Symphony X [Import]

Symphony X [Import]

Track Listings

1. Into The Dementia

2. The Raging Reason

3. Premonition

4. Masquerade

5. Absinthe And Rue

6. Shades Of Grey

7. Taunting The Notorious

8. Rapture Or Pain

9. Thorns Of Sorrow

10. A Lesson Before Dying

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
1996 album by the acclaimed speed/ prog/ symphonic metal quintet from New Jersey. 10 tracks.

Tracks:

Oculus Ex Inferni
Set The World On Fire (The Lie Of Lies)
Domination
The Serpentís Kiss
Paradise Lost
Eve Of Seduction
The Walls Of Babylon
Seven
The Sacrifice
Revelation (Divus Pennae Ex Tragoedia)

Album Description

The masters of Symphonic Power Metal are back!

Symphony X are recognized by-and-large as one the most important acts in the worldwide metal scene. After the release of their hugely successful CD, The Odyssey - and after nearly five years - Michael Romeo and his band have returned with what is already being praised as their best work to date. Paradise Lost has all the trademarks that have come to be associated with Symphony X: Incredibly intricate and powerful, yet-melodic compositions that showcase every member's unrivaled technical skill as instrumentalists. However, once again it must be said that the spotlight is squarely on the ferocious vocal force of singer Russell Allen and the almost inhuman pyrotechnics of guitarist Michael Romeo.

The North American version of Paradise Lost features a fantastic foldout and diecut digipack that was designed by Warren Flanagan, who has done art-direction for major motion picture blockbusters such as I Robot, X-Men and Blade.

This is thee guitar release of the summer!

Customer Reviews:

WOW! Symphony X Has Their Masterpiece.......2007-07-29

Russel Allen is without a doubt one of the most powerful singers of our times, and Michael Romeo is pure genius in how he has crafted this album and he slays on his guitar! Every song is great and their sound is more powerful than ever before. They are the best progressive metal act today and now officially blow Dream Theater away....
For more Powerful Great Progressive Metal check these guys out too, the rule! I saw them at the Bay Area Rockfest in San Francisco and they ripped!World Full of Grey

Symphony X Does It Again!.......2007-07-29

It's a great CD. Any Symphony X fan who hasn't picked it up yet should. And kudos to Amazon. When I first received it in the mail, opened the fancy jewel case and no CD was in there! I called customer service and they quickly shipped me another one at no cost to me.

DAMn!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-07-28

Well worth the wait, they pulled it off again! If you are thinking about buying this album just listen to 'eve of the seduction' and then decide.

Good & Evil.......2007-07-28

ABSOLUTELY is the best Prograssive album in 2007!
Symphony-X the band that alwayz comes with the best!

BUY THIS ALBUM.... U WONT FEEL SORRY FOR IT

Russell Allen Truly Shines Here.......2007-07-26

It is not hyperbole to declare that 'Paradise Lost' was worth the five-year wait, and nearly a month since I purchased it remains in heavy rotatation on my MP3 player. Few bands have the kind of staying power that allows them to take that amount of time off and still be relevant, or have as loyal a fan base. Then again, Symphony X has always appealed to literary maven in me, from V: The New Mythology Suite, (based on the myth of Atlantis) to The Odyssey (Homer would have loved these guys), and I've adored them not only for making great albums, but for treating the listeners like intelligent human beings.

This is NOT a remake of 'The Odyssey', so don't expect it. 'Paradise Lost' is darker, richer and deeper in tone and texture, including the artwork (which is worth the price alone). From the sweeping 'Oculus Ex Inferni', which opens this grand epic depicting Lucifer's rebellion against God, to the blistering 'Set the World On Fire/The Lie of Lies', to the heartrending Revelation (Divus Ex Pennae Tragoedia), it's cinema of the mind done through music, and what music it is. I do believe that John Milton would indeed be proud.

