Beyond The Labyrinth

Beyond The Labyrinth

XXV

Self Released: 2021

Hardlife Promotion

http://www.beyond-the-labyrinth.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Beyond.The.Labyrinth

https://beyondthelabyrinth.bandcamp.com/

Over the years these Belgian prog rockers have taken their time to make their statements. They have only released five full length albums in 25 years, and that is including this one. So they must have had a lot of time to produce some good ideas, write their songs and think out the best way to make them sound as impressive as possible. And judging by XXV (twenty five) they have succeeded in offering us quite a coherent album.

What immediately strikes me as odd is that these guys are not your old fashioned prog dinosaurs. All songs are less than five minutes in length, and they are not afraid to use a lot of synthesizers in their music, giving it that eighties feel. I must admit it grew on me quite fast, and after a few listens I thoroughly enjoyed it. The only thing I am afraid of is the fact that most songs are easily forgotten after istening to them. But that could just be me.

The production is a bit bare, though, so if you're looking for massive soundscapes and neverending overdubs, XXV is definitely not for you. If you are looking for an honest sound where you hear is what you get, you're in the right place with Beyond The Labyrinth.

This album is available as physical CD from the band's bandcamp site, plus will be available as digital download from 15-02-2022.

MetalWim van Grunsven