THE ODYSSEY

4.5 stars. From "The Divine Wings Of Tragedy" up to this album "The Odyssey" SYMPHONY X have impressed me big time. I love how heavy this is at times, and the 24 minute title track is something to experience. In fact this whole album takes me to another world, a place far from reality.

The record starts off like an uncontrollable fire aided by gale force winds, yeah it's called "Inferno (unleash the fire)". And not coincidently Mr.Romeo plays like his hands are on fire. It reminded me of what it's like when a mosquito is buzzing around my head. Everything on this song is done with precision and speed. "Wicked" is about an unlucky traveller who seeks shelter in a cemetary. It kicks in heavily and I love the riffs. Vocals join in. Ripping guitar before 3 minutes, synths follow. Great sound 3 1/2 minutes in before it turns powerful again. I really like the lyrics on this one. Amazing tune ! "Incantations Of The Apprentice" is about this apprentice who travels to a mysterious place to learn from the powerful necromancer. The atmospheric keyboard playing is cool on this one. I like the way it builds until we're galloping along. Killer guitar a minute in. Blistering guitar late as well. "Accolade II" is an amazing tune, and one of my favourites on the album. By the way "Accolade I" is on "The Divine Wings Of Tragedy" album. Pinnella says that this is really a sequel to the first one, starting off where the first one ended. It begins with some surprising violin, and there are beautiful piano melodies throughout. Vocals are terrific too. Check out the guitar melody about 6 minutes in.

"King Of Terrors" is another gem. Michael Lepond says this one is his favourite off the album, saying it's the perfect marriage of melody and metal. This song smokes with crushing riffs and the drummer is beating the hell out of his drum kit. I like when Russell screams before 4 minutes. "The Turning" is a high energy tune with relentless drumming and more great guitar. Russell spits out the lyrics with contempt. "Awakenings" has lots of time changes. It begins with piano and features gentler vocals. This all gets wiped out by an avalanche of sound. The epic "The Odyssey" is an expansive and ambitious song. It really is a journey both lyrically and instrumentally. It features orchestral movements and pastoral soundscapes and downright Heavy Metal, it has it all. Killer guitar before 15 minutes with riffs in tow. Nice. It's all incredible though.

If your into Prog Metal i'm sure you already have this album, but if you don't you need to check this out.