THE ODYSSEY

Symphony X is one of my favorite progressive metal bands because they combine melody,technicality and impeccable performance along with sentiments. In this effort they focus on progressive metal and the result is something more than satisfying. I will not judge the extra songs that special editions may offer, only the 8 tracks of this masterpiece.

Inferno(Unleash the Fire): Outstanding beginning with very catchy and rough guitar work which is accompanied by nice aggressive vocals which turn to soft,melodic ones!The band is at top shape and this song is a classic of progressive metal of 00's.One of the best songs in this album.5/5

Wicked:Mr.Romeo continues his excellent work here and the other members infallibly accompany him in his wicked trip in a distant graveyard as the lyrics inform us. Russel Allen shows his range of voice with his a capella moment before the ending of the song. Very good song.Does not Allen remind you Dio? 4.5/5

Incantations of the Apprentice: Rullo punishes his drums as the song enters. Melody and all the other distinctive marks of Symphony X take place in this song which is the third in row almost perfect song. The album seems to be very interesting.4.5/5

Accolade II:My favorite ballad in the metal scene. It does not refer to love and the music is not so mellow as other ballads. Feelings and diverse music mix to create a very balanced outcome.Simply magnificent! 5/5

King of Terrors:The heavier track that Symphony X performed till now. The lyrics are inspired by Edgar Allan Poe and they fit in this dark atmosphere. Harsh vocals and devastating riffs. Especially the piano segment is very accurate. What a song! 5/5

The Turning: And I was wondering, will this album have a flaw?The answer is this song. It is not a skip track but if you are not in the power metal mood like me, you will just tolerate or like this song. Nothing more. 3.5/5

Awakenings: The most progressive song in this album before the next one. Atmospheres that change with brilliantly executed music. I believe that many die-hard progressive fans will adore it.I am not the exception so I rate it with 5/5.

The Odyssey: The song of all songs. An epic masterpiece 24 minutes long that has very complex and various music staff that you lose count while hearing to it. Ingenious arrangements and top performance by all members. Do you discern the Rainbow part while the Champion of Ithaca part begins? Surely, Russel Allen is the son of Dio, I cannot explain it else. I do not want to render inferior this song by writting for it. Just listen it. 5/5(it deserves 10/5 but we cannot exceed the scale of course)