The sound of Labyrinth has been evolving from European power metal to more of a progressive and classic rock sound. This is especially evident in the choice to use Abbey Road studios for the mastering of 6 Days To Nowhere. Softer, more organic and with greater headroom than most of their contemporaries, Labyrinth have "mostly" corrected the production disasters they have had in the past. Still, it could have used a few modern touches as the acoustics sound a little smothered, the electric guitars could have used a little more cut and the overall sound is a little amateurish for such an established band, but the general warmth of the sound is appreciated and the integrity of the songs serve to diminish such concerns.
Golden throated singer Roberto Tiranti is a crucial element to the success of this band. His vocals are emotive, well intoned and extremely versatile. One listen to the ballad 'Smoke and Dreams' will be a convincing proclamation of the merits of his superior achievement. It's here where he combines the soul of Goran Edman with the touch dynamics of Ray Alder to create the musical highlight of the entire cd. The rest of the music is mostly a rewarding experience as well. Save for some awkward and unorthodox arrangements ('Lost') and the fortuitous and out of place remake of 'Piece of Time' (Originally, 1995), this band has stellar musicians that can create surprise and intrigue in a moments notice; something that your average band could not dream of.
One thing that I could not find appreciation for was the choice to cover 'Come Together' by The Beatles. Surely, the relationship with Abbey Road studios had something to do with the choosing of the song; more so than the song in-and-of itself. The progressive arrangement just does not coincide with the cool and mysterious vibe of the original. It's just an instance where the new "classic rock" part of their sound just doesn't work when pushed to far, but maybe as a bonus track.
Slightly overstuffed, but generally an excellent and unique listen, the band still have to find a little more balance in their overall sound if they are going to be at the level of some of the competition. "Getting Better" may have been the more appropriate Beatles song choice considering the overall improvement of the musical presentation found on this release.
Track Listing
1. Crossroads
2. There Is A Way
3. Lost
4. Mother Earth
5. Waiting Tomorrow
6. Come Together
7. Just One Day
8. What???
9. Coldness
10. Rusty Nail
11. Out Of Control
12. Wolves 'N' Lambs
13. Smoke And Dreams
14. Piece Of Time (2007)
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