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One of The Best Progressive Debut's ... Ever! 5 STARS*****

oldtaku | 02/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I cannot for the life of me, understand the low-brow ratings on this one?? Amazingly, I thought Tyler's vocals on this were great. Not taking anything away from Allen, he's the man now, and I hope will be for a LONG time; but, the vocal job on this debut release, beat the hell out of the horrible vocal job that Dream Theater had on their 1st release. I would also go so far to say that, in the musicianship department, Symhphony X beat out Dream Theater also when comparing debut's. I love Dream Theater also, but let's face it: the band really wasn't a killer band until James LaBrie showed up on Images. Every song on this one is a killer display that lives up to Divine Wings and Twilight In Olympus. I can't say it comes close to Odyssey though, I don't think any of them come close to that one! Absinthe and Rue is the KILLER pic of this one for me. Everything you expect on any Symphony X release is presented here: spectacular drumming, melodic guitar solos, power vocals, and as always on X releases, great songwriting. I rate Symphony X's studio releases in this order, with number one being the best and 1st you should get: 1. Odyssey 2. Divine Wings of Tragedy 3. Twilight In Olympus 4. Symphony X 5. The Damnation Game / Don't miss out on this killer debut from this band! ***** 5 STAR RATING FROM SCRAGGY'S TOMB OF POWER METAL. Cheers."

Not a bad debut

oldtaku | San Diego, CA United States | 04/26/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD can't possibly compare to Symphony X's V or The Odyssey, but it's not bad at all for a debut - it certainly shows where the band's roots are. The vocalist is a little dodgy (too tremulous for my tastes), and the production values reflect a limited budget. But the great songwriting makes itself known, and Romeo's frenzied arpeggios. I like the way the compositions bounce around as the band seeks a style. And songs like 'Masquerade' still leap out and grab you - it's no surprise that they still play this one in concert. If you're a Symphony X fan, this CD is worth having. Otherwise I'd suggest you start with V, the Odyssey, or Twilight in Olympus."

Excellent Album

geetarfreak | Utah | 10/04/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a pretty good first album, but I would not compare it to Images and Words. The production is ok, but nothing compared to any album after Divine Wings of Tragedy. Michael Romeo is all over the guitar on this one. Perhaps, he plays a little overboard but that is to be expected. The songs are pretty good. A Lesson Before Dying, Absinthe and Rue, & Rapture or Pain are the best songs. I would not recommend this as a Symphony X album for a first time purchase of the band. The obvious downfall is the singer, Rod Tyler. No disrespect, but Rod Tylers voice is not very good. The musicians play very well. One problem is that a lot of the songs sound very similar from a rhythm perspective. Any Symphony X fan will admit that the band has matured 100 fold. Enough criticism. This album has excellent songs and the musicianship is amazing as always. It would be really cool if they completely re-recorded the album with Russell Allen, but that is wishful thinking. Anyway, buy V and Divine Wings of Tragedy first, then buy this one. You will enjoy it."