Labyrinth

by Juno Reactor

Overview

Juno Reactor are best known for their over the top cinematic trance epics utilized in equally overwrought action adventure films like The Matrix: Reloaded and The Matrix: Revolution, and the sweeping strings that open their sixth full-length album in just over a decade instigate a familiar rush for those who like their adventure administered with a fair amount of sci-fi/fantasy flair. But the warm-up of "Conquistador I" is so long, as it pulls back from digital orchestration to ethnic guitar meandering, that when the industrial-techno stomp of "Conquistador II" finally kicks in, it is almost jarring. It is also one of the few moments that Juno Reactor isn't kicking video game butt, as "Giant" hits even harder with Reece basslines pilfered from the darker side of jungle and "War Dogs" fully warps into an electronic metal band, albeit one with some kitchy world music leanings. This all-genre stomp of course finds its apex in "Mona Lisa Overdrive" and "Navaras," the two tracks taken from the Matrix films, remixed here but still shameless in their cathartic orchestral epiphanies. Only the dirge of "Angels and Men" offers reprieve for an entire song, although blaze-and-smolder dynamics are one of the group's specialties throughout. Those who loved Juno Reactor for their hyperdrive psychedelic trance of yore may or may not appreciate this direction taken in earnest since 2000's Shango. But perhaps a new generation raised on Xbox adrenalin blasts can handle the shock'n'awe. ~ Joshua Glazer

Product Details

Release Date:	08/30/2024
Label:	Demon/Edsel
UPC:	5014797909397

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Juno Reactor   Primary Artist
Susan Hendricks   Vocals
Scarlet   Guitar
Simpiwe Matole   Percussion
Greg Hunter   Guitar (Bass)
Mabi Thobejane   Vocals,Percussion
Deepak Ram   Vocals
Gocoo   Taiko Drums
Risenga Makondo   Percussion
Greg Ellis   Drums,Percussion
Xavier Morel   Sound Effects
Tigram   Ney
Taz Alexander   Vocals
Budgie   Drums
Azam Ali   Vocals
Calina de la Mare   Violin
Lakshmi Shankar   Vocals
Don Davis   Conductor
Eduardo Niebla   Guitar
Victor Indrizzo   Drums
Diane Charlemagne   Vocals
Nick Burton   Percussion
Mike Fisher   Percussion
Youth   Guitar (Bass)

Technical Credits

Juno Reactor   Audio Production,Composer,Producer
Greg Hunter   Mixing,Engineer
Mabi Thobejane   Composer
Zigmond Gron   Editing
Scott Oyster   Engineer
Simon Watkins   Collage
Don Davis   Composer,Orchestration
Xavier Morel   Composer
Taz Alexander   Composer
Budgie   Composer
Toto   Engineer
Kevin Metcalfe   Mastering
Susan Hendricks   Composer
Ben Watkins   Composer
Eduardo Niebla   Composer
Diane Charlemagne   Composer
Nick Burton   Composer,Drum Editing
Adam Wren   Mixing