass, Labÿrinth strikes back stronger than ever with their new self-produced album, “Architecture of a God” (mixed by  DGM’s Simone Mularoni).

The new opus kicks-off with the classic Labyrinth tune of "Bullets". A powerful melodic metal anthem that includes great arrangements, melodies, the necessary prog pinches and most of all the characteristic voice of Tiranti in full-force! Next, "Still Alive" and Labyrinth delivers a killer tune! A darker but with a huge melodic line rocker that made me push the repeat button several times. A killer stuff! "A New Dream" is pure gold! A great tune that leaves me breathless each time I listen to it. More complex and progressive but with a superb melody included this one is one of the new record's highlights. The guitar work is also magical! "Someone Says"is a more straight forward melodic rocker while in "Architecture Of God" the band delivers a very Fates Warning-esque tune and one of my personal favorites from this opus. I love, also, the beautiful and 'darker' "Those Days".

LABYRINTH with their brand new "Architecture Of God" closes to perfection and releases an album that for sure will end up high in this year's top lists. A record that includes all the 'package' to become a future classic!!

Rating : 9,5/10





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