SYMPHONY X

Symphony X are often compared with Dream Theater, and certainly on this album justified, but still different, I compare them myself more with Dio (Ronnie James Dio's band), certainly in the vocal harmonies, and the symphonic progression of the metal, with short riffs and melodic guitar/keyboard parts played over it. Some classical influences are heard also, the beginning of Masquerade includes Bach's Tocata, quickly evolving into Elton John's Funeral For A Friend, and than becoming great metal, with hints of Yngwie Malmsteen in the guitar play.

Symphony X are:

- Michael Romeo / guitars ; A good guitarist, not as flashy as Petruci, and on this album not really very dominant, with not many solo's to distinguish himself with.

- Michael Pinella / keyboards ; great keyboard work on occasion, stays mainly in the background, providing some accents to the music, but has some nice solo's in there also.

- Jason Rullo / drums ; Strong drummer, heavy when required, but knows when to stay still.

- Thomas Miller / bass ; together with the keyboards the backbone, no upfront sound, but continuosly present.

- Rod tyler / vocals ; somewhat reminds me of a poorer version of Dio and LaBrie, but he sounds to young and fragile on the higher notes, and not enough power to convince on the lower regions of the vocal lines, a nice effort, but not convincing.

Best songs on the album include "Premonition", with a beautifull keyboard intro and great build up of atmosphere, the already mentioned "Masquerade", The with guitar overloaded "Absinthe and Rue". The exciting "Rapture of Pain" and the twelf minute long'" A Lesson Before Dying" But really no fillers on this album.

Overall a very enjoyable first release from this great progressive metal band, for starters I'd recommend The Oddessey, V; The New Mythologie Suite, or The Divine wings Of Tragedy first, but after that this is surely a good next purchase.