THE ODYSSEY

Like sirens' songs, the best songs from prog-metal titans SYMPHONY X are practically irresistible. And even though "The Odyssey" isn't quite at the pinnacle of the SYMPHONY X catalog, listeners cannot ignore the allure of masterworks like the panoramic prog-metal of "Awakenings" and the prismatically brilliant, richly orchestrated, seven-part "The Odyssey."

Everything on this progressive heavy metal epic is delivered with searing energy and fiery chops. Indeed, the first tracks cast a metallic shadow from which the album doesn't truly emerge until well into the orchestral sections of the album-closing title track. To some extent, however, the band's crashing waves of heavy, focused prog-metal come at the expense of pomp ambition and melodic substance. As a result, the disc is both harder-hitting and less impressive than their previous album, the killer "New Mythology Suite."

But no prog-metal fan could fail to be impressed by SYMPHONY X's tight ensemble passages, guitarist Michael Romeo's sensational axework, and killer cuts like those mentioned above. And for fans of fierce prog/power-metal with touches of pomp and orchestral ambition, "The Odyssey" is without weakness, an excellent album from an elite band.