Symphony X - Odyssey (9 tracks) +Album Reviews

A voyage you need to take.

Lord Chimp | Monkey World | 11/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whereas _V: The New Mythology Suite_ was a meticulously crafted work that slowly drew its listener in, _The Odyssey_ returns to the Symphony X strike-and-recoil, where one fierce song comes quickly after another. With a cursory evaluation, it has more in common with _The Divine Wings of Tragedy_ than _V_. The huge keyboard orchestrations are mostly gone, but there are certain striking moments that lend credence to the band's name.The good news is that although _The Odyssey_ does recall past Symphony X works, the band also pushes their boundaries and expands their musical palette. Specifically, all of the band's familiar elements have been heightened -- the metal side is heavier and the symphonic side is more, err, symphonic. And one thing is for sure, this album's was tempered for serious heaviness. Michael Romeo's guitar distortion sounds heavier than a sumo wrestler on a wooden toilet seat. The guitars, bass, and drums are stacked in such a way that they lays on thick cement slabs of metal that hurts so good. Romeo's unique, odd-metered riffing style has grown so refined that it makes everything before sound like a measly prototype, and it is more complex than ever. Rhythmically, the band is a lot more eloquent and complex, especially drummer Jason Rullo, who is a monster on this disc.The album is not shy with the heavy, visceral lashes like "Inferno (Unleash the Fire)", "The Turning", or -- the apex of the album's heaviness -- "King of Terrors". This one is a vicious, carefully synchronized, odd-metered monster where the jackhammer riffing and Sir Russell Allen's vocals are as vicious as they come.Without a doubt, listeners will find that the prevalence of keyboards has been toned down in contrast to the richly symphonic _V_. Keyboard maestro Michael Pinnella does still enhance the music appropriately, adding color and atmosphere. "Incantations of the Apprentice" is a song spearheaded by very aggressive drums (Rullo, you demon) and riffs, but also a mystical atmosphere enhanced by lyrics and creepily invigorating symphonic strains. On the topic of keyboards, Pinnella's lead tone is much, much better than before on this album. His ability is brought to the spotlight for "Awakenings", where his piano playing rages from thunderous (during the interlude) to beautifully florid (near the beginning)Keybaords are also very dominant in "The Accolade II", an extension of the fantastic epic from _The Divine Wings of Tragedy_. It is lengthy piece that blends fresh ideas with some familiar melodies, but very intelligently and subtly integrated. The keyboards on this song are a definitely standout -- all lovely pianos, bells, violins -- but everything in this song is stunning: the vocals, the melodies, the story. The lyrics tell of a knight living in the wake of his father's death. The band makes all this work nicely because they are the most eloquent poets in the world of writing fantasy/medieval lyrics. When Allen sings, "I wish to stay, to be here with you -- you were my strength, how can I go on?", the vocal harmony and melody are heartbreaking. Romeo's guitar solo in this one is just unbelievable -- more emotional than anything he's done before. If the title track isn't your favorite song on the album, it will probably be this one.So what about the 24-minute title track? Does it justify the cheesy (albeit supra-cool) power metal-esque cover art? Hell yes. Soundscapes so "symphonic" you'll think The Enid is back in business, amazing metallic maelstroms of guitar/keyboard heaviness, and an overall sense of grandeur suitable for Homer's epic of Greek mythology. The music and lyrics do an amazing job creating the sensation of a perilous sea voyage. Instrumentally, it creates the heave of the sea but not quite the salty ocean spray. The final movement has one of the most uplifting choruses I've ever heard -- "Triumphant, Champion of Ithaca!" This song is so good it's sick...without a doubt, it is one of the best metal epics ever recorded. Yep, it's true. "The Odyssey" isn't the only song on the album based on another story either. The aforementioned "King of Terrors" is about Edgar Allan Poe's _The Pit and the Pendulum_. If you get the limited edition (which you should), you get a beautiful slipcase. I don't know who did the cover art, but the colors they put into this thing are nearly hypnotizing in bright light. (Best fantasy cover art ever!) The booklet is also expanded with great studio pictures and band commentary for every song. Finally, there is the bonus track "Masquerade" ? the remake of a song from their debut. Naturally, with Sir Russell Allen on vocals and a much better recording, the song is pretty darn awesome. It is also the only taste you'll get of the band's old Queen-like vocal harmonies on this disc. (The song originally appeared on the rare _Prelude to the Millennium_ compilation.)I'm not sure what everyone will think of this. It's less elaborate than prog metal but (much) heavier and more embellished than johnny power metal (even the good power metal like Sonata Arctica). Symphony X fans will enjoy it, either way, I think - at the very least, I'd put it as an equal to the amazing _V_, perhaps better. That's saying something, I think."

