Symphony X
"The Odyssey"
(SPV/Inside Out Music)

Symphony X have been carving a niche for themselves in the progressive metal scene for several years now, and this is their latest offering. It's quite a piece of work! The X Men have turned out a progressive metal masterpiece here that should be a treat for the band's fans (and fans of progressive/power metal in general) to hear. Symphony X do have their own style, but they are nonetheless influenced by many metal masters, including Iron Maiden, Iced Earth, Fates Warning, Savatage, Stratovarius, Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force, Dio-era Rainbow, Queensryche, and a touch of Queen here and there. They also include many elements of classical music into their sound, such as classical style piano and guitar, and orchestral arrangements. Their music is very sophisticated and complex but they are also a heavy metal band who can kick some ass! They are a very talented group who can play and write songs brilliantly! Vocalist Sir Russell Allen has a soaring voice, but he can really growl when he wants to as well. He reminded me of Jeff Scott Soto. Guitarist Micheal Romeo sounds very influenced by guitar maestros like Ritchie Blackmore, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Criss Oliva. He is a great player, and he solos very well. Drummer Jason Rullo and bassist Mike Le Pond make up a sturdy rhythm section, Jason throwing in some speedy double bass drumming in places, giving the album a power metal feel; and keysman Michael Pinnella works wonders with those keyboards, taking the listener on a astral musical journey. He uses everything from modern electronic keyboards to organs to classical piano. The band also plays with a slightly harder edge on this album, more so than most bands of the progressive genre, which should make their music appeal to fans of heavier metal. Songs like "Inferno", "Wicked", "Incantation Of The Apprentice", "King Of Terrors" (inspired by the Poe story, "The Pit And The Pendulum"), and "The Turning" are straight on metal tunes that fire on all eights all the way! We also have a couple of more classically oriented songs on here (Still metal but easing up just a tad) in "Accolade II" and "Awakenings". This is where the aforementioned Queen influence comes in, with the use of strings and classical piano, against hard driving metal riffs and drumming. And finally, we have the granddaddy of them all-the title track, a twenty four minute long epic, divided into seven parts. This is an epic to end all epics. It's based on a famous Greek tragedy, and takes us on a musical journey through the spectrum of progressive metal, from charging guitar riffs and pounding drums to complex orchestral arrangements to lilting classical guitar to soaring keyboards. This album with definitely be a pinnacle in the band's career, as well as a pinnacle among progressive rock albums. Other albums of this genre will no doubt be measured up against this brilliant opus in the future. As for Symphony X, they've certainly passed a milestone in their career with this album. They've come a long way over the years, and their sound continues to mature and develop with every album. This album will help them secure their place in the progressive metal world, as will their current US tour with Blind Guardian. Both that tour and this album are things that should not be missed by fans of progressive and power metal!

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