ARCHITECTURE OF A GOD

A return to form for Labyrinth who in 2017 sound pretty much like how I left them in 2003's s/t album. This is boosted by the fact that the band gets back to at least half of its original line-up with vocalist Tiranti re-joining with guitarists Cantarelli and Thorsen to re-create the original sound. A host of other excellent musicians join the pack with the highlight being John Macaluso (ex-Ark, Malmsteen etc.) who adds the much required intricacy on the drum kit to lift the dynamics of the album.

The core of 'Architecture of a God' is typical Labyrinth material; mid- to fast-speed power metal riffing inspired by the style of early Queensryche, high-pitched but controlled vocals, and fast keyboards interludes that add the much required colour and glimpses of progginess. 'Bullets', 'Take on my Legacy', and 'Stardust and Ashes' are fast killer power metal tracks, with the former opening the album in the best manner and Macaluso proving his skill and inventiveness, and the second being a real tribute to 80's Riot twin-guitar riffing. The rest of the album flows in mid-tempo melodic power metal with no real complaints other than the cover of Robert Miles' renowned 'Children' that adds no real value and the (expected due to the style, but not overly annoying) cheesiness of some mellower compositions. The title track is the longest and probably best track of the album, aided by variations in speed, a complex interplay towards the end and a great vocal performance.

Although it does not break any new ground, 'Architecture of a God' is pretty much signature power metal, executed by a talented bunch of musicians and highly entertaining. Shame they have not taken a step further to challenge their songwriting to go beyond the trodden paths. 3+ stars.