Symphony X - Odyssey (3 tracks) +Album Reviews

Heavy, Epic Progressive Metal Masterpiece

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 07/18/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"You almost have to look at Symphony X's 2002 epic the Odyssey as two separate albums. At the very least, it might make you wish for the days of vinyl, where each side of a record had its own character.

In this case, side A would consist of the first 7 tracks. Call it "the Heavy Side". These tracks build upon the same style the band displayed on previous albums, but they are just that much heavier on this album. Michael Romeo's Malmsteen-like shredding takes a back seat to more bludgeoning riffs, and while Russell Allen makes full use of his amazing vocal range, he's much more growly and aggressive on this album. This is Symphony X after a Pantera binge, and while it may be heavier than this kind of music usually gets, it's nice to see Symphony X emphasizing the "metal" in progressive metal.

The B-side - let's call it "the Epic Side" would boast just one song (2 if you have the limited edition), the 24-minute title track based on Homer's epic saga of Odysseus. This is the Symphony X we all know and love. This isn't the band's first attempt at a lengthy epic song, but it is by far their best. The Odyssey is an extremely well structured song, with each chapter in the story having its own distinct musical style. The whole band is in top form on this one. Michael Romeo in particular shines, and while he has plenty of opportunities to demonstrate his considerable guitar skills, it never veers into self-indulgence. Michael Pinnella's keyboards are strong as well, and help tie the song's individual parts into a cohesive whole. Russell Allen's powerful voice works wonders as well, finding the perfect emotions for each stage of the hero's odyssey.

This is a shining example of what progressive metal can accomplish. Symphony X builds on progressive rock foundations and adds metal's heaviness and aggression. Listen to this song after the Kansas songs "the Pinnacle" and "Icarus: Born on Wings of Steel" from the Masque album, and you get a very good idea of where Symphony X's influences lie. In fact, there are moments on the Odyssey (particularly Odysseus's return to Ithaca) where you'll swear you're listening to a vintage Kansas epic. Combine those influences with Romeo's obvious appreciation for Yngwie Malmsteen, and the result is a 24-minute epic that demonstrates the band members' talents and despite its length never gets boring. The title track alone makes the Odyssey one of the best progressive metal releases of the past five years.

NOTE: The track listing Amazon provides is incomplete. You actually get 8 songs on this album.

NOTE 2: There is a limited edition version of the Odyssey featuring get a bonus track called Masquerade. This is a remake of a song from Symphony X's debut album, which sadly did not feature Russell Allen on vocals. It's a nice addition, though it makes me wish the band would go ahead and redo that album with the current lineup."

This is the band.....

Bodom J | Bethpage, TN United States | 05/31/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"that dream theater wish they were! And that's saying a lot because dream theater frickin owns. What to say about this cd and where to start...man, i don't know. First of all, the cover art is very imaginative. By just looking at it, you know this cd is going to be one great ride and it's going to be one epic piece of artwork. Vocals: Best vocals of any progressive band that i've heard. Unlike a lof progressive singers (geoff and james mainly), he doesn't try to sound epic by doing a soprano/not quite power metalish voice. He is actually got some pretty harsh sounding vocals, although it's no where death metal or even bands like pantera, if that's what your thinking. He almost sounds like some dude from a southern rock, except the music behind him isn't back water blues...just grandious, epic, metal with a slicing edge.The guitar? simply put, it's just plain amazing. If there was ever a definition of "guitar hero" then it's this dude. Easily one of the greatest players to ever pick up the instrument. Crushing riffs, very heavy for this type of metal and some AMAZING solos that just pull you in.Drums? Some of the best drumming you will ever here from a non-death metal or thrash band. The double bass on the cds just pounds and never lets up. A lot of times, the snare is just hit like he has machine gun arms.Keyboards: Keyboards are great! they don't ever try to sound overly bombastic, therefore coming off as corny. They never try to pretend they are what makes the band and try to over come everybody. They blend in perfectly, as if they are a second guitar.Overall sound? Like dream theater but only in the feel and type of the music. They are much more consistent with their music than dream theater is and they have way more of a metal edge.UP THE IRONS!"