It seems that most of the reviewers are budding guitar gods, which is why they focus on the almost inhuman stylings of Michael Romeo (and believe me, they ARE simply jaw-dropping--does the guy have extra fingers on his hands?), I'm all about vocals and personally, it's Russell Allen's intense vocals that really stand out here and showcases his incredible range. For some fans, the heaviness Allen uses here may be somewhat disconcerting, but for the overall theme of the album, it's perfect. While we're not talking unintelligible death-metal growls, it is a much darker and harsher sound. However, Russell Allen is the ultimate actor, managing to convey the seductive evil of ultimate power. He's both wicked and alluring as he snarls with fiendish venom: "I will forsake you/destroy and unmake you/with all my might/I will take you down..." His delivery reminds me of Jon Oliva's Mephisto from 'Beethoven's Last Night'. Of course, Allen does go softer on such tracks as `Paradise Lost' (my other favourite) and `Revelation' (I love the ending which incorporated melodic lines from Divine Wings of Tragedy--it's a trope that I've noticed most progressive/power metal bands seem to use).

There's nothing else to say except that I truly LOVE this album and can't wait to see them live. This is American Power Metal at its finest!

Average customer rating:

Rivals DT's "Scenes From a Memory"
Not the masterpiece everyone seems to think it is
What an entrance into the new millenium!!
What an entrance into the new millenium!!
I admire the effort

V: The New Mythology Suite
Symphony X
Manufacturer: Metal Blade
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Odyssey
Divine Wings of Tragedy
Twilight in Olympus
Damnation Game
Paradise Lost

ASIN: B00004YR6K
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

Prelude
Evolution (The Grand Design)
Fallen
Transcendence (Segue)
Communion And The Oracle
The Bird-Serpent War/Cataclysm
On The Breath Of Poseidon (Segue)
Egypt
The Death Of Balance/Lacrymosa
Absence Of Light
A Fool's Paradise
Rediscovery (Segue)
Rediscovery (Part II) - The New Mythology

Customer Reviews:

Rivals DT's "Scenes From a Memory".......2007-02-20

I like to tell people who haven't heard of Symphony X that they are a heavier version of Dream Theater (DT). Based on that comparison, I would say that this rock opera by Symphony X is a heavier version of DT's "Scenes From a Memory." Not that the lyrics are as deep or the story connecting the entire album is as compelling as DT's album, but Symphony X has such a great heavy progressive sound and put such a monumental album together that it rivals DT's album in the way you will be drawn into listening to the whole album in one sitting. You can't walk away from it. It grips you and you are there for the whole ride right from the beginning.

Not the masterpiece everyone seems to think it is.......2007-01-10

Hey, this is a real good prog metal album, but there aren't many catchy choruses after tracks 2 & 3. The musicianship and production are top notch, and it might be guitarist Michael Romeo's finest hour, but I rate this as their 4th best studio album (out of the six they've put out up to date). I will forewarn you that if you prefer power metal over prog metal, this album may not be for you. I'd pick up the band's last studio album "The Odyssey", which leans more towards power metal.

Best songs: 2. Evolution (Grand Design) and 3. Fallen

What an entrance into the new millenium!!.......2006-12-25

NOTE: I am actually 16 years old, I just don't want an Amazon username.

When I first heard of this band, I was compelled to check them out, starting with this release, and when I heard it, I was blown away. I own this, "The Odyssey", and "The Divine Wings of Tragedy", and I can say with gusto that this is their master work as of now (but the latter two albums are great as well) and is the best album of 2000.

Let's start with the musicians. Russell Allen's vocals are very powerful, and his lyrics are very thought-provoking, very nice. Michael Romeo, the guitarist, is a regular virtuoso, his solos and riffs will leave you speechless. Michael Pinnella is just as good of a keyboardist as Chick Corea and Jordan Rudess, and his interchanging solos with Romeo are astounding. Michael Lepond's basslines are completely audible, and he is one of the best bassists to ever exist, along with John Myung and Flea. Finally, the drummer, Jason Rullo, is fantastic, and he reminds me of Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, who is certainly one of the best drummers ever. Wow, can these guys do any wrong?

The album is a concept album, and it's subjects rage from the myth of Atlantis, to ancient Egyptian mythology, and astrology. It also features "Requium" pieces from Verdi and Mozart, as well as other concertos from Bach and Bartok (thanks to Wikipedia for this). Every song on here flows flawlessly into the next, and there is no reason to skip any tracks because every song is excellent. Also, a few of the songs have complicated time signatures, such as "Communion of the Oracle", in 5/4 time.