An astounding achievement -- musical perfection!

Just Bill | Grand Rapids, MI United States | 11/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Symphony X is America's most consistently interesting and magical progressive metal band. Their last studio album -- V -- raised the bar so high that I didn't think even they could top it.But they did.The Odyssey is a creation of staggering complexity and virtuosity, with guitarist Michael Romeo leading the charge in a big way. His neo-classical/Yngwie Malmsteen-esque fleet-fingered style shines brightly on The Odyssey, bathing the whole disc in an intense, warm glow.Even though The Odyssey is more guitar-driven than V, that doesn't mean the other musicians take a back seat to Michael's desire to crank up the amps way past 11. Nope. Vocalist Russell Allen belts out the songs with vigor and passion...keyboardist extraordinare Michael Pinella (whose style truly moves me) plays a more understated, but critical role in helping to make The Odyssey the aural joy that it is...and rhythm section Michael Lepond and drummer Jason Rullo keep it all securely anchored, but with enough creative twists and turns to keep it interesting.In some ways, The Odyssey is like V but without the seques. The production is astounding in its clarity and intensity, yet its fervor never loses sight of a killer melody and groove -- especially on tracks like "Incantations of the Apprentice."Symphony X has reached musical perfection. They're the most interesting progressive metal band in America, and easily the one that still continues to surprise with each new release.Even the artwork and packaging are fantastic. I highly recommend The Odyssey, Symphony X's magical music for the discerning listener."

Symphony X return with hard-hitting collection!

Robert Pontzer | State College, PA United States | 12/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Symphony X are THE defintive band in progresive metal right now. Their previous 3 albums were all of the highest calibre, with 2000's "V" raising the bar to staggering heights. Symphony X decided the only way to follow-up the symphonic prog-rock concept album "V" would be to do something totally unlike "V". Thus yields the heavy, speedy, agressive "Odyssey", featuring songs that are more immediate and heavy-hitting. Guitarist Michael Romeo and Vocalist Russell Allen put in career performances. Russell Allen has really grown with this release, taking center stage whilst providing the album with a great variety of styles and jaw-dropping vocal acrobatics. Opener "Inferno (Unleash The Fire)" blew me away the first time I heard that opening riff. Michael Romeo amazed me with this riff of stunning complexity and aggression. This riff is like a jolt of electricity coursing through your body. This sets the stage for what will become an album of uncompromising heaviness, complexity and melody. "Inferno" continued to startle me when I heard the vocals of Russell Allen. He sounds absolutely possessed during the verses... he has never reached this level of harshness and grit in his voice before. It is truly blood-curdling and evil. Allen shifts gears during the chorus which features his familiar crystalline voice in a soaring chorus... truly one of the best choruses I have ever heard. And just listen to the neo-classical guitar/bass duel at the end of the song! "Inferno" unleashed a fire of musical passion in my body and seared my soul with its unrelenting brutality. This is one of the best songs of 2002. "Wicked" goes in a different direction with its sexy groove... and I mean GROOVE with a capital G! I have never heard Symphony X groove like this. Michael Romeo provides a catchy little riff while Russell croons about an encounter one unlucky