Beyond the Labyrinth: Brand New Start

Beyond the Labyrinth is a Belgian classic/progressive rock band having formed in 1996. Band members include:

Filip Lemmens (lead vocals)
Geert Fieuw (guitars and backing vocals)
Wilfried Kiekens (bass and backing vocals)
Sjoerd Bruyneel (keyboards and backing vocals)
Michel Lodder (drums)

They have four full length albums to their credit and in 2019 released the E.P. titled Brand New Start, their first platter for Freya Records.

This is my first listening experience of the band I am mightily impressed. They play a melodic form of proggy rock heavily influenced by the likes of Uriah Heep and Deep Purple. The tunes are catchy with excellent guitar and keyboards and the vocals are pure ear candy. The band billed this album as a fresh start and present four rerecorded tracks, with two from previous albums. The set begins with “Brand New Start�, a rousing melodic slice of hard rock channeling Deep Purple, most significantly the excellent Hammond found throughout. The vocals are wonderful as well, with the soaring harmonies getting my attention immediately. On “Shine�, the band’s single from 1997, the fine guitar and keyboard solos and catchy rhythms brought to mind a little Asia. Another super catchy tune. The band slows it down in the appropriately moody “In Flanders Fields�, an atmospheric lament to the Great Wars. The riffs are beefed up in the chorus, in contrast to the mellower verses. Some really tasteful guitar and keyboard work in this one. The disc ends with “Salve Mater�, beginning with a gothic organ and chilling vocalizations followed by a marching drum beat, solid riffs and another catchy vocal performance. I dig the horror/gothic vibe in this one.

I really do need to check the band’s previous efforts as I enjoyed Brand New Start immensely. Hopefully another full length effort is in the works.

Track Listing:
1. Brand New Start
2. Shine
3. In Flanders Fields
4. Salve Mater

Added: October 29th 2021
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 623
Language: english

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