Artist: Symphony X
Label: InsideOut Music America
Release Date: 11/5/02
Average Rating: 4
Go to Judgment Committee Reviews of this Album
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Title: The Odyssey Artist: Symphony X Label: InsideOut Music America Release Date: 11/5/02 |
There are currently 1 Reader Reviews of this album.
Average Rating: 4 Go to Judgment Committee Reviews of this Album |
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Submitted by Steve Hoffman (11/17/02):
Occasionally, there is a band that comes out of nowhere and elevates the potential appeal of a genre. For metal, it was first Judas Priest, then Iron Maiden. For thrash it was Metallica then Megadeth and Slayer. For the progressive metal genre, Symphony X is that band. Having been an avid fan of Symphony X for the last three years, I was eager to hear the band's continued progress on their newest work, The Odyssey. Opening the limited edition CD case, the first thing one notices is the amount of professionalism and effort the band puts into every aspect of the packaging and presentation. The case includes original artwork, pictures from the studio, lyrics and liner notes by each band member detailing their thoughts about each song on the album.From the album opening staccato guitar work of "Inferno", you can sense that Michael Romeo and the band intend to continue their complex and powerful style that has become their signature. Romeo's guitar sound is at once clean, yet heavy. Once Russell Allen rips into the opening vocal lines, singing "Welcome to the Anarchy", you realize that Symphony X will be focusing strongly on Russell's powerful voice. Russell's vocals are more aggressive than ever, utilizing much of his strong lower register. Romeo's guitar solo interplay with keyboardist Michael Pinella is impressive; showcasing the mastery that each holds over his instrument. Romeo's solos come across as that of a restrained Yngwie Malmsteen. He obviously has the full grasp of neo-classical chops, yet uses them in a slightly restrained manner that makes the music that much more forceful and emotional.
The second track, Wicked, features syncopated guitar and basslines flowing under layered vocals, with Allen showcasing the more soulful side to his vocals in a vocal solo of sorts. Drummer Jason Rullo displays his skills on the album's third track, Incantations of the Apprentice, with military precision, intricate double-bass lines, and quick fills. Accolade II is the continuation of a track off Symphony X's last album, and takes a cue from Dream Theater by reusing melody lines and lyrical content, presenting them in a new context and different key. The track is successful and one hopes that the Accolade becomes a continuing saga.
Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, "King of Terrors" is the most brutal track on the album. Russell Allen again takes the spotlight over hard-driving guitar and pounding bass by Michael LePond. Keyboards are evident in this track, primarily providing texture, but also weaving in and out of the syncopated bass and guitar lines during the solo break. Russell's scream going into the solo break helps build a high level of tension until Romeo tears into his searing solo.
The Turning is a fast paced burner that is reminiscent of their style off the "Twilight in Olympus" opus, and contains possibly the most commercially memorable guitar melodies on the album. Piano and keyboards begin the next track, Awakenings, before LePond's bass kicks in with a bass melody line that shows their progressive roots ala Pete Trewavas of Marillion. Russell Allen displays the more emotive side of his vocal range before the guitar jolts in, taking the song to a more metallic direction.
The album's grand opus, The Odyssey, times in at a little over 24 minutes, and contains seven separate stanzas. "Odysseus' Theme" begins with an orchestral metallic launch into an acoustic interlude. Next, "Journey to Ithaca", is initially reminiscent of the better work of Kansas, before cutting into a heavy guitar work and more syncopated guitar/keyboard runs. The melody line is majestic and epic. "The Eye" is next and features driving power chords and double bass, and some of the more complex polyrhythms on the albums. "Circe", "Daughter of the Sun", and "Sirens" continue building drama into "Scylla and Charybdis", which includes a haunting melody and orchestration, complete with tympanis and orchestral instruments. The final track, "The Fate of the Suitors / Champion" of Ithaca presents a melody and vocal lines that are inspirational and emotive. However, the melody is perhaps a bit too reminiscent of "Street of Dreams" by Rainbow. In all this is a powerful and diverse song.
The limited edition features an updated version of the song "Masquerade" off their debut album. Of most interest on this track is the contrast in style brought to the song by Russell Allen compared to previous singer Rod Tyler (who sang only on the group's first album). The song is again a showcase for the dramatic composition and guitar skills of Michael Romeo.
The Odyssey is ultimately just that; a journey through the thoughts and talents of a band which are individually each masters of their instruments. Combined, however, you get a cohesive unit that is actually more impressive than its individual parts. Comparisons to Dream Theater are inevitable, although the band takes a slightly more orchestral and aggressive approach to songwriting. Overall, the music is grand, heavy and well constructed. One possible complaint is that the cymbals are two low in the mix, but that is obviously minor in the context of the whole album. This is a must have for all fans of progressive metal, shredding guitar, excellent vocals and musicianship, and epic songs.
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