A different Symphony X Album - It's growing on me

Simon | UK | 11/16/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I love Symphony X - When I first heard them, they were the band I'd waited for all my life. A mix of incredible technique, feel, classical beauty and shredding to make you want to kill somebody, they take my breath away. A band to let you really fantasise and go somewhere special - how often do you get that these days ? V and DWoT mixed classical with speed metal in a way that this album doesn't. The vocals are harder, more shouted and agressive - to me Symphony X are at their best in songs throughout all their albums that are similair to 'The Turning' - The beautiful cathederal organ, the anthemic power of Sir Russell Allen's vocals, guitar shred that is technically perfect. Bass and drums weaving a speed partnership that I can't describe for tightness, inovation and skill. As a drummer, I feel Jason Rullo has not had the attention he deserves - what a player - forget Vinnie Collaiuta, Mike Portnoy, Dave Weckl, Dennis Chambers - this is your man - go for it my son, I love ya !! High points are the intro to Incantations of the Apprentice, The Turning and just the fact that this, my favourite band of 4 years has produced another album. See you in the UK in March !! Oh, and just in case you felt there was any ambiguity about this review - I LOVE SYMPHONY X !!"

Brilliant...

Greg Hasbrouck | Jersey | 11/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First off, any review that refers to what Symphony X does as "Speed Metal" should be immediately discarded as worthless. Symphony X's influences come from many genres and sub-genres, both within Metal and without. While SX has clearly gone for a heavier, more aggressive sound, to reduce a band that offers the listener as much diversity as Symphony X does to "Speed Metal", is to clearly demonstrate a lack of knowledge regarding what it is you are listening to.The first thing you will notice when you listen to "The Odyssey", is the larger presence of Michael Romeo's guitar. Where Romeo and Pinnella use to dual for time and space, Romeo is clearly showcased on this CD. As one would expect, he doesn't wilt in the added heat of a brighter spotlight. It is his brilliant guitar tone that gives "The Odyssey" it's crunchier sound. Throughout this CD, Romeo constantly reiterates why he deserves to be considered Metal/Rock's finest guitar player. He never overplays, never underplays, and never flaunts his virtuosity to the detriment of the song. Also given more room to shine is Jason Rullo, whose amazing drums match Romeo's guitar in the mix. Unfortunately, Mike LePond's brilliant bass playing occasionally gets lost in a mix that affords Romeo and Rullo as much volume as this one does. However, when all is said and done, it's Russell Allen who shines the brightest. He has clearly spent the time since the recording of "V: The New Mythology Suite" fine tuning his already amazing pipes. Whether he's flashing his throaty side along side one of Romeo's run-away-train-like riffs, showing off his soulful side on one of the disc's more subtle moments, or teasing you with his ever expanding range, as he does during a jaw-dropping moment in "Wicked", Sir Russell has taken his rightful place near the pinnacle of Rock and Metal's vocal hierarchy.While there isn't a flawed track on this disc, I would be remiss if I failed to specifically write about this CD's title track. Many bands get lost when they go over the six or seven minute mark. However, Symphony X is one of those few, special bands that can make 24 minutes and 7 seconds pass in what seems like 6 or 7 minutes. "The Odyssey" is simply a phenomenal song. While some may call it heresy to suggest that the title track of this disc outshines the title track of "The Divine Wings of Tragedy", to my ears it does just that.Suffice it to say, that "The Odyssey" has just overtaken my #1 spot of calendar year 2002 (out of the 400+ CDs I've listened to this calendar year)."

The best band in the world raises the bar...again

sweepking | Mililani, HI | 11/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If I were Yngwie or any other symphonic metal band, I would seriously consider taking a sabbatical for a few years to regroup and rethink how to handle/compete with the phenom that is Symphony X. This band continues to soar to new heights of composition and performance that no band is even close to matching. It is scary how good they are! The writing is amazing, the performance is jaw-dropping, and the production is incredible. This is definitely their best cd and raises the bar another notch...above the notch they set last time. Michael Romeo and Russel Allen are the standouts on this with soaring vocals and absolutely mind-boggling guitar work. Neither has any equal in their field...period. The others turn in astounding performances as well, but this is definitely a guitar/vocal focused cd! All of the songs are incredible, but the title cut, Inferno, and Accolade 2 will blow your mind and redefine what the term music means. The inclusion of Masquerade 98 was a welcome addition as many of us missed out on the hard to find collection cd. Long live Symphony X!"

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	Symphony X Odyssey Genres: Pop, Rock, Metal Track Listings (3) - Disc #1 The King Of Terrors Accolade (Part II) Wicked
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