Labyrinth (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = Labyrinth

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Img_capt = Labyrinth performing live at Evolution Festival, July 14, 2006.
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Background = group_or_band
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Origin = Massa, Italy
Genre = Power metal
Years_active = 1991 - present
Label = Arise Records
Associated_acts = Vision Divine
URL = [http://www.labyrinthmusic.it LabyrinthMusic.it]
Current_members = _{Real name (stage name)} Andrea Cantarelli (Anders Rain) Roberto Tiranti (Rob Tyrant) Pier Gonella Mattia Stancioiu (Mat Stancioiu) Andrea De Paoli (Andrew McPauls) For years with band
Past_members = _{Real name (stage name)} Fabio Tordiglione (Fabio Lione) Andrea Bartoletti Carlo Andrea Magnani (Olaf Thorsen) Cristiano Bertocchi (Chris Breeze) Franco Rubulotta (Frank Andiver) Morby For years with band

Labyrinth is a power metal band formed in 1991 in Massa, Italy. The band underwent a change in style and themes after the departure of Olaf Thorsen in 2002.

History

1990s

Labyrinth formed in 1991 with Frank Andiver (drums), Andrea Bartoletti (bass guitar), Andrea Cantarelli (lead guitar), Carlo Andrea Magnani (lead guitar), Fabio Tordiglione (vocals).

The band released the first demo "Midnight Resistance" that is now a popular-item among the fans. The demo got enthusiastic reviews on major metal magazines in Italy and Germany and that gave them the chance to sign with Underground Symphony, a new indie record label. Andrea Bartoletti left the band and Chris Breeze (Cristiano Bertocchi) joined the band. It was the year of "Piece of Time", their first EP, that marked the direction the band was taking: pure melodic speed metal with a keyboards-background. It was the first step towards the release of a full-length LP.

In 1995, "No Limits" was released and the interest in the band grew among metal fans and independent labels. The popularity of the band increased not only in the Italy and in Europe, but also overseas where some labels (Teichiku Records in Japan) offered to distribute the album. The band stayed in the metal magazine "Burrn!" top ten charts for almost six months. Joe Terry (Fabio Tordiglione), then left the band and later became the frontman with Rhapsody of Fire.

In 1997, Frank Andiver (Franco Rubulotta) and Ken Taylor left the band and Rob Tyrant (Roberto Tiranti), Mat Stancioiu (Mattia Stancioiu) and Andrew McPauls (Andrea De Paoli) were brought in as their replacements. All the while, some of the big metal labels showed an interest on the band's new demo and finally Metal Blade Records made an offer and the band joined the label. It took six months to record the second album "Return To Heaven Denied" and before its release the band took part in that summers metal main event: "Gods of Metal", together with some of heavy metal's biggest acts such as Black Sabbath, Pantera, Helloween, Blind Guardian, etc. "Return To Heaven Denied" was a success among fans and metal magazines alike, and it gave a strong push not only to the career of the band, but also to the Italian metal scene as a whole.

Shortly after the release of the new record the singer Rob Tyrant left the band, replaced by Morby from Domine who led Labyrinth throughout the whole European tour as supporting act with Pegazus of the most popoular bands Hammerfall and Primal Fear. After a few months followed an Italian Tour with Heimdall. After a short break the band entered the recording studio to release the new Mini CD "Timeless Crime", containing new and old tracks from the first demotape "Midnight Resistance" to LPs "No Limits" and "Return to Heaven Denied".

Meanwhile, Rob Tyrant returned to the band, replacing Morby and performing with Labyrinth in important European heavy metal festivals (Gods of Metal, Dynamo, etc.).

2000s

After these festivals the band entered the recording studio again to release the new full-length LP "Sons Of Thunder". As a showcase for the new album, the band played at important European festivals, like WACKEN 2000 and Rock Machina 2000 in Spain. At the end of August 2000 "Sons Of Thunder" went to #52 on the Japanese charts and at #26 on the Italian charts. Such results were answered with the request of touring in South America with Vision Divine.

With such a response the band organized an Italian tour first, in February 2001, with supporting band Sigma (ex Love Machine), and then a European tour, supporting Helloween first and then with Nocturnal Rites supporting Iron Savior.

The band organized, in March 2002, a tour called "Italian Attack". A festival in which Domine, White Skull, Skylark, Novembre, and [enturion appeared. The participation of the people help raise the popularity of Labyrinth, which saw in the near future a new chapter of its history. The writing of the new tracks happened in May.

In the meantime, Olaf Thorsen left the band to join Vision Divine, whereas Mat Stancioiu and Andrew McPauls left Vision Divine to dedicate their time to Labyrinth. In July the first demo of the new Labyrinth album appears. The members decided to use their Italian names: Andrea Cantarelli, Roberto Tiranti, Andrea De Paoli, Cristiano Bertocchi, and Mattia Stancioiu.

The clear and sharp recording of the new demo procured them three of the most important deals of their career: Century Media Records for Europe and Americas, V2 for Italy and King Records for Japan.

In January, Labyrinth began the recording for the new self-titled album, with the band producing. It was recorded at the Noise Factory in Milan, Italy, and it was mastered at House of Audio in Germany. In the meantime the problems with the old Italian label were resolved.

It was reported on April 24, 2003 that Labyrinth had signed a record deal with Century Media Records. The release date for their next album was set at June 30, 2003 [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=11479 |title=Labyrinth Sign With Century Media Records |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] . The release of "Labyrinth" originally set for June 30, was postponed in Italy to July 4.

On August 9, 2003, Labyrinth performed at the 9th Agglutination Metal Festival in Chiaromonte, Italy. Other bands set to appear at the event included Vader, Virgin Steele and Elvenking. [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=13673 |title=Virgin Steele To Headline Italy's Agglutination Metal Festival |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net]

Roberto Tiranti took part in the musical "The Ten Commandments" which was a supplement to his activity as Labyrinth singer until the beginning of the year 2004.

The next step was finding another good guitarist for the live dates. The band found in Pier Gonella, Roberto and Andrea De Paoli. The first show with Pier was the IX Agglutination Metal Festival in Chiaromonte (PZ), where Labyrinth would have been the third band, before Vader and Virgin Steele.

After the summer, the band began preparations for the live shows to support the new album. It was a tour out of the usual standard, without an estimated end: The Maze On Tour 2003/2004. From December 2003, with the tour, also began the work on the new album foreseen for Fall 2004, during which the band celebrated 10 years together. The new work was a prosecution of the way begun with "Labyrinth", with songs of deep atmosphere and tracks like "Just Soldier", but with a deeper introspection. Taking part with good and dense ideas to the writing of the new tracks, Pier Gonella with the beginning of 2004 joined the band as sixth official member. Also in December, Rob Tyrant (Roberto Trianti) recorded guest vocals on the rock opera "Genius 'Episode II'" along with people such as Eric Martin (formerly of Mr. Big), Russell Allen (from Symphony X), Jeff Martin (of Racer X), Mark Boals (formerly of Yngwie Malmsteen), Daniel Gildenlöw (of Pain of Salvation), Liv Kristine (formerly of Theatre of Tragedy), and Edu Falaschi (of Angra). [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=17388 |title=Ex-Theatre of Tragedy singer Liv Kristine: Upcoming Projects Revealed |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net]

"Labyrinth" put the band to work one more time, with big support of Century Media, in Japan good sales with King Records and then in the month of May a tour in Asia called "Banzai Tour" in, Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, Taipai, Taichun, Taiwan, and Beijing, China and also Hong Kong.

After some shows in Italy, Labyrinth played in Slovakia at More Then Festival 2004 with bands like Lost Horizons, Destruction and Freedom Call.

On December 9, 2004, they performed a show in London at Underworld Cadmen together with Dream Evil. [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=26800 |title=Dream Evil Parts Ways with Guitarist, Announce Replacement |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] One week later Labyrinth signed a deal with the label Arise records.

With "Freeman", there was a new look with strength-jackets and more wish of freedom in the lyrics; both for Italian and Jaspanese releases, there is a normal version and one with a bonus DVD.

On February 22, 2005, Labyrinth announced the dates of an Italian tour in support of their upcoming album, "Freeman". The tour would consist of, seven total shows, ranging from March 25, 2005 through and including April 16, 2005. [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=33233 |title=Labyrinth: Italian Tour Dates Announced |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] The follow-up to 2003's "Labyrinth", "Freeman" was recorded at Elnor Studios and scheduled for release on March 4, 2005 by Arise Records. [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=31590 |title=Labyrinth: 'Freeman' Cover Posted Online |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] "Freeman" was released in March 2005, in which the band showed more aggressive riffs and melodic parts at the same time. The album, was released in 2005 through Arise Records. The Italian version of the album contained the exclusive bonus DVD with a Tokyo show (Banzai Tour 2004), "best of" London Cadmen Underworld (from November 13, 2004), the "L.Y.A.F.H." and "Freeman" videos, pictures and discography. [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=82160 |title=Labyrithn: New Tour Dates Announced |accessdate=2008-02-29 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=33457 |title=Labyrinth: Italian Edition of 'Freeman' To Include Bonus DVD |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net]

Later that month on March 21, 2005, Headrush, an Italian hard rock band featuring ex-Dokken guitarist Alex De Rosso and Labyrinth singer Roberto Tiranti, released their debut album in Europe via Frontiers Records (and in Japan via King Records). [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=31106 |title=Former Dokken Guitarist, Labyrinth Singer Join Forces In Headrush |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] Also, in March 2005 singer Roberto Tiranti appeared on Secret Sphere album "Heart & Anger". [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=63380 |title=Secret Sphere:Video Footage From Finland Posted Online |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=34671 |title=Secret Sphere Set Release Date For New Album |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net]

That summer after the Lorca Rock Festival, Labyrinth played a tour in Italy (a total of 17 shows) and supported Dream Theater and Angra in Italy for three shows (June 21-23), [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=35240 |title=Dream Theater: More European Tour Dates Announced |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] in Italy (June 21, 2005 in Florence, on June 22, 2005 in Ascoli Pisceno, and on June 23 in Padova) with Angra. [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=37844 |title=Angra Confirmed For Spain's Lorca Rock Festival |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] llater on, in August 14, 2005, Labyrinth took part in the Metalway Festival in Gernika-Bilbao with bands like Manowar, Saxon, Accept, Motörhead, WASP and more. [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=36617 |title=Manowar Confirmed For Spain's Metalway Festival |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=37693 |title=Saxon, Apocalyptica, Paradise Lost Confirmed For Spain's Metalway Festival |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net]

2006 started with bad news, Cristiano Bertocchi left the band, to pursue a solo career. After few days of Mattia suggested Roberto to become the new bass player. They played only two shows with this new line up, one at Mesiano in Trento and another at the Evolution Festival, [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=49425 |title=Saxon, Armored Saint, Death Angel Confirmed For Italy's Evolution Festival |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=53196 |title=Nile Replace Annihilator At Italy's Evolution Festival |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] then spent the rest of the year writing and recording "6 Days to Nowhere".

In December Heraldry released their album "Delirium", which featured guest vocals by Roberto Tiranti. [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=59965 |title=Heraldry: New Album Samples Available |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] .

In late 2006, Labyrinth signed a record deal with Scarlet Records, to release "6 Days to Nowhere". [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=63441 |title=Labyrinth Signs With Scarlet Records |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] Between February 26, and March 9, the album "6 Days To Nowhere" was released worldwide. The album's mastering took place at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London. Following the albums release the band announced a tour of Europe (only one date in Sweden and the rest in Italy) and Japan, between October 27, 2007 and March 2, 2008.

On November 3, 2007 Labyrinth appeared at the Växjö Metal Festival III, in Växjö, Sweden. Also scheduled to appear were Jorn, Grave, Heed, Bloodbound, Engel and Pagan's Mind, among others. [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=81710 |title=Eventide To Enter Studio Next Month |accessdate=2008-02-29 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net]

Pier Gonella handled the guitar duties, on the Necrodeath album "Draculea", while the band continues to search for a permanent guitar player [.cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=85000 |title=Necrodeath: 'Smell of Blood' Video Posted Online |accessdate=2008-02-29 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=48964 |title=Necrodeath Finish Recording New CD, Announce New Guitarist |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] While Pier performed on that album, Roberto Tiranti appeared on Ranfa's album "Little Hard Blues". Tiranti appeared on the albums fifth track entitled "It Will Be Not This Blues". [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=88385 |title=Ian Paice, Bernie Marsden, Tracy G Guest On Ranfa Album |accessdate=2008-02-29 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net]

On January 22, 2008, it was announced that Andrea De Paoli would be making a guest appearance on the debut album of Expedition Delta, which is being released by ProgRock Records. [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=88991 |title=Evergrey, Expedition Delta, Innerwish Confirmed For Serbia's Caslte Festival |accessdate=2008-02-28 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net]

Discography

*"Midnight Resistance(EP)" (1994)
*"Piece of Time(EP)" (1995)
*"No Limits" (1996)
*"Return to Heaven Denied" (1998)
*"Timeless Crime(EP)" (1999)
*"Sons of Thunder" (2000)
*"Labyrinth" (2003)
*"Metal For The Masses Volume II (Disc 2)" [cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=16565 |title=Century Media Brings Metal To The Masses |accessdate=2008-03-01 |format=HTML |work=BlabbermouthNews.net] (2003)
*"Freeman" (2005)
*"6 Days to Nowhere (2007)

Line-up

Current members

* Roberto Tiranti (Rob Tyrant) - Vocals & Bass (1997-present)
* Andrea Cantarelli (Anders Rain) - Guitar (1991-present)
* Pier Gonella - Guitar (2003-present)
* Mattia Stancioiu (Mat Stancioiu) - Drums (1997-present)
* Andrea De Paoli (Andrew McPauls) - Keyboard (1997-present)

Former Members

* Fabio Tordiglione (Fabio Lione) - Lead Vocals (1991-1996)
* Andrea Bartoletti - Bass (1991-1994)
* Carlo Andrea Magnani (Olaf Thorsen) - Guitar (1991-2002)
* Cristiano Bertocchi(Chris Breeze) - Bass (1995-2006)
* Franco Rubulotta (Frank Andiver) - Drums (1991-1996)
* Morby - Vocals (1998-1999)

References

External links

* [http://www.labyrinthmusic.it Official website]
* [http://www.robertotiranti.com Roberto Tiranti official webite]
* [http://www.andreadepaoli.com/ Andrea De Paoli official website]
* [http://www.piergonella.com/ Pier Gonella official website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/andreacantarelli Andrea Cantarelli] at MySpace
* [http://www.myspace.com/piergonella Pier Gonella] at MySpace