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LABYRINTH
Unforeseen Consequences EP

Self-released (2024)
Rating: 8/10

Amidst the constant flurry of throwback thrash acts that have been doing the rounds for 20 years, Houston, Texas-based Labyrinth is one of the only acts that really do, and genuinely, take me back to those halcyon days when thrash was king.

The band’s 2022 demo Inside / Outside boasted so much crunch and nostalgia that I’m slightly disappointed that the quartet has only re-emerged with an EP. Even so, with their thorny logo and tech-thrash artwork Labyrinth remains high in standard with their slightly San Francisco Bay Area infused chunks which result in crisp riffs, sharp percussion and crystal bass lines.

Vocally, it’s familiar and somehow nostalgically comforting, but in contrast opening song ‘Tortured’ builds with an abrasive dissonance, almost hinting at Voivod and Vektor angles. It’s fast and aggressive as the shouted chorus brings to mind Testament or something from underrated 1989 Mordred debut album Fools Game. If this wasn’t executed adequately then it could easily be passed off as generic. Instead, Labyrinth dives headlong into a melting pot of influences, the only criticism being that the three main tracks are a touch overlong.

Even so, ‘Questionable Ethics’ is speedy and chunky and boasts some sniping solo work as well as some robust crossover aesthetics, more so in the ravenous vocal chops. Even with its subtle mid-section variety the track overstays its welcome, and the same could be said for closer ‘The Prophet Of Time’ although it’s still a top notch tune. This time round the build up isn’t as laboured as the quartet delivers up fiery, angular riffs which remind me of another tech thrash act, Droid. Again the vocals are fluid, the solos worm through the maze and the drums rumble efficiently.

Even at just 18 minutes, Unforeseen Consequences takes a few spins to access because there is a lot to pick through, although not an overly intricate slab, but just a fierce opus that likes its layers and deviations. No more teasing now guys, get the album out.

Neil Arnold

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