Labyrinth

Return To Heaven Denied Part 2

Price: 12.50

Review / Notes:

Like most Southern European countries, Italy has always had a respectably healthy metal scene – indeed, in some places I’ve been it appears to be as much a staple as red wine and pasta. However, whilst bands from Northern Europe and America enjoyed the trappings of success when rock was at its most popular, the Italian domestic scene was always considered strictly second division. Thankfully, that all changed for the better (and quite dramatically too) in the mid 90’s with the emergence of bands like Rhapsody, Time Machine, Eldritch … and Labyrinth. Originally known as Vision (then Morbid Vision), the band first came together in 1991, a succession of lineup changes and ever more intriguing demo’s finally landing them a deal which led to the release of full length debut ‘No Limits’ under the Labyrinth moniker back in 1996. That release (which trivia fans take note featured then future Rhapsody man Fabio Lione) gained them a valuable foothold in both Europe and further afield, but it was follow up ‘Return To Heaven Denied’ (their first for Metal Blade) which really defined the band as far as fans were concerned – indeed, it’s probably fair to say that it still does. Blessed by the emotionally charged, impassioned clarion call of vocalist Roberto Tiranti; the pervasive fusion of powerful riffs, explosive crescendos, stirring hooks and melodies, and deft technicianship (not to mention a tasteful progressive undercurrent) put Labyrinth at the very forefront of not only Italian power metal, but the burgeoning European scene as well. Trouble is, they’ve never really matched it since, and whilst the darker more eclectic tones of later releases such as ‘Freeman’ and ‘6 Days To Nowhere’ have certainly had their moments, they never quite captured the imagination in the same way that ‘Return To Heaven Denied’ did. Well, it looks as if the band have finally succumbed to the groundswell hopes of their longstanding fan base because ‘Return To Heaven Denied Part 2: A Midnight Autumn’s Dream’ (phew, that was a mouthful!) not only picks up from where its predecessor left off, it reignites Labyrinth in the imagination once again. Featuring returning guitarist Olaf Thorsen (always the mastermind behind Labyrinth at their best) as well as the aforementioned Tiranti and original ‘RTHD’ keyboard player Andrea De Paoli, ‘RTHD2’ further explores the grandiose concept which so defined the first installment. Twisting and turning as the mood takes it, it bobs and weaves between rapid fire kick drums and rabid riffs one minute, moody light and shade the next, all the time spinning a complex yet inherently addictive web that eventually engulfs your very senses. From rousing epic opener ‘The Shooting Star’; through sizzling, thought provoking anthems such as ‘Like Shadows In The Dark’, ‘The Morning’s Call’ and ‘A Midnight Autumn’s Dream’, to thrusting closer ‘A Painting on The Wall’, this album is an absolute joy to behold. Make no mistake, this release sees Labyrinth back to their very best … carpe diem guys! (D.Cockett)