Symphony X hail from New Jersey, USA and were founded there in April 1994. Guitarist Michael Romeo had already been receiving a lot of praise and attention for his self produced solo-tape "The Dark Chapter", which eventually led to the birth of Symphony X. Joining Michael at first was bass player Thomas Miller, who had played with Michael on numerous occasions in the past. Soon after that, vocalist Rod Tyler and drummer Jason Rullo were recruited and finally with the arrival of Michael Pinnella, the Symphony X line up was complete and ready to record their first album.

DIVINE WINGS OF TRAGEDY (1996) INSIDE OUT/SPV

'Divine Wings of Tragedy' was the album that made me aware of Symphony X. But it was not the first album I heard, or bought, by them. Anyhow, this is kind of the bands break trough recording. And it is quite apparent why it became so. There is not a single boring note on this entire album. But the 20 minute + title-track alone is worth to caught up the dough for. And the stellar musicianship, vocals and even a good production, makes the album a favorite amongst most progressive metal fans. In my opinion these guys should be as big as Dream Theater, if not even bigger! You owe it to yourself to BUY!

Killer tracks: They are all amazing!

TWILIGHT IN OLYMPUS (1998) INSIDE OUT/SPV

Symphony X continues their quest to be the best of the best in the world of progressive metal. And what a fine job they do! Again, no fillers, only stellar material. What a bunch of unique musicians this band have managed to put together! Michael's Yngwie Malmsteen influenced guitar-playing, Russel's powerful voice, Thomas playful bass and Michael P's excellent key-wizardry, it all just leaves me in awe. What more can be said? It doesn't get much better than this. Maybe this album isn't as strong as 'Divine Wings Of Tragedy', but it sure doesn't stand far back from it either! Finally replaced my cardboard promo with a regular CD.

Killer tracks: All of them. 

V - THE MYTHOLOGICAL SUITE (2000) INSIDE OUT/SPV

Is this band ever gonna stop to amaze me? Another progressive metal masterpiece, and another jaw-dropping release indeed! I actually think they overdid themselves with this one. 'V - The Mythological Suite' is a concept album about the myths of Atlantis.

Killer tracks: Again, pretty much all of them.

LIVE ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER (2001) INSIDE OUT/CENTURY MEDIA

Symphony X live brings out some mixed emotion in me. I saw them live in Germany in 1988, and was less than impressed. In all fairness, it was a festival, and they only had like 45 minutes of stage-time. But they sounded terrible, and not very professional at all. Yet I was more than curious to check out this live-album, by one of my favorite bands. And I got to hand it to the band that they really have put out a raw sounding live-album. I bet there are but a few overdubs on this thing. They really sound 10 times better here than they did that night in Germany in '98. Still, if you aren't already familiar with the bands material, I'd urge you not to try to get to know Symphony X based on this album.

THE ODYSSEY (2002) INSIDE OUT (Limited Edition)

I can't believe it, I just can't believe it. Symphony X does it again! They have once again delivered an amazing album, and again overdoing their last effort. 'The Odyssey' quickly became my favorite by the band. It is a heavier effort, and a more straight in your face approach. Yet they still have all the complex parts added as a bonus. I simply am lost for words, because all the superlatives have been used up describing my feelings towards their other albums. 'The Odyssey' is probably one of my all time top 10 releases.

Killer tracks: Yet again, every note is obligatory.

PARADISE LOST (2007) INSIDE OUT (Limited Edition with bonus DVD)

Symphony X have yet to let me down. But this time I actually had myself thinking that this new release was not as good as the previous albums (man, has it really been 5 years since 'The Odyssey' already?). This was of course a foolish notion. I just didn't take the time to really listen to the album. 'Paradise Lost' is not easy listening, nor do you digest it in all it's glory listening to it as background music. This album needs all of your attention to really start to shine. There are so many beautiful details just waiting to be discovered under the surface of this progressive metal masterpiece. Now, if you just put on the CD, and start listening to it while at work, in your car, when cleaning the kitchen or whatever, you might think, as I did, that this is just yet another Symphony X album. The songs seems familiar, and nothing new appears at all. Sure, this is well played, and Mr. Allen sings as good as ever. But there sort of stopped my interest in the CD. But, as with all masterpieces, you need to get closer to the piece to really get familiar with it. Only then can you step back to take in the full effect of the art. That is what happened to me with 'Paradise Lost'. I was listening to the album, and this magical world appeared. All the little small parts that were put there to create a full image, they came to life, and I sat back with my jaw dropped to the floor. I'm not sure that my words can even start to describe it, but I feel that this album delivers everything you ever want from a progressive metal album, and then some. Michael Romero has once again outdone himself, and he is without a doubt the most interesting guitar-player in the metal scene nowadays. I can't believe why people still talk about Dream Theater as the masters of this game, when we have a much better contender to that title right here. Besides, Russell Allen is twice the vocalist James LaBrie will ever be. And on this album he mixes it up even more than before. He is showing a new, more aggressive side to himself, that fits the themes of this album very well. It's not a conceptual album in the traditional sense. But it does focus on various religious themes and topics. And of course both the rhythm section, and the keys are handled by exquisite musicians also. Do yourself a favor, and spend some time with this album, and this album alone. And open up to the wonderful musical journey these guys have created for us. Another strong contender for a top spot on this years top 20 list.

I bought the limited edition of this CD, as I usually do, to get the bonus stuff. The bonus this time was a DVD. This home made document is supposed to give the fans a glimpse of how the band is live. But the overall sound and picture is so bad, this DVD should be left in the vaults. And the packaging is another issue for irritation. The spine of the CD is placed at the top and bottom of the digipak cover, and because of that it is almost impossible to stack together with regular CD cases. It will either be too big for the shelves, or you will not be able to read on the back of the CD the title or band name. And when you fold it open, some flimsy paper flames are "covering" the actual CD. So when you take it out, you have to bend them, thus having to almost ruin them. The cover art itself is really impressive though. I've added the full album art above.

Killer tracks: As usual, every note is so thought through, and well executed, this becomes a masterpiece!

Russel Allen guest appearances:

Ayreon - 'Universal Migrator Part 2 - Flight Of The Migrator'

 

Michael Romeo guest appearances:

Ayreon - 'Universal Migrator Part 2 - Flight Of The Migrator'

Kotipelto - 'Waiting For The Dawn'

Eidolon - 'The Parallel Otherworld'

 

Mike LePond guest appearances:

Frost - 'Raise The Fist Of Metal'

 

Related artists:

Redemption, Distant Thunder