While many albums have been dubbed "rock operas," few, if any, of them feel as operatic as
Labyrinth, the third album from Italian technical death metal maniacs
Fleshgod Apocalypse. Merging the furious brutality of death metal with the elegance of classical and opera, the album weaves a tale about the mythical labyrinth of Knossos. The juxtaposition of punishing guitar riffs and relentless blastbeats with full symphonic arrangements and soaring operatic vocals is fascinating in the way it highlights the inherent differences and similarities the two genres have. While classical fans might balk at the savagery of
Fleshgod Apocalypse's sound, the album has a dazzling technicality that's easy to appreciate. Conversely, metal enthusiasts will enjoy getting swept up in the epicness the classical elements bring to the table. Whichever side you might fall on,
Labyrinth is a solidly written and brilliantly executed album that makes a wonderful spectacle out of a rather unlikely pairing. ~ Gregory Heaney