Search - Symphony X :: Paradise Lost

5 years for this?????

T. Reid | NJ | 10/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Worth the wait. I bought this album January 2009. I gave it a ton of spins and nothing. Didn't care for it in the least. Three days ago I decided to give it another spin and (BAM) it hits me. Everything I like in music is present in this album. Every new prog-metal band is trying to do what Symphony X has done here. Few ever come close including Dream Theater. This is metal folks in all of its glory. NOT hard rock...METAL GLORY. Bathe in the technical riffing, majestic choruses, Brilliant song writing, exquisite soloing, and Allen's voice which is unlike anyone else. I don't know what stopped me before but it no longer hinders me. I went back and listened to every album before this one and this one is superior in every way. Production is top notch and the music takes on more of a focused presentation. Allen's voice has changed over the years. And for the better. His voice is gritty and filled with emotion. Everything you want in a singer. He has developed his own style mixing grittiness with smooth textures. Some people don't like that. They want to hear the old way; sounding like everyone else. GROW with the music. Don't stay stuck in your era. Music gets better everyday. Listen to Symphony X and let them lead your way into the next phase. A MUST have for EVERY prog-metal fan.

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Worth the effort

Daniel M. Debertin | Minneapolis, MN United States | 01/26/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I will admit to being repelled by this album initially. While I do like progressive metal I generally prefer a smooth, clear singing style. As soon as the screaming, growling and groaning start I turn it off. So I was initially dismayed by the band's seeming change in direction with this album; it is decidedly more "hard-core" than its predecessors.



However, after listening a few more times and turning my head about I have decided that they are actually moving in the *right* direction. Singer Allen uses various colors of voice in this album, from a nice, melodic voice in the slower tracks and the final track, to what can only be described as a harsh growl in the faster tracks. I appreciate the variation in style from song to song and continue to enjoy Symphony X's unique blend of high-brow technical sophistication, instrumental mastery and infectious song-writing."

Incredible

A. M. McKay | Rochester, NY | 03/07/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a fairly new fan of this band, but I must say Paradise Lost has already become a staple of what I listen to. I don't know what to say, this band is my band, they encompass and incorporate every element that I want to find in heavy metal music, not just the relatively small symphonic subgenre. Russell Allen is an incredible vocalist, especially on this album. He reminds me of somewhat of a cross between David Draiman and Ian Gillan, or in other words Ian Gillan with a lot more gravel and rasp. Michael Romero, the heart of this band, is just phenomenal on Paradise Lost, and who could forget Jason Rullo? Lepond and Pinnela stand out less, but they do not disappoint. None of the songs on here are disappointing or boring. My personal favorites include Paradise Lost, Eye of Seduction, Seven, and especially Domination. They are perhaps some of the best metal songs I have ever heard, coming close and perhaps even rivaling songs like Holy Wars, Forsaken, and These Walls. This is a great album to buy or download, and if you are a fan of symphonic metal then there is absolutely no reason for you not have this. Hell, if you're just a general metal fan or even just a fan of rock music then it's not a bad idea to buy or download this. Symphony X kicks ass on a level that easily rivals Dream Theater or Megadeth."