Highly recommended. Buy this album, turn off your mind, and let Symphony X take you on a journey. If you want a progressive metal album, or are just a metalhead in general, you need this in your collection.

SYMPHONY X RULES!!!

What an entrance into the new millenium!!.......2006-12-25

NOTE: I am actually 16 years old, I just don't want an Amazon username.

When I first heard of this band, I was compelled to check them out, starting with this release, and when I heard it, I was blown away. I own this, "The Odyssey", and "The Divine Wings of Tragedy", and I can say with gusto that this is their master work as of now (but the latter two albums are great as well) and is the best album of 2000.

Let's start with the musicians. Russell Allen's vocals are very powerful, and his lyrics are very thought-provoking, very nice. Michael Romeo, the guitarist, is a regular virtuoso, his solos and riffs will leave you speechless. Michael Pinnella is just as good of a keyboardist as Chick Corea and Jordan Rudess, and his interchanging solos with Romeo are astounding. Michael Lepond's basslines are completely audible, and he is one of the best bassists to ever exist, along with John Myung and Flea. Finally, the drummer, Jason Rullo, is fantastic, and he reminds me of Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, who is certainly one of the best drummers ever. Wow, can these guys do any wrong?

The album is a concept album, and it's subjects rage from the myth of Atlantis, to ancient Egyptian mythology, and astrology. Every song on here flows flawlessly into the next, and there is no reason to skip any tracks because every song is excellent. Also, a few of the songs have complicated time signatures, such as "Communion of the Oracle", in 5/4 time.

Highly recommended. Buy this album, turn off your mind, and let Symphony X take you on a journey. If you want a progressive metal album, or are just a metalhead in general, you need this in your collection.

SYMPHONY X RULES!!!

I admire the effort.......2006-10-06

and I truely do, this album's 6 years is showing its age. Particularly in the orchestral samples used to simulate said orchestra. Although not as bad as say an 80's Nintendo's Legend of Zelda MIDI orchestra, it still shows just how far one is able to achieve realism. I'd love to hear an actual update of this album in which the band contracted out some local orchestra and redid it. I think then it could really give something like Metallica S&M a run for its money. An enjoyable listen to nonetheless. However, if you're into this orchestral prog-metal, check out Therion, especially their "Lemuria/Sirius B" double-album. Therion's been doing this symphonic hybrid metal longer than anyone and it really shows in this great double-album.

Average customer rating:

It's OK
Best Symphony X Ever!
even if you think you wouldn't like this stuff
Different bonus track for Japan
A must have CD

Odyssey
Symphony X
Manufacturer: Inside Out U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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V: The New Mythology Suite
Divine Wings of Tragedy
Paradise Lost
Twilight in Olympus
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ASIN: B00006L83N
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

Inferno (Unleash The Fire)
Wicked
Incantations Of The Apprentice
Accolade II
King Of Terrors
The Turning
Awakenings
The Odyssey
Masquerade (Bonus Track)

Album Description

Import exclusive limited edition of the progressive metal act's 2002 album, includes the bonus track 'Masquerade.' Slipcase. InsideOut Music.

Customer Reviews:

It's OK.......2007-05-13

The music on this CD is really good; the guys in Symphony X are very talented. However, I outgrew all that jazz and nonsense about dragons and mystical eyes many years ago. I really don't like the lyrics on this CD. If I were to recommend better progressive rock music to listen to, I would say you should check out EVERYTHING that DREAM THEATER has ever done!

Best Symphony X Ever!.......2007-04-02

This album is epic. Accolade II, Awakenings, and The Odyssey are amongst the greatest songs i've ever heard. Go get this album now!

even if you think you wouldn't like this stuff.......2007-03-05

Ok, this was my intro to Symphony X, and an unexpected one.

It turned out to be one of those rare finds, the kind that stay in your mp3 player weeks on end.

Many of the other reviewers have covered this as well as I could. I just wish this band had better recognition in the States, they really deserve it on many levels - the musicianship, the music, the vocals, each and every member is a star and stands out.

For those that would dismiss this as another million-notes-a-minute act, there is really much, much more to these guys. The only thing I criticize them on is their limited catalog, and lack of a good DVD - bring more of it on guys, your break is coming!

