I
still feel Labyrinth has been struggling quite a bit to reach the
same level that they reached with their sophomore album 'Return to
Heaven Denied', and this their sixth full-length album won't change
my views one bit.
This is however a step forward and in the right direction compared
to their last few albums, but at no stage are they close to their
first 2 albums, which are still the standard when I judge their
music.
The
musical level is high as ever, the songs are powerful and melodic as
always, and they stay faithful to their roots. Vocalist Roberto
Tiranti is still the focus point and he does have one of those
vocals you either hate or love - and I have no problem with him.
I
do have my problems with the drum production, it plain and simple
sucks! I cannot understand how a band settles for such a crappy
snare drum sound. And even though they have done the mastering at
the famous Abbey Road Studios in London it’s simply not enough to
salvage the sound. And it spoils quite a bit on the overall
experience here - sad, but true...
Musically it’s an OK album, with a fine collection of power metal
songs, a cover-version of Beatles classic "Come Together", which I
easily could have done without and a cool remake of their "Piece of
Mind" classic. They have incorporated some cool almost thrash/black
metal riffs in a couple of songs, and I do think they work out just
fine.
'6
Days to Nowhere' might not be their easiest accessible album, but it
does have its moments. But spectacular or outstanding its not and
never will be...
