2003-03-04
If Homeros could hear Symphony X’ version of his Odyssey he would have turned in his grave and probably do some head banging as well. An album that the only connection between it to Hellenistic Greece is that it definitely doesn’t sound like a harp.
Symphony X are one of Progressive Metal’s base bands in the 90’s along side with bands like Dream Theater, Royal Hunt, Kings X and more.
They have released quite a few albums and encouraged several matching bands such as Time Requiem and Majestic.
“The Odyssey” smoothly produced, Michael Romeo uses every old stunt he has and supplies a load of squeals, shrikes, sweeping and lunatic rhythmic riffs as well as his usual jaw breaking solos.
Michael Pinnela has a little more updated sound this time, reminds a bit of Dallis Dilemma sound.
Russell Alan is just at his pick, doubling and tripling vocals and reaching new high ends. Check out the beautiful “Accolade 2”
The album starts with “Inferno” and continues with progressive hell on earth. Symphony X sticks to their usual old line like a crazy gold miner to his favorite mountain mine and indeed they have struck gold.
“Wicked” is an extremely evil track that would make any self absorbed shred-guitarist just give up and move over to pan-pipes.
“Accolade 2” is the continue of “Accolade” from “The divine wings of tragedy” but besides the well known riffs and melodies there’s an amazing new chorus and a few guitar solos that show Romeo to be much more than just a tech-fanatic.
Alan’s vocals are nothing short of amazing, the song starts with soaring piano and evolves to such levels in composition and playing skill that not many bands can hope to achieve these days.
And of course the crowns jewel, Symphony X’ interpretation of Homers Odyssey.
The 24 min. song is composed of 7 flowing parts. Symphony X probably got tired of programming the orchestral moves so they just hired a small orchestra to the parts, the result is something between Therion and Rick Wakeman: Journey to the center of the earth.
The final track is a 98’ version of Masquerade from their 1st album (also appeared in “Prelude to the Millennium”)
Symphony X is one of the single quality neo-classic progressive metal, that still work today and can count as the main developer of a style that began with people such as Ian Gilian, Yngwie Malmsteen and J.S Bach himself.
Tal Galfsky