But careful of this as your first SX album, it's great, and others are really good, but this is a tough act to follow.

Different bonus track for Japan.......2007-01-10

First off, this is a very good album, probably my 2nd favorite CD of the band beside "Divine Wings.....". The opening track Inferno (Unleash The Fire) might be one of the best power (not prog) metal songs of all-time, as Russell Allen sings his arse off. The Accolade II is better than the first (off of "Divine Wings....."), in my opinion. The re-make of Masquerade is infinitely better than the original, off of their first album. The title track is obviously very long, but is brilliant in some spots, and keeps your interest all the way through.

Anyway, just wanted to let you guys know there is a Japanese issue of this CD which has a 10th song, titled "Frontiers". It is very hard to find, but the song is nothing to write home about.

A must have CD.......2007-01-03

Symphony X is one of the best metal bands around. This CD is one of their best!

Average customer rating:

An Epic Journey!
This is their masterpiece!
Progressive metal you can not live with out
Another Winner From Symphony X!
"On the edge of paradise/Tears of woe fall, cold as ice"

Divine Wings of Tragedy
Symphony X
Manufacturer: Inside Out U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

V: The New Mythology Suite
Twilight in Olympus
Odyssey
Damnation Game
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ASIN: B00012BD0S
Release Date: 2004-09-13

Tracks:

Of Sins and Shadows
Sea of Lies
Out of the Ashes
Accolade
Pharaoh
Eyes of Medusa
Witching Hour
Divine Wings of Tragedy: At the Four Corners of the Earth/In the ...
Candlelight Fantasia
Enhanced Element: Screensaver & Band Interview, Pt. 3

Customer Reviews:

An Epic Journey!.......2007-07-03

Thanks to s friend at my college for constantly bugging me to check out Symphony X, I have become a pretty big fan. I was able to get my hands on a copy of what many call their masterpiece "The Divine Wings Of Tragedy!" I'll be honest, this album in my opinion is one of the most epic pieces of art I have ever heard; and for me, ranks right behind "The Odyssey" as my favorite Symphony X album.

1. Of Sins And Shadows - This is just an amazing way to begin an album. Harmonizing vocals of heavy and rough, mixed with a higher tone make for a very melodic feel. The backing choir vocals also give it a very Bohemian feel (very Queen like). Awesome guitar work, tying the whole song together. Amazing! 5/5

2. Sea Of Lies - Keeping right with that feel, this track kicks in and pulls no punches. Again just awesome seemless instrumental work by the band fully harmonizing with the vocals. 5/5

3. Out Of The Ashes - I love this song. To me it seems to have a very deep meaning, but has an upbeat rocking way of making that message prominent. The backing vocals really add the element of having an "epic" feel to it, and again the guitar work is top notch. So far the band keeps the perfect score going! 5/5

4. The Accolade - This is the song that sold me on the album. After hearing part two on "The Odyssey" I knew I had to hear what they called part one. I was not disappointed in the least. Starting off slow and melodic, the song picks up steadily throughout. Awesome vocals and powerful lyrics, mixed with amazing instrumental work, make this song alone a classic! 5/5

5. Pharaoh - This is the first song on the album that took me more than one listen to really get into. A heavy tune to pick up where "The Accolade" leaves off. Heavy riffs and deep vocals make this song very prominent. May take a couple listens to like, but is a very cool song. 4.5/5

6. The Eyes Of Medusa - This track keeps right on pace with "Pharaoh." Heavy riffs mixed with very soft, yet very vibrant instrumentals. A lot of what the band does well is seen in this track. Like the previous track, it may take awhile to get into, but this song rocks. Very heavy and very dark! 5/5

7. The Witching Hour - This song is another very melodic output by the band. However, to me it seems just a bit rushed and cramped with a lot of material. Not a bad song at all, but a bit off kilter with the rest of the album. 4/5

8. The Divine Wings Of Tragedy - Ah, the epic of the album. A song in which the rest of the album was merely prepping you for. This song is a journey all its own! I love the beginning of the song esspecially, it is very different from any music you hear today. Very melodic and somewhat soothing! Than, enter the heavy power of Symphony X! Overall, a seven-part epic that will make you stand at attention and truly appreciate hat a masterpiece this album really is! 5/5

9. Candlelight Fantasia - I would call this a bonus track after the masterpiece beforehand. Again, the band shows no signs of slowing down in terms of having a lsting impact in their music! Love the melody and overall tone this song has, adding to an already steller album! 4.5/5

Overall, this album is a MUST HAVE for any and all fans of both Symphony X and/or Progressive Metal! In my opinion this album is one of those rare masterpieces that come along once every 10-12 years! Just pure brilliance!

