LABYRINTH

The first ever review of a Special Providence album here in PA and following on from the interview.

This is the second album from Special Providence. Which makes me wonder why this band has been lumped into the Prog Metal genre. This album is not metal at all so I guess they got the label based on their first album. The music on this album is fusion with a lot of jazz too. Mahavishnu Orchestra springs to mind. And so is a lot of other straight fusion bands too.

Talking of Mahavishnu Orchestra. Labyrinth though is a lot more laid back and does not have the cascades of guitars. But it is in this slightly laid back landscape you will find this album. There is plenty of guitar solos on Labyrinth though.

This is a very enjoyable listen, this album. Some really killer tracks would had been fine though. But I have really enjoyed this album and do recommend it and the band to all fusion fans out there.

3.5 stars

3,5 stars !!! The second album from the Hungarian band SPECIAL PROVIDENCE "Labyrinth" is a is very well done combination from two progressive rock style's almost so antagonistic as a straight line and zigzag, the prog-metal and prog-jazz But, the music and the climate from the album is far from causing a "shock wave" when they make a sequence between the tracks with more heavy approach with the more jazzy flavor, due to in all tracks the mix are present. I cannot detach any track, but I can say... if you are fan of bands like KENSO and RETURN TO FOREVER, this a album deserves at least one audition.The only censure is the vocal version in the bonus track "Nitro-Gain" ( I don't like so much !) .My rate is 3 stars , with the reservation that this album figures in my collection !!!

3.5 stars. In my opinion this is a step down from the debut but it's actually a really good album. Again this is a four piece out of Hungary who play mostly Jazz Fusion but they add Metal which I don't mind except when they hit us with those annoying riffs out of the blue. I just find that they did a better job on the debut "Space Cafe" in contrasting the heavy metallic sections with the lighter jazzy passages and songs. On both albums I have to give these guys credit for creating memorable melodies on some of those lighter jazz tunes. Such a stark contrast and I must admit this one wasn't as easy to digest when it comes to the "in your face" riffs. By the way the band calls their music Progjazzrockmetalturbochill music. And how about that Pac Man album cover. What?! I found myself enjoying the jazzier tunes to my surprise more than the heavier ones. So "Deep Smile" is a top three and a special tune that is so pretty and memorable. I like the catchy melody that comes and goes on "Green Sun" and the bass solo in atmosphere. The other top three is "Sajkod" which is a beautiful song with shuffling drums, piano and bass. I do recommend this album and the debut, such a talented band.