traveler experienced with the evil spirit of a ghostly seductress. Michael Romeo puts on a guitar lesson in the first minute of "Incantations of the Apprentice", with crazy riffs seamlessly flowing together. This is a hectic and heavy beginning. This aural overload is not for the faint of heart. This song is also something new for Symphony X, as the verses have sparse guitar to provide a lot of room for Russell Allen to vamp around with his vocals. This song is inspired by Disney's "Fantasia". "Accolade II" is the sequel to "Accolade" from 1997's "The Divine Wings of Tragedy". Musical statements from the original "Accolade" resurface here in the continuing story of the boy warrior who is now a man. Although dealing with the usually cheesy subject of knights in battle, the lyrics are suprisingly poingnant and emotional. I'm sure you will feel something stir deep inside when you hear Russell sing "I wish to stay/To be here with you/You were my strength/I cannot go on". "King of Terrors" is a HEAVY track about Edgar Allen Poe's "The Pit and the Pendulum". This dark and evil track takes Symphony X into territory I have never heard them in before, with its slinky opening riff. Russell once again utilizes those HARSH vocals that sound utterly demonic! A soaring, frantic chorus brings this song to a cresendo! "King of Terrors" also features a completely mind-blowing instrumental workout in the 2nd half. "The Turning" may be the fastest and heaviest song on the disc. It is about Jeckyll And Hyde and once again has an evil and dark atmosphere featuring some more aggressive vocals from Russell. The main riff in this song just lunges for the listener and shakes the ear drums. Jason Rullo pounds on the double bass drums throughout. "Awakenings" returns to the symphonic Symphony X sound found on the previous album "V". This is a slow, majestic and epic piece that builds from a sparse piano intro and Russell's soft vocals searching for the meaning of his existance. It swells into a faster, heavier part featuring some jagged riffing by Romeo. This song features a sublime chorus that reminds me of Kansas, which is a big influence on the band. "Here I am at the crossing of life I stand/On my own looking down the road/Hear my cry, answer me/Still I'm searching yet the truth is unknown/Though the night is cold, I walk the road alone" It is simply one of the best choruses I have ever heard from Symphony X. This is one of the most emotional Symphony X songs. But the apex of this track is the amazing, extended keyboard feature by Michael Pinella. For most of the album, Pinella's keyboards were tuned down to provide a more subtle complement to the heavy metal guitar attack. But on "Awakenings", they steal the spotlight. The piano/keyboard solo is quite adventurous and incorporates many styles, such as classical to prog-rock to full-blown jazz (with walking bass!). This song is a masterpiece. The album closes with the 24-minute monster "The Odyssey", based on an epic poem by some guy named Homer. This track takes you through some of the more important parts of the story such as the Cyclops, the Sirens and the return to Ithaca. This piece is heavy on the symphonic orchestrations, with the first 3 minutes being almost purely orchestrated. It then strips away to reveal an atypically sparse arrangement reminiscent of the lighter moments of Bad Company with Russell's soft vocals opening the story. This song has twists and turns and all sorts of great musical statements to keep your attention. It really flies by. The crowning acheivement is the conclusion, the return to Ithaca. This has an absolutely sublime chorus, "Triumphant Champion of Ithaca!" It's such a powerful way to close this complex, rich, multi-faceted album."