This is their masterpiece!.......2007-01-10

Symphony X's finest moment is right here, one of those albums where you press play (or whatever your mp3 player uses as a play button) and let it flow. Even the 20-minute plus title track is excellent, and keeps you interested all the way. I'm a fan of power/prog metal, and I own the catalogues of bands like Dream Theater, Artension, Stratovarius, etc. This is my favorite of the bunch.

Best song: 2. Sea of Lies

Progressive metal you can not live with out.......2006-11-04

Symphony X - simply they rock, and this is a must have disc.

For any review to be honest you have to give the good with the bad, so lets get the bad out of the way first. The guitar tones get on my nerves after a while (borrowed straight from Diamond Dave). There is only so much my ear can take of that extremely heavy tone, it would be nice if it was mixed up a bit. Second - Like most bands they tend to take a rif or two, or an idea that has already been done before and make it theirs, For me not a big deal but worth mentioning in a review.

Now the good - Even with my previous comments I think they deserve a 5 and I believe this CD is a must have for anyone serious about their progressive metal collection.

The Vocals are that perfect blend of hard edge without that stupid (Grover) growl crap. This guy can actually sing. In my opinion he is one of the better metal singers - up there with the likes of Dio and the late Carl Albert (Vicious Rumors).

One of the things that makes this band so great is their compositions, with great use of each instrument, a good balance of going outside of the metal box with their use of symphonic instruments and even a hint or two of some modern Jazz. They are one of the better bands when it comes to mixing the Classical with the Metal (thus their name Symphony X).

This is one of those bands like Dream Theater where each of the musicians are top notch. Once this disc reaches your player it will stay there for a very long time.

Another Winner From Symphony X!.......2006-09-06

I have 4 Symphony X albums, and I believe I have found their best music. Divine Wings of Tragedy is surely one of my favorites of the 4 (Twilight in Olympus, The Odyssey, and V The New Mythology Suite being the other 3). Definitely worth all 5 stars. Symphony X makes lots of amazing music. I heartily recommend all 4 titles that I mentioned. They are all very full and rich, and will engage your brain. Very entertaining.

"On the edge of paradise/Tears of woe fall, cold as ice".......2006-07-25

Thus begins Part I of track 8, The Divine Wings of Tragedy, a 20 minute and 41 second extravaganza that on its own rates five stars. Part I is sang a cappella, with almost a barber shop quartet sound, and is followed by a power metal instrumental, the contrast working very well. Five additional parts complete the track, four of excellent vocals and another instrumental that covers more than six minutes. Normally that long of an instrumental would lose me, but there is so much variation here that the entire section holds my interest. This long track seems a harbinger of their greatest work, V: The New Mythology Suite (one of my top five). In fact, the words "Dies Irae" are printed in the insert at the end of the long instrumental, although I do not hear them voiced at any time. However, "day of wrath" (the translation of dies irae) is sang in the last stanza of the song preceding the long instrumental. As you probably know, these latin words are in the first and 11th song on V. Of Sins and Shadows and especially The Accolade are very good cuts also, but overall I cannot give the Divine Wings CD five stars. I can provide no technical reasons for this. It is simply a matter of after having listened to V, or The Odyssey, I am ready to listen to them again immediately. After listening to Divine Wings, the impression is that I want to listen to it again, but not until later. And basically that is how I decide all my four and five star choices. (Please see my profile for a brief discussion of my rating philosophy.)

