Labyrinth

6 Days To Nowhere (Scarlet)
by Scott Hefflon

I always think of the line in Amadeus where Wolfie laments “The Italians, always the Italians.” It was in the context of a German vs. Italian debate. The movie debated the language to use in an opera, and this is the debate of operatic power metal. I favor German, as most do, seeing as it’s considered the birthplace of the classic heavy metal style (Helloween, in other words). And it’s precise, whereas the Italians would probably get all weepy in their wine. But they look natural in frilly shirts, I’ll grant them that.

Anyway, Labyrinth is now on Scarlet Records, an Italian label with a couple solid bands on their roster (Allhelluja and Kayser, both heavier and dirtier than the somewhat sissy Labyrinth), after stints on Metal Blade and Century Media. 6 Days To Nowhere is the band’s sixth release, contains a lame cover of The Beatles’ “Come Together” (the original and Aerosmith’s sleazy cover are the only versions the world needs, ever), and more mid-tempo warble and whoa than the fleet-fingered melodic speedmetal of yore. On the (thankfully) rare occasions where they thunder and roar, I’m glad to have remote.
(www.scarletrecords.it)