Nuclear Blast records have released another whirlwind of a
record, this time by Fleshgod Apocalypse. With so many influential bands on
that label, such as Meshuggah (one of my personal favorites), Scar Symmetry,
and Kataklysm, it’s no surprise great records come out on a regular basis. The
album simply titled Labyrinth combines Fleshgod Apocalypse’s death metal
with a symphony in the background. Some songs even feature an opera singer. From
what I read, the theme of the album is about finding yourself in the maze of
life. Back to the music, it has some haunting qualities to it when you combine
the orchestra instruments, the opera singing, and the growling death metal
vocals. The guitar work is as solid as death metal music goes. The drums at the
beginning of “Under Black Sails” make you think you’re getting ready for battle
and songs like “Minotaur”, “Pathfinder”, and “The Fall Of Asterion” will make
it hard for you to not drive excessively over the speed limit while head
banging along. All in all a great cd and the entire atmosphere from the extra
instruments just adds to the appeal of it.