Average customer rating:

Stellar performance
Songs make the Album
Entertaining and Inviting
Symphonic band at its best
Continued brilliance in power progressive metal

Twilight in Olympus
Symphony X
Manufacturer: Inside Out U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Damnation Game
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ASIN: B00012BD12
Release Date: 2004-09-13

Tracks:

Smoke and Mirrors
Church of the Machine
Sonata [Instrumental]
In the Dragon's Den
Through the Looking Glass (Pts. 1, 2, 3)
Relic
Orion - The Hunter
Lady of the Snow

Customer Reviews:

Stellar performance.......2007-07-14

I can't say enough good things about this CD. It has everything that makes SmypnohyX stand out above the crowd....incredible song writing, virtuoso musicianship and unmatched vocals. This has been my favorite SymX CD all the way to Paradise Lost which is totally different but equally as stunning. You won't go wrong buying this CD, it's a classic.

Songs make the Album.......2006-12-07

Following The Divine Wings of Tragedy Symphony X had a hard act to follow. And they did it extremely well. While the album has a similar feeling to their previous albums, they create a new standard. Only their 2002 album The Odyssey came close to replicating their success with this album. The power metal riffs and the wailing guitars somehow blend well enough to create catchy refrains. This is one of the few albums by any heavy metal band that I found myself humming to along in the car even when the album wasn't playing. The tone of the album shifts at various points, and is capped by the exotic "Lady of the Snow" which is a nice cornerstone to the album.

While it is an excellent album overall the songs seem to blend into one another. Each song seems to be produced under the same formula that was perfected in their previous albums. While there are really no standout songs on the whole album, except for the slower "Through the Looking Glass" and "Lady of the Snow" every song tends to blur together. However the strength of the album lies in the overall cohesiveness of the album and not in the individual songs.

The hidden gem in this album is in the singing. While I wouldn't Symphony X as a "singing band", the voice on Twilight in Olympus dovetails the album nicely. Allen's voice is haunting, but never needs to scream, he actually sings his way through this album. Even if you're not a huge heavy metal fan, check out this album, you'll be glad you did.

Entertaining and Inviting.......2006-09-06

I have 4 Symphony X albums, and I believe I have found their best music. Twilight in Olympus is my least favorite of the 4 (V The New Mythology Suite, The Odyssey, and The Divine Wings of Tragedy being the other 3), but it is still good enough to warrant a 5 star rating. Symphony X makes lots of amazing music. I heartily recommend all 4 titles that I mentioned. They are all very full and rich, and will engage your brain. Very entertaining.

Symphonic band at its best.......2006-02-01

I think that although they had a new drummer in this album it still made a pretty good impact. Russel Allen had one of the best vocal performances I've ever heard in the song "Lady of the snow". It is a good album but far from my favorite. Anyone who appreciates classical music or metal should appreciate this album.

Continued brilliance in power progressive metal.......2005-11-01

THE BAND: Michael Romeo (guitars), Russell Allen (vocals), Thomas Miller (bass), Jason Rullo (drums & Percussion), Mike Pinnella (keyboards).

THE DISC: Released orginally in 1998. 8 tracks clocking in at approximately 53 minutes. Recorded at Trax East Studios in South River, NJ. The new digipak contains digitally mastered sound as well as a screen saver and band interview (from a 2003 session - most of the time spent reflecting on first concerts, touring in Japan and pressure to release albums; says Allen, "We can't pump out 3 chord rock records as quickly as AC/DC." There is an 18-page booklet containing band pictures, lyrics, song credits and thank you's. This is the band's 4th major release. Label - Inside Out Music.

COMMENTS: This was the 2nd disc in my collection from this progressive/power/metal New Jersey band. In my collection, I rank "Olympus" 3rd behind "V-The New Mythology Suite" and "The Divine Wings Of Tragedy". Since their self-titled release and their sophmore effort ("The Damnation Game"), I feel Symphony X has come a long way. Their first two albums were average at best (average song writing and below average production). Something happened when lead singer Russell Allen came on board. The band really showed their chops with their 3rd release (1997) "Divine Wings Of Tragedy"... and they continued with "Olympus". Songs thrust you into a perilous new world of rock music filled with magic, power, the Gods, dreams and destiny. In my opinion, Symphony X ranks as one of the top heavy progressive rock music acts out there. It truly escapes me why Symphony X receives little or no air play, little or no promotion, and limited touring (at least in the southwest). The band has a huge following in Europe and Japan. Romeo's blistering work on the guitar is high quality stuff (Yngwie Malmsteen would be proud) and he has very few equals. Russell Allen's voice is beautiful - and he's a singer, not a screamer or growler. Miller, Rullo and Pinnella are all equally talented on their instruments. Some great songs in the 9 minute "Church Of The Machine", my favorite up and down 13 minute "Through The Looking Glass (Parts I-III), and the wonderful power ballad to close the disc "Lady Of The Snow". Check out their website at www.symphonyx.com ... Great disc.

