Paradise Found!
Symphony X are probably in the 'I've never heard of them' bracket unless you are a keen follower of Progressive/technical Metal (i.e.Dream Theater, Spocks Beard etc)
If you are in the aforementioned bracket, then boo-hoo to you as Symphony X are probably one of THE best bands in this particular genre. But, and there is always a but (in this case a hugely positive one ), Symphony X do this with a certain style and panache. Songs are heavy (very), vocals range from a roaring edgy growl through to almost chorister-like, with melodic choruses to die for with none more so than this current offering
It seems as if they have been plying their trade for years, gaining momentum with each and every album. I myself only got sucked in a few albums ago and shame on me I can tell you. If you thought 'The Odyssey' was good, then 'Paradise Lost' will blow your head open and then some
So, stick your headphones on (if you still live with your mother) – crank up to 11 and immerse yourself in the splendour of the intricate sections and dark vocals. 'Paradise Lost' is a concept album inspired by John Milton's epic poem of the same name and the artwork bears similarities to PL's original illustrator, William Blake. (after 22 yrs I never thought I'd finally make use of my 'A' Level art qualification – thanks guys!)
The opening instrumental intro salivates the listener into what is awaiting around the corner. 'Oculus Ex Inferni' sounds as if it belongs on a film score accompanying The Omen, before thundering into 'Set The World on Fire' an absolute rip-roaring track. The more you listen the more you appreciate the layers and textures of each track. Even the keyboards play a very prominent role in the proceedings. Michael Romeo sets phasers to 'stun' mode with the quality of both his lead and rhythm guitar work. His producing on this is the best of any Symphony X album to date
If it's possible to have two centres of gravity, then this is what we have here. All the tracks revolve around Michael Romeo's scintillating guitars and Russell Allen's vocals (I can't think of a better metal vocalist at this moment – soaring, grunting, roaring, and even sounds superb when just 'singing').
'Domination' starts with a bass solo, before haunting keyboards fill in the background. (Note to self – more keyboards needed in Metal)
I've always loved melodic rock and two of the stand out tracks for me are very melodic in 'Serpent's Kiss' which has all bases covered – rasping vocals, insane shredding air guitar licks, air drums and even air keyboard, together with a melodic chorus to die for. It even has a bit of Ozzy 'No More Tears' thrown in for good measure. It then gets even better for me, title track is one of the best tracks I've heard.... ever, and is on constant play in the car, house, mp3 player etc. It starts off with mellow guitars, haunting keys, and Russell Allen really stands out on this track by just singing unforced, before both heavy and acoustic guitars, beefed up drums and even more excellent layered keys from Michael Pinnella form the latter half of the song. Brilliant!
Background sinister vocals intertwine through many of the songs, operatic choir chants and haunting keys form the backbone of the majority of the songs, giving them a dark twist.
Keyboards are normally associated with the likes of the AOR bands when they are this high in the mix, but anything Jordan Rudess can do, Michael Pinnella can match and better. It's like he's got 12 fingers! Don't believe me? Check out his wizardry on 'The Walls of Babylon' and 'Eve of Seduction' both are songs which would grace any Dream Theater album, and are as close to a Dream Theater track you will hear without listening to DT themselves
'Seven' I can only assume relates to the number of new ankles Jason Rullo had in the prolonged intensity of his bass drumming on this cd. Final track 'Revelations' an epic in length and in quality and even though last is by no means the least and is an excellent way to end.
My ears are battered by now, all the band deserve credit for what they have done here. It's an album of two parts mellow and melodic tracks which are a joy, and the metal, mental assault. Its part Dream Theater, part Tool, part Slayer, I can't give better praise than that.
Symphony X have nailed the heavy, progressive, melodic sound and are now making it their own. I have had the privilege of seeing them live this year and I suggest you do whilst you can. Support slots for them are surely to become a thing of the past 2007 looks as if it is proving to be a vintage year for this particular genre with Rush, Porcupine Tree and Dream Theater releasing some if not their best albums to date. You can firmly add 'Paradise Lost' to this exceptional list. It's that good.