New Labryrinth (S/T) or new Vision Divine?

[The Fiddler]

So the question for all the Labyrinth and Vision Divine fans is, which CD do you prefer, "Labyrinth" or "Stream of Consciousness", and why?

I bought the "new" s/t relase from Labyrinth last lear and absolutely loved it. Nice to hear them rebound from the mediocre "Sons of Thunder" (one of the worst production efforts I've ever heard).

The new Vision Divine is now out which I do not yet have. I've only heard a short clip on the net, but it's hard to pass any judgements from such clips. Reviews say it's better than the last which I would certrainly hope so. After, "Send Me an Angel", I'm not in a rush to go out and buy the new CD, especailly with a new vocalist replacing Fabio Lione.

 

[Mephistopheles]

I think it's weird that Labyrinth doesn't have any original members...

that being said I have not heard either.

 

[ProgMetalFan]

I think it's weird that Labyrinth doesn't have any original members...

that being said I have not heard either.

Are you sure about that?

Maybe you're confused because Labyrinth used to have Anglo-style psuedonyms, but on the new album finally used their real Italian names. I know there have been a couple lineup changes over the years, but I would assume there are still a few original members left.

I have mixed feelings about Labyrinth's latest album. It certainly is a rebound from "Sons of Blunder", yet isn't anywhere near the level of greatness of "Return to Heaven Denied". There are some refreshing songs on S/T though, and some sizzling riffs. However, there are a few boring tracks and the two ballads go nowhere.

Now familiar with Vision Divine.

 

[Mephistopheles]

Are you sure about that?

Nope. Just what I've been told.

 

[Demonspell]

PMF is right...the band has dropped the English variation on their surnames...both of the albums are decent but unspectacular IMO.

 

[YtseJammer]

I love Vision Divine, but I'd take Labyrinth any day of the week.

 

[Daybreaker]

Vision Divine never impressed me at all. As for Labyrinth, I've been a fan since the REturn to Heaven Days so yea, Im a bit biased towards them. I'd say Labyrinth over Vision anytime.

Ben

 

[nightwish58]

I have been a huge Labyrinth fan since the very beginning, however, there is no comparison between the latest Vision Divine and the latest Labyrinth. With Olaf Thorsen now in Vision Divine and no longer contributing to Labyrinth, I feel they have taken a turn for the worse. Stream of Consciousness absolutely blows the new Labyrinth away. And mind you, this is coming from a huge Labyrinth fan that would kill to see them perform live at PP.

 

[dargormudshark]

I think that Labyrinth not having Olaf Thorsen will effect them in the long run. The new album from them wasn't bad, except their new guitar player stinks. The new Vision Divine is the first thing I've heard from them and I like it alot. I'll probably pick it up at Progpower.

As far as not having any original members in the band, I don't know if that's true or not. In my opinion, if a band does not have any original member in the band, they are not that band. If that's the case they need to change their band name. For example, Ian Paice is the only original member in Deep Purple, once he leaves Blackmore gets to sue them for the name. I think I'm right.

 

[Se7enChurches]

As far as not having any original members in the band, I don't know if that's true or not. In my opinion, if a band does not have any original member in the band, they are not that band. If that's the case they need to change their band name. For example, Ian Paice is the only original member in Deep Purple, once he leaves Blackmore gets to sue them for the name. I think I'm right.

Labyrinth still has two original members, Andrea Cantarelli and Cristiano Bertocco. The only band I know of that actually has no original members and still uses the same name is Napalm Death, though i'm sure others exist. (Possibly Christian Death as well?)

Ryan

 

[ProgMetalFan]

I think that Labyrinth not having Olaf Thorsen will effect them in the long run. The new album from them wasn't bad, except their new guitar player stinks.

They don't have a "new" guitar player. Guitarist Andrea Cantarelli has always been in the band. Labyrinth just has one less guitarist now with the exodus of Olaf.

 

[dargormudshark]

Oh! I feel stupid now . Well the solos aren't that great.

 

[Bryant]

I can't give a good answer to that because I don't own the new Labyrinth, but The Vision Divine is pretty good. The first song sounds like basic Euro power metal and I thought to myself "uh oh this ain't going to be good" but it got very interesting after that. Cool disc.


Bryant

 

[Bryan316]

I remember reading Olaf's departing message, that he was the last original member of Labyrinth. He knew the band's direction was strong, unchanging, and harmonious. His musical desires and personal vision had changed over the years. And when he formed the band, he made sure that every member swore to leave, if at any time they do not feel they belong, or if the rest of the band agreed that they didn't belong. He followed his own oath, and walked away to let Labyrinth continue its direction. And for that, I have great respect and admiration.

I just wish I didn't lose his email... damnit... I'd want to play bass for Vision D... have to learn to speak Italian...


But back to the topic. I absolutely love Return To Heaven Denied, and yes, the self-titled album is quite a different animal. One thing to note, is the sounds of the guitar. RTHD was very very chunky and heavy, and machine-gun tight. The new one is much looser, more open, more LIVE sounding than studio perfection. That's why I love it. Plus, the composition and songwriting is amazing. And Rob's voice isn't as stiff and undynamic as it was on Sons Of Thunder. On that album, it's as if Rob was watching a clock to make sure when to sing the next word or syllable. Seemed very artificial and rigid. Not like he's singing for the song, but singing to the song. Now he's got some great vocal melodies on this new album. And Mat's drumming may not be as perfectly fast as on RTHD, but when you listen to his drumming now, there's SO MUCH STUFF in there! Tons of little intricate things that you don't catch the first few listens. Very satisfying to listen to just his drumming.

I have the first Vision Divine album. It's good stuff. But it didn't grab me. I dunno... Fabio's voice, perhaps? But now that I know there's another album out, I'll hunt it down. Give it a fair judgement. Apparently, Fabio's not the singer anymore? Am I reading you guys right?