Musicl genius.

Peter Jones | Durham, North Carolina United States | 11/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a relative neophyte to the metallice stylings of Symphony X (though not to progressive music by any means) I waited with braced anticipation the release of this album. I have heard some of the older SyX songs and absolutely love them, but wanted the Odyssey to be my first purchase. This may have been a mistake. This album is so utterly, mind blowing, amazing (the list could go on!) that I honestly wonder if it can get any better! (Actually, it just whet my appetite for more!) Every song on this album is a real masterpiece, with some fantastic highlights. The title track is one of the greatest concept songs I have ever heard, masterfully continuing the imagery and art found on the cover of the album and painting a fantastic tapestry of the voyage and trials of Odysseus. Accolade II is just one of the most beautiful and moving pieces of music I have ever heard. Awakenings proves again that these guys are masters of their craft. Russel Allen's dualistic vocal work on The Turning is great, and the terror of King of Terrors is palpable.In short, this is one of the greatest albums I have purchased in years, and would recommend it to anyone interested in some truly great music that defies simple catagorization."

Another perfect album from progressive metal's torch bearers

Christopher B., Vogler | Omaha, NE USA | 12/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I decided to wait to write my review of this album until I had given it a good listening to. After over 40 hours listening to this CD, what have I learned from those many spins? Allow me to describe the tracks individually.
**Inferno -- Michael Romeo had stated that this album would be their hardest yet. This song is definitely up there with the pompous and thrashing numbers from Divine Wings of Tragedy (DWOT). In fact, I'd say that this song sets the overall tone for the entire album. Russel Allen's voice is phenomenal on this and all the other tracks. For those who haven't heard Russel's pipes, his voice is crystalline at some moments and gritty the next depending on the emotions of the song and music. His voice is also quite operatic, without being cliché; plus he sings with perfect pitch. On this track the vocal harmonies are toned back a bit, but not to fear because he showcases his harmonizing ability to its fullest on other tracks. To describe the guitar work, it sounds like Michael Romeo has broadened the range of his guitar work--though it is safe to say that it sounds like this and other songs on this album would have fit perfectly on DWOT. Indeed, personally speaking this album is, dare I say it, as great as DWOT and V. Mr. Romeo's guitar work has become more refined, with increased variety of styles and modes. The driving guitars and subtle keyboards (hats off to Mike Pinella) on this track are reminiscent of Sea of Lies off DWOT. The drumming and bass playing by Jason Rullo and Michael Lepond are also top notch--it's nice to hear the bass clearly in the mix.
**Wicked -- It kicks butt. The ditty begins with a monstrous sounding rhythm that perfectly lives up to its moniker. Pounding drums and the driving base line echo in my ears as the song leads into the awesome lyrics. Speaking of which...these are some of the best lyrics this band has written. I almost feel as though I am wandering through the graveyard with the story's protagonist. "Long dark hair flowing down her thighs--Yeah!" Yeah is right! With this song's haunting melodies and driving beats, it easily ranks up there as one of the best on the album.
**Incantations of the Apprentice -- Supposedly this song is based on the Mickey Mouse rendition of the Sorcerer's Apprentice in Disney's Fantasia. However, don't let that discourage any metal heads from listening to this tune--indeed Walt Disney's heart would probably give out from the pulsating and swarming notes seamlessly interwoven through a multitude of drum beats (if he weren't already cryogenically frozen). How this band can make something as mundane as dancing brooms and rising wash-water so kick butt is beyond me. It almost makes me want to try watching the cartoon while listening to the music just to see how Fantasia 2002 might be.
**Accolade II -- This tune is the sequel to Accolade off their DWOT album. Some would argue that Accolade was the best song off that album, so that SymX has written a sequel should please a lot of fans--it certainly delighted me. The piano in this tune is absolutely breathtaking. Russel Allen's voice is simply overflowing with emotion. Normally I don't go for knights and chivalrous characters unless they are played by pythons, but this song is a winner. Many of the themes from the original song are revisited, but the song definitely sounds. "On the field, the sword and shield amidst the din, a dying man's wails--war is waged and the battle will rage until only the righteous prevail." Sheer poetry...
**King of Terrors -- This song is probably the heaviest song on the disk. It sounds like a cross between Pantera, heavier stuff from Dream Theater, and maybe Thriller by Michael Jackson (Paula Abdul would have a heck of a time choreographing). It fits right in with the other tunes on the CD.
**The Turning -- This assault begins with pounding double bass drums and a groovy speed metal riff. Once Russel begins singing, the music takes on a new dimension--perfectly crafted to the overall feeling evoked by the lyrics. The song is about a werewolf's changing. The description of the cursed individual's torment is awesome--picture Jekyll and Hyde. Overall, this song is probably one of the catchiest on the album.
**Awakenings -- It's about the quest of a man to find his reason for living. It's a serious topic that causes many people to run the gamut of emotions, and this song reflects this phenomenon. The musical landscape ranges from delicate piano work to angst filled guitars with piano accompaniment to determined piano and guitar solos. All in all, this is my second favorite song on the disk; I love their sonic blend of soaring piano/keyboard music with thunderous guitar work.
**Odyssey -- Clocking in at over 24 minutes, this piece is an expertly orchestrated masterpiece of lushly symphonic music and beautifully sung lyrics. The song is a tribute to Homer's classic epic, and it pays homage wonderfully. Even though the song lasts for almost half an hour, it seems more like several shorter songs sewn together with a silken thread of segues and musical interludes. One thing that might have added some nuance would be some haunting female vocals acting as the sirens. Nevertheless, this song is, in my opinion, every bit as good as their other opus, title track to the DWOT.
In conclusion, at just $14, fans of progressive or symphonic metal can't afford not to pick this up. And for those who aren't fans of this type of music, but know someone who is--this would be a perfect gift. Quite simply, this album is arguably their best yet and fits perfectly in their volume of work. Thanks guys if you're reading this..."

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	Symphony X Odyssey Genres: Pop, Rock, Metal Track Listings (9) - Disc #1 Inferno (Unleash The Fire) Wicked Incantations Of The Apprentice Accolade II King Of Terrors The Turning Awakenings The Odyssey Masquerade (Bonus Track) Import exclusive limited edition of the progressive metal act's 2002 album, includes the bonus track 'Masquerade.' Slipcase. InsideOut Music.
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