Green Labyrinth - 2023 - Sequences

(62:12; Fastball Music)

Track list:
1. Dreamland 8:11
2. Haunted 5:22
3. Limited 6:43
4. The Art of Betrayal 6:42
5. Trapped Soul 7:01
6. Brave the Storm 7:56
7. Enemy 8:07
8. Meaning of Life 6:42
9. The End 5:28

Line-up:
Seraina Schoepfer - vocals
Tom Hiebaum - keyboards
David Vollenweider - guitars
Stephan Kaufmann - bass
Maetthu Daeywyler - drums
with:
Elia Schmid - vocals


Prolusion.
Swiss band Green Labyrinth have been a part of the music scene in their home country for more than a decade, with the initial part of the band's history going all the way back to 2008. They self-released their debut album "The Shadows of My Past" back in 2014, but went quiet as a recording entity following this. This summer they are back with the second studio album "Sequences", which was released through German label Fastball Music.

Analysis.
In terms of the style explored on this production, progressive metal appears to be the specialty of this band. And while their foundation comes across as very clear in that department, this isn't a band that sticks to a purebred take on that form, but rather a band that opts to stretch themselves a little bit outside of the confines of that form and tradition.

The foundation of these compositions is firmly placed inside the classic progressive metal tradition however. The reference points here will be Dream Theater and bands of a similar stature, but with more of an emphasis on guitar dominated passages and a focus on moods and atmospheres over technical virtuosity. We do get keyboard driven parts here too, as well as some fine expressive details in them too, but the guitars are very much a dominant
factor throughout even if the keyboards are given many dominant slots and have a vital role throughout.

The main lead vocals throughout are powerful and emotional, and are occasionally delivered with a bit of an operatic swagger. This latter aspect fits very well into the landscapes explored here, as the aforementioned keyboards will often be used to add a symphonic element to the proceedings, with this aspect of the material given further emphasis by use of dramatic and theatrical effects. Rather than being a constant feature these traits are explored more in depth in some of the songs, with others having a stronger focus on a more conventional variety of progressive metal. The lead vocals fit these latter landscapes just as well though, and for variation, contrast and dramatic effects we get a sometime inclusion of harsh and aggressive vocals too.

The songs will typically ebb and flow between different phases, and besides different varieties of progressive metal with as well as without a symphonic metal flavoring we also get some gentler interludes along the way, and on occasion the band will dabble in a little bit of power metal too. Which is certainly an effective manner in which to induce some additional tension and energy while also establishing a groove, at least as long as this isn't repeated too often, and for this album at least this effect is used carefully and thus also to good effect.

The album has been given a proper and high quality mix and production that makes sure that all the nuances are readily available for the listener to enjoy, while also ensuring that the dramatic effects aren't too overpowering when used. The balance of the different elements and instruments comes across as well sorted, and the vocals are dominant in the soundscapes without becoming overpowering either. Like the album as a whole this aspect of this creation comes across as very much a solid example of quality work.

Conclusion.
With their second album "Sequences", Green Labyrinth have an album on their hands that should increase their fan base. The core foundations of the music should appeal to many fans of classic era progressive metal, while the vocals and arrangements in quite a few of the songs should also be of interest for an audience with a deeper interest in symphonic metal, while also retaining the core elements of their progressive metal foundation. And, of course, if you tend to enjoy both classic era progressive metal and symphonic metal, chances should be very high for you to find this album to be quite the charming and compelling experience.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, June 2023

Links:
https://greenlabyrinth.net/
http://www.fastball-music.com/