PRELUDE TO THE MILLENNIUM

This boxset / compilation is an excellent way to know the band's music of their early years. One might have heard that Symphony X music is similar with Dream Theater. Nothing wrong with this as both bands are in the vein of progressive metal, characterized by heavy music riffs. But when a deeper observation is made, it can be said that both bands are different and each has its own standing on the style of music they play. One thing so peculiar about Symphony X is the fact that no matter heavy the music is, there are some influences or similarities with Kansas in some musical segments. In fact, the voice timbre of Sir Russell Allen during low register voice is somewhat similar with Steve Walsh of Kansas. You can hear this through a short track "A Winter's Dream - Prelude (Part I)" (3:03) which is a mellow one. This is a good break after the heavy song as opener : "Masquerade '98" (6:01) - a new version from the original recording which consumed 4 minutes duration. This new version is much matured in composition.

"The Damnation Game" (4:32) sounds like a power metal music, looking at the double bass drum sounds and the way Russell Allen sings. But this kind of music represents the roots of Symphony X: heavy rhythm section (bass and drum), powerful vocals and excellent interlude which in most cases comprise the intertwined work of Michael Romeo on guitar and Michael Pinnella on keyboards in a supersonic speed but it still manage good harmony.

The rhythm section by Michael LePond (bass) and Jason Rullo is also dynamic. You can observe it through the interlude part of "Sea of Lies" where in some transistions LePond plays critical role to connect between two music segments. The other points of Symphony X music is the vocal harmonies, like it can be heard on "Out of The Ashes".

One special thing I want to mention about this compilation is the inclusion of a very long epic "The Divine Wings of Tragedy" which consumes 20:41 minutes. I have made a long review about the album of this title, the album that I consider "the best" out of Symphony X albums that have been released until today. Not only this song is masterpiece but the whole album is awesome; a masterpiece. I would suggest you purchase "The Divine Wings of Tragedy" after you can enjoy this box set. It's fabulous!

Overall, this is an excellent boxset of heavy side of progressive music, presented by Symphony X. Hopefully, after listening to this box set, you will end up liking the album and I would suggest you to buy another album with this priority: "The Divine Wings of Tragedy" and "V". Keep on proggin' ..!

"Losers let life happen to them - winners make it happen"