Labyrinth

And so the campaign to inundate the world with quality metal continues. More keyboard oriented than their peers, Italy's Labyrinth offer up a sound which is so clean, so majestic, it's almost too sterile in nature. Obviously concerned with the final product, Return to Heaven Denied ties the history of metal together in an intricate yet easily discernible package. Running at approximately an hour in length, if you miss the days of Crimson Glory, look no further, for everything which was important back then (excellent guitarwork, operatic vocals, "the look") rises forth to kick you around. Only problem is, I prefer what would be considered the 90's sound, so I'm left a little dry. Another point, maybe it's just to my ears, but a lot of these band sound alike, and I find myself remembering riffs, but forgetting which band it is I'm thinking about. Could be a marketing surge, but the people that lose out are the bands, which is sad, really. Many of the songs are structured around constant double bass, limiting what the rhythm section to do, which forces the keys to play a greater role here. But, while this may not be the first thing I reach for in my overwhelming stack of discs, every time I throw it on I'm impressed by the emotion, the musicianship, the whole damn thing. So I'm sure in saying that if the "new" 80's speed is your bag, then grab a six pack of these and pass 'em around, for it doesn't get any better than this.
7 1/2 out of 10