V - THE NEW MYTHOLOGY SUITE

First off, this album is epic. From the very opening, with amazing orchestral sounds and choirs, this album has a big sound. And this doesn't let up for the rest of the album. Straight into the crushing guitars of 'Evolution', one can tell that this is probably their heaviest album so far to that date. (They hadn't made 'The Odyssey' at that stage, which I reckon is heavier.) I'd have to say that Michael Pinella is the standout of this particular album. While his keyboard work has always been amazing, it really comes out on this album. Really Symphonic, with massive orchestral soundscapes, as well as beautiful piano interludes and amazing solo's which as usual are traded off with Romeo's guitar solos. Romeo's guitar work is brilliant as usual, though perhaps not quite as flashy as on previous albums. He sort of takes a slightly lower approach to allow the keyboards to carry the melody, content to play very heavy riffs underneath. Michael Lepond does a stellar job on the bass, and for his first outing with Symphony X, and after having to step into Thomas Miller's shoes, I think he did an great job. Jason Rullo's drumming is probably some of his best, as there is even more time changes to deal with, and he stays well on top of it all, creating somewhat of a drumming powerhouse to push the songs along. Russell Allen's vocals are again flawless, proving once more that he is one of metal's premier vocalists. Simply stunning! This album is probably their most progressive and symphonic release. Although all of their latest albums contain all of these elements, I would say that 'Twilight in Olympus' is their most Neo-Classical release, 'V' the most symphonic/ progressive, 'The Odyssey' their heaviest, and 'The Divine Wings of Tragedy' the best all round release, containing everything. If you haven't heard Symphony X, then I recommend this album or 'The Divine Wings of Tragedy'. Best three songs for me were: 'Evolution: The Grand Design', 'Communion and the Oracle', and 'Rediscovery Pt.2: The New Mythology'.