Italian melodic power metal. Formed in 1991, but nothing serious happened until 1994, when the first EP was released. Former and current members can also be found in Athena, Rhapsody, Vision Divine and Luca Turilli.

NO LIMITS (1996) UNDERGROUND SYMPHONY

'No Limits' was Labÿrinth's debut full-length album. The original line-up of the band contained one Joe Terry as vocalist. While that name might not be very recognizable, I think it might help if I tell you that was an alias used by one Fabio Lione! Yes, the Rhapsody, ex-Vision Divine, ex-Athena singer, started out in this band. Being a fan of all those band I was pretty anxious to hear this CD. Unfortunately, he doesn't sound all that good here. He has just not developed his voice yet, and his accent is really thick. Add to that a mix that buries the guitars, and brings his voice, together with the drums, to the front, and you might see where the problem lies here. The production is also not good, sounding very thin, and like it was recorded in a little tin can. Given these problems, it wouldn't surprise anyone that it took a while to get into the content on 'No Limits'. BUT, when that happened, there was no denying the musicianship presented by this band on their first release. Most of the tracks are very good, and if you can't hear that these guys knows their way around their instruments, that you must be deaf! Labÿrinth play fast, progressive metal with lots of melody and time changes. 

This album was reissued with 2 bonus tracks in 2002. I hope it was also remixed, as that would help this album a great deal.

Killer tracks: Mortal Sin, Midnight Resistance, In The Shade, No Limits, Red Zone, Time Has Come

RETURN TO HEAVEN DENIED (1998) METAL BLADE

'Return To Heaven Denied' got a lot of praise in the metal press upon it's initial release. So my expectations were WAY high when I got it. I already owned, and loved, the 'Sons Of Thunder' album, and was told this was even better! At first I didn't agree at all. This album wasn't even close to be as good as 'Sons Of Thunder', in my opinion. It was quite disappoint. Don't get me wrong, I still though it was a very good progressive metal album. It was just that the songs sounded very anonymous, and at times even predictable. A fine work of musicianship and songwriting, but a way overrated album, was my initial verdict. Now I have lived with the album for some years, and the album has grown on me indeed. I don't think I will ever rate it as high as most fans do, but I have to agree that this is the bands shining moment. These Italian guys are awesome, and write songs that few other bands could have managed to pull of. Oh, and this this time, the production and mix sounds much better, but it is still a bit "thin" sounding for this kind of music, especially the drums. Also Rob Tyrant sounds way better then Joe Terry did with this band.

Killer tracks: Moonlight, New Horizons, The Night Of Dreams, State Of Grace, Heaven Denied, Falling Rain, Die For Freedom

TIMELESS CRIME (1999) METAL BLADE (EP)

'Timeless Crime' is an EP without a title-track. Pretty unusual, I'm sure. The only exclusive track here is "Out Of Memory". "Save Me" is a teaser from their upcoming 'Sons Of Thunder', "Falling Rain" is picked from the 'Return To Heaven Denied'-album (although this is a different version), and "In The Shade" is a rerecorded version of a track originally on 'No Limits'. "Die For My Sins" is a Sanctuary cover, which they put here as a hidden track at the end of track 4. Labÿrinth deliver the goods, and this EP is just as much a must, as all their other material.

SONS OF THUNDER (2000) METAL BLADE

I had read reviews of this album, saying it was a disappointing one for Labÿrinth. Luckily for me, this was my first meeting with these Italians, so I wasn't sure what to expect. What I got was an excellent record, filled with great melodies. A band that have everything: great musicians, great vocals and great songs. Beautiful, yet powerful. If this was supposed to be a disappointing record, I couldn't wait to hear this bands earlier material! Since then I've become a fan of their music, and I still think this is a killer CD.

Killer tracks: Chapter 1, Kathryn, Elegy, Touch The Rainbow, Save Me

Related artists:

Athena, Rhapsody, Luca Turilli, Vision Divine