Symphony X, the name itself implies that that you're going to encounter some orchestral type music while you take the journey of listening to their music. Did I say journey? Yes I did. I took this journey a couple of years ago in 2003...
Symphony X is a great metal band who adds a lovely symphonic twist that resembles power metal. I think power metal is a good genre for these guys to be in, but this album purely defies that genre moniker.
On their previous album preceding this one, V: The Mythology Suite has more symphonic approach to it, but this album as soon as you pop it in, you will realize that these guys are extremely diverse.
The symphonic touch almost seems devoid on Inferno, that is one hell of a metal riff the album starts out with. Compared to "V" starting out with an all out orchestra and chorused Greek vocals atuned to that albums theme.
Fortunately this album also plays a certain theme, though somewhat similar. The reason that I said that this album is different is because it is more heavy metal than the previous one. Technically they stepped up a couple of notches.
A funny thing is that these guys get accused of ripping off Dream Theater, which is an unfair accusation because the bands are very different despite the heresay. I feel that Symphony X is very different because they impose hyper-technicality with feeling. For some reason I don't get that emotional feeling whilst listening to Dream Theater....
Anyway, this is a very solid album. I would give 6 of the songs that are on here a score of 5. The album is not completely devoid of their symphonic touch, it's just kind of pushed into the background a little bit. A rather interesting note is that three of the band members are named Michael.
Russel Allen is an AWESOME singer, instead of singing nasally high which is common to power metal, this guy has an amazing range though he keeps it somewhat low, it never delves into being annoyingly high.
Michael Romeo, if you know Symphony X, then you most likely know about this guy. His string skills are superb and almost resemble that of Yngwie but he slacks down the wanking and churns out fast rhythmic riffs and fills and is a godly soloist like Yngwie. I didn't say that Yngwie isn't a good soloist don't get me wrong.
This albums title track, is a 23 minute symphonic (I didn't say it was completely devoid!) opus that is absolutely mind-blowing. If you can stand to listen to long music then this will be just pure ear candy. If you can't tolerate long songs, give this one a try anyway- it may hook you. Amazing song and definitely a highlight.
Another highlight is Accolade II, which plays off the song from Divine Wings of Tragedy. The original is amazing, and if you liked that track, then its sequel won't dissapoint you. It is more metal than its predecessor but sounds very beautiful, especially the breakdown where the drums and guitar plays a godly fill in unison that is just pure genius.
Yet another highlight is Awakenings. It starts out with a sad sounding piano/bass riff that hooked me from the start. I feel this is their most emotionally driven track on this album aside from the title track. The beauty yet again is in the breakdown, which surprised me because in the middle of it they hop from metal to some smooth sounding jazz like orchestration. Michael Pinnella truly shines in this part.
One last highlight, is the King of Terrors. Which slowly builds with an awesome riff from that crescendoes to about triple forte and its like a slap in the face when it gets that loud. Then it goes on to have a very catchy chorus. Jason Rullo is an amazing drummer and it really shows strong in this song. Also theres a Pantera-like 12/8ths riff in the breakdown that just shreds, easily the heaviest song on this album.
Bottom line: I would rate this album as a must listen, because truly it changed my perspective about metal music, I dunno if it may do the same for you but I can at least guarantee that it's not going to disappoint. This album is too amazing to pass up. If you want more symphony out of your Symphony X, then go and get "V" if you already haven't. I got that one before I got this one, but I can safely say that I like this album just a little bit more. Oh and be sure to get the edition with the updated masquerade song. It tears the original apart, mainly because their first singer really sucked. These guys really know how to play their instruments!
Anything bad?: Well the only bad thing I could say about this album is that The Turning is somewhat weak. But its chorus is among the catchiest ones that lie on this album. But the song is kinda weak by my standards. You may like it, one mans trash could be another mans treasure. So if you find this album in the trash, make sure it's not scratched up because I treasure this album dearly, have for years, and will for years ahead, maybe you will too!!
Score: 4.3/5
Symphony X is on this album:
Russell Allen: Vocals
Mike LePond: Bass
Michael Pinnella: Keyboards
Michael Romeo: Guitars
Jason Rullo: Drums