Average customer rating:

Damnation Game is damn good.
The real birth of SX

Damnation Game
Symphony X
Manufacturer: Inside Out U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Twilight in Olympus
V: The New Mythology Suite
Divine Wings of Tragedy
Symphony X
Odyssey

ASIN: B00012BD0I
Release Date: 2004-09-13

Tracks:

Damnation Game
Dressed to Kill
Edge of Forever
Savage Curtain
Whispers
Haunting
Secrets
Winter's Dream, Pt. 1: Prelude
Winter's Dream, Pt. 2: The Ascension

Customer Reviews:

Damnation Game is damn good........2005-06-25

This is a damn fine album here. It is the bands first album with Russell Allen, their current singer. The album has cool guitar riffs and solos, nice basslines, good vocals, and of course nice melodies from the keys.

While this is far from my favorite by these guys, its still a damn good album.

I'm not going to go into attempts to sell potential new fans on Symphony X. Its your loss if you dont check them out.

The real birth of SX.......2005-02-18

Symphony X put themselves on the progressive scence with this album. This album introduces the new singer, Russel Allen.

The instrumentals on this album will blow your mind! (actually I can say that for any other SX albums after Damnation Game :D )

Though this album is not as great as "V" or "Divine Wings of "Tragedy", it is still a decent prog metal album.

Here are my ratings: (5/5 would be a perfect progressive metal song)
1)Damnation Game - 4/5
2)Dressed to Kill - 4/5
3)The Edge of Forever - 6/5, very beautiful song.
4)Savage Curtain - 3/5
5)Whispers - 4/5
6)The Haunting - 3/5
7)Secrets - 4/5
8)Winter's Dream (Part 1) - 5/5
9)A Winter's Dream(Part 2) - 3/5

If you are new to SX then I suggest getting this album first or Divine Wings of Tragedy. The Odyssey is quite different from thier previous albums.

Average customer rating:

Worth picking up
you don't like music if you don't own this double album
Good live album just shy of perfect.
The heart of power progressive........
No Absinthe And Rue?! 5 STAR ESSENTIAL RATING! *****

Live on the Edge of Forever
Symphony X
Manufacturer: Inside Out U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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V: The New Mythology Suite
Damnation Game
Twilight in Olympus
Divine Wings of Tragedy
Symphony X

ASIN: B00005R8H0
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Tracks:

Prelude
Evolution (The Grand Design)
Fallen/Transcendence
Communion And The Oracle
The Bird-Serpent War
On The Breath Of Poseidon
Egypt
The Death Of Balance/Candlelight Fantasia
The Eyes Of Medusa

Tracks:

Smoke And Mirrors
Church Of The Machine
Through The Looking Glass
Of Sins And Shadows
Sea Of Lies
The Divine Wings Of Tragedy

Album Description

New 2 CD live set recorded at various locations in France & Germany on Inside Out Records.

Customer Reviews:

Worth picking up.......2005-06-25

I do like this album. They basically play all of V, and a few songs from Divine Wings and Twilight live.

I dont care for the mix on this though, hence not getting 5 stars. The drums are kinda up in the mix and guitars and too quiet. Thats just my taste though, others may prefer that.

I'm not going to go into attempts to sell potential new fans on Symphony X. Its your loss if you dont check them out.

you don't like music if you don't own this double album.......2004-11-05

I don't know what these other people were talking about, when they were complaining about the faster tempo on some of the tracks, first of all just because you heard them do it on a studio album doesn't mean that is how they're supposed to play the song. If they want to up the tempo it's their perogative. the vocals sound a little strained on the second disc. i think he's got a little problem focusing the pitch with his voice on that disc. my only other problem with the cd is them hacking apart candlelight fantasia, but then again, that was their performance of it. i really would've liked a 7 disc box set version instead of just a double cd (in case they're reading this.) but finally it's a shame bands like symphony X don't get any media attention at all, and they're forced to play 45 minute opening sets because i don't think they got the fan base to support a headlining tour so... everybody who buys this album, play it for 5 people.. and we'll see if we can remedy that

