Symphony X

The Odyssey

A brand new album from this band is always a pleasure. On this one, the band chose to go into a more metal direction than their previous efforts. A couple of the tracks are just pure Heavy Metal, like Inferno (Unleash the Fire) and King of Terrors. Meanwhile, others remain in the more melodic, Progressive Metal genre, like Wicked.

There’s something for everyone. Until the title track, that is. The Odyssey, a 24-minute suite about Ulysses’ trip back from the battle of Troy is a beautiful piece, very melodic, while remaining heavy.

Quite well written and they got their facts about the story right, contrary to what others have written about it…

The suite starts off a classical overture (but played by the band rather than an orchestra) and keeps going, driving you into the piece without giving you time to breath. Just by itself, it’s worth a whole album. And you’re very surprised that it lasts 24 minutes as you get so much engrossed in it that time just flies by.

Overall, this is a great album, certainly not disappointing from a band that has paid its dues. Try to catch them on tour (read the accompanying interview here); they are certainly worth the detour.

Live on the Edge of Forever

And what a great show this must have been! Delivered to us here on two CDs for our listening pleasure!

Symphony X have been around for quite a while. Not quite a metal band, yet not quite a Prog band either. A nice blend of both and, as their name says, leaning toward the symphony.

If you’ve never heard them before, this album will serve as a great introduction to their particular style. Recorded in Europe in 2000 and 2001, this is one of those rare live albums which are well recorded, without taking on a studio feel.

The choice of material is excellent and it is played in a sequence which permits you to enter their world as though a story.

High marks to Symphony X and hopefully many more albums from them.