This Tuesday’s band was found late one night while I was searching Amazon.com for new
music. Since I like the progressive metal genre I was searching through this category and came across this band of intense musicians called Symphony X. The majority of band members are from New York and New Jersey. The lead singer is from Long Beach, California. Symphony X is known for it’s symphonic style of progressive metal. They use a choir type effects throughout many of their songs. I like this morphing of classical styles and buzzing guitars.
The newest release from Symphony X is called “Paradise Lost”. According to the author of the Wikipedia page for “Paradise Lost”, the album is named for the the classic John Milton epic poem. “Paradise Lost” was released on June 26th, 2007. It had been five years since their last album and from what I have read the following (which I may be included now) of Symphony X has been anticipating this release for almost a year. The first track, “Oculus Ex Inferni”, is typical symphonic brilliance with classic choir effects and a deep foreboding feel . The album picks up with break metal speed on the next track “Set The World On Fire” with it’s intense guitar riffs and pick harmonics. The title track, “Paradise Lost” slows it down a bit with a piano intro and ballad feel throughout the song. I really like the way the song is composed. The vocal talents of Russell Allen come out well in this track. It reminds me of some of the slower tracks from the progressive band Dream Theater. The guitarist Michael Romeo is the main composer and lyricist for Symphony X and he does an excellent job of creating this attractive sound. Each of the band members are very proficient on their instruments. The musicianship is indeed evident on all tracks.
Album highlights are “Set The World On Fire”, “Paradise Lost”, “The Serpent Kiss, “Walls Of Babylon” especially with it’s middle eastern feel in the opening and the various rhythm speeds through it. “Seven” reminds me of classic Yngwie Malmsteen, classic speed metal. This is a great album to bang yer head on and still enjoy it’s obvious brilliant musical composition. The BarryDean meter gives this album 4 and 1/2 stars out of 5. Rock On!
Check out the video for “Set The World On Fire”.
Upon This Rawk 
pastorsteve
August 15, 2007 at 2:56 am
Barry,
I am trying to get down with progressive metal, but I think it left me when I quit listening to quiet riot 🙂
I don’t know if you are much into the instrumental/electronic genre of music but I might reccomend a couple of groups to “review” in the coming weeks.
Ulrich Schnauss “Goodbye” album
“stars” “never be the same” “a song about hope” are some of my favorite tunes.
Boards of Canada is another interesting group
songs like “everything you do is a balloon” “see ya later” “happy cycling” are some of their more substantial work. However, I will warn you that one of these songs could get on your nerves.
barrydean
August 15, 2007 at 7:28 am
Brother,
First of all Quiet Riot was not even close to progressive metal. Think more along the lines of Dream Theater or even Kansas. I will download some of those bands you suggested. My taste is normally guitar oriented though. Thanks for the comment.
pastorsteve
August 15, 2007 at 8:48 pm
Barry,
O.K. I had to watch/listen to your youtube plug so that I can think through this type of music. It seems to be a cross between “living color” and “dio”. That could either be a complement or an offense depending upon what you think about these two groups. The thing that detracts from the particular song that I heard (for me) was the vocals. Listening to the instrumental side of the music would be o.k.; it is the vocals that I am not able to appreciate.
Matt
January 4, 2008 at 9:14 pm
You would like the Christian power metal band Angra from Brazil.. get the album ‘Temple of Shadows’ or ‘Rebirth’. Better music than symphony X!
barrydean
January 4, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Matt,
Thanks for the comment. I will definitely check them out. I like finding new bands. I might even do a review of their album. I will get back to you if I like them or not.