Good live album just shy of perfect........2004-06-24

I decided to get this after being impressed with V and Twilight in Olympus. Every one of the guys in Symphony X is very talented and can really play. The first CD is excellent from start to finish; songs like 'Evolution' and 'The Eyes of Medusa' are awesome along with Michael Romeos guitar solo in 'On the breath of Poseidon'. The guy is a really amazing guitarist and although many people think he sounds like yngwie, I think he is a lot more controlled and has a more melodic sense.
I also like the way S X get the crowd involved, unlike most other progressive bands. My theory on live performances is that a band is on stage to put a show on and not just to play their music. S X are really good entertainers as well as musicians and they also play their songs differently live to what's on the studio recordings, which is great because similar bands such as Dream Theater usually just stand there playing their songs live exactly the same way as they do on the record. Even though DT are an amazing band, they can be so boring to watch and listen to live sometimes, unlike S X.
The second CD however is where I found some minor problems. Some of the songs are played far faster than those on the record. Many people complain about progressive bands doing this live and I'm sorry to say in most cases; it is true! Listen to Dream Theater playing 'The Mirror' live for example; it is far faster than that on the record. The other thing that bugs me on CD2 is that the keyboards are too low on the mix. S X has always been a symphonic band and without the keyboards being in the shot they just do not sound the same. Russels vocals do not sound as strong on CD2, this is because I think those particular songs were recorded 6 months after CD1 so his voice is probably a bit worn from constant touring.
However I can't complain too much because `The divine wings of tragedy' at the end of CD2 is amazing, I think the live performance of that song is absolutely stunning. Overall I really enjoyed this album and I love their music. I highly recommend it to any Power or Prog metal fans, Keep up the good work guys!!!!

The heart of power progressive...............2003-09-26

Hace un par de meses atràs, SYMPHONY X estuvo en concierto con STRATOVARIUS y a la verdad que tengo que decir que SYMPHONY X està a la altura de las grandes megabandas. Ellos pueden tocar mùsica de conservatorio lo mismo que les puede arrebatar la vena del power metal en toda su dimensiòn. Catalogar a SYMPHONY como una banda orientada al power metal serìa pecar de inocente. Sòlo basta escuchar este doble CD que incluye uno de los mejores discos de la banda en directo. Me refiero a V: The new mythology suite. Pero los mejores momentos de este "collage" de conciertos efectuados en Europa lo encontramos en el CD 2 con la interpretaciòn de Church of the Machine y Through the looking glass....Le aseguro que concurrirà conmigo que la guitarra de Romeo, los teclados de Pinnella, la bateria de Rullo, el magnìfico fondo que imprime Lepond con su bajo y la tremenda voz de Allen hacen de SYMPHONY X una megabanda sensacional......Los que escuchamos a este grupo en directo quedamos atònitos.....añàdale Oddesey en directo y saque usted sus propias conclusiones.......

Two months ago, SYMPHONT X played live with Stratovarius at Polìgono Anoeta in San Sebastian, Spain. The live perfoming of SYMPHONY X proves that we are in the presence of one of one of the best megagroups today. They can play pure classical music or easily change to a powerful power metal. To consider SYMPHONY X as a megagroup oriented to power metal is being inocent. Just listen to this double CD: CD 1 include one of their best studio works, V: the new mythology suite. Nevertheless, the best of this live album is CD 2. Church of the Machine and Through the Looking Glass (from the album Twlight at the Olympus are simply amazing. Romeo at the lead guitar, Pinnella playing the magestic keyboards, Rullo at the drums, the suberb Lepond at bass guitar and the incredible voice of Allen configures this megagroup..If you add the live vertion of Oddesey you can imagine what we are talking about...

No Absinthe And Rue?! 5 STAR ESSENTIAL RATING! *****.......2003-03-12

Absinthe And Rue is one of my favorite songs from this band, and I couldn't believe they left it off of here, but If I had to name every song I wanted on this live release, it would be their entire catalog! I knew from the beginning that this was going to get 