Having had us spellbound with previous single “Beyond the Mosaic Garden”, it’s a treat to have something more from Sydney progressive metalcore band Above, Below. The new single comes coupled with the happy announcement that the band’s debut album The Lotus Chapters will release on 27th September.
Literally split up into three chapters, beginning with “Seed” and ending with “Lotus”, the already-intriguing new album will include the new single as well as “Beyond the Mosaic Garden”. Our curiosity is sky high with this news!
Similar to the previous single, “Labyrinth” includes a mantra; “Om Kham Brahma”. Defined as a mantra for inner peace, I understand it as relating to the omnipresence of a higher power. Above, Below seem to be tying into the concept of searching beyond the self to a higher state of being to find one’s way out of wherever they’re stuck. Literally seeking a way out of the metaphorical labyrinths that life can find us in. Nature and elemental energies seem to be something Above, Below appreciate also, as “Labyrinth”‘s video is filmed in Penrose State Forest.
Chilling and light at its introduction, “Labyrinth” comes with the surprise of acoustic guitar coupled with a delicate melody before the song kicks off into full metalcore territory. Fierce and tense, the twists and turns of “Labyrinth” fittingly capture the sense of being lost and trying to find a way out.
I love the poetic descriptions of nature in “Labyrinth”, and the shifts into states of ease at moments (like “As I dance with ecstacy”) in amongst an otherwise tense atmosphere. Erratic rhythms don’t necessarily suit the elated sense of wonder that’s found in the lyrics alone, but nonetheless there’s hope to be found in the chorus. It comes across with an encouraging vibe of “Hang in there!” and offers a rising call of possibility.
One of my favourite things about Above, Below is their penchant for the unexpected. One of these shows up at the midway point, where there’s a sweet moment of quiet, of sunset and ethereal contemplation. A light melody stirs below a tense and stunning blossoming. With the searching over, the labyrinth’s inhabitant seems to be lyrically at peace, centred, recognising its oneness. The track is quite the ride.
Seeming like it joins with the song that follows next on the album, “Labyrinth” comes to a sudden stop, whetting appetites for what’s to come! Watch “Labyrinth” via YouTube below.
