Symphony X — The Odyssey

American progmetal combo Symphony X is a bit of Dream Theater’s little brother. Just in popularity that is, because to me Symphony X is far more interesting than their ‘big brother’.

For one they have a good singer, which, sadly, is fairly unique in the symphonic rock/metal scene. Better yet: they have one of the best singers in the genre! Russell Allen has a technically skilled, expressive and versatile voice which is needed to follow guitarist and maincomposer Michael Romeo’s wanderings into all different directions. From quiet ballads to the aggressive metal that is more prominent on their latest offer: The Odyssey

When the album opens with Inferno (Unleash The Fire), people familiar with the band’s work will notice that there’s a lot more aggression in SX’s music. Generally speaking this is the biggest difference from the monumental predecessor: V: The New Mythology Suite. Heavier guitars and Russell almost shouting over fast and punchy riffs. Not that The Odyssey is a speed/thrash metal disc all of a sudden, but there’s much more power in it than a lot of other so-called powermetal bands.

Still, the music is very melodic and (yes) symphonic. As a big John Williams-fan, Michael Romeo tributes his hero many a time which finds its apotheosis in the intro to the 24 minute epic The Odyssey. Spread across 7 indexes, this track also pretty much includes everything SX stands for. Orchestral, moviesoundtrack-like parts, classic(al) metal, symphonic rock and even a very little ‘Southern’ touch in the last part.

There’s plenty of room for showing their technical skills, guitar- and keyboard solo's galore but Symphony X keeps and eye on the composition and the song, even when it’s a 24-minute-epic. I think that people who profess to be allergic to powermetal or symphonic rock will not be cured by this disc. I agree they can hit the ‘kitsch’-factor sometimes (like with their somewhat cheesy artwork), but I can bear with it. There’s enough great stuff going on. Luckily for Symphony X this is a good timeframe for their type of music, even the US is catching on now. I think they’re a great band in a sea of silly retro-metal and bland symphonic rock.