Search - Labyrinth :: Freeman

Kenneth W. (Eyesore) from TAUNTON, MA
Reviewed on 12/4/2007...

Italian power metallers return with their fifth full length album after 2003's excellent self-titled release. With that release we saw the band progress in style -- or digress, as some seem to think -- to more of a traditional power metal band, shedding much of the Euro speed metal sound of their earlier releases. This new release shows a band more dynamic and experimental than on its predecessor. Freeman is decidedly heavier, as well.

The band still has that old school Fates Warning sound, most notable in Roberto Tiranti's amazing vocals. The harmonies are outstanding. Musically they seem to have incorporated more instrumentation, or at least used it to a better, more noticeable degree. Most of the songs are in the mid-tempo range, but some like "Deserter" and "Dive In Open Waters" are clearly some of Labyrinth's heaviest songs to date, showcasing a more thrash sound than any we've heard from them before.

Fans of power metal would be well advised to check Labyrinth out. This new album is a great addition to their catalog, albeit a slightly different addition compared to earlier releases.

Website: http://www.labyrinthmusic.it

Douglas Hernandez | 09/04/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Basically, if Fates Warning truly wanted to play progressive melodic metal like they used to do ages ago, but with a modern touch, this is how they would sound like. Freeman shows Labyrinth playing stripped-down power metal that can be dramatic, extremely happy, and passionate. Every track has something unique to offer; yet none of them stand out as mind blowing. But the ideas flowing work well, like the initial spoken word-like exhortation accompanied by a piano segment on "Malcolm Grey", the electronic `sounds' on the title track, or the jazzy interludes on "Face and Pay". Nevertheless, the album maintains a decent balance throughout and never allows outside aspects to take over the metal. It's solidly executed with enough memorable harmonies and interesting moments worth remembering, and that's probably as far as it can go. Worth checking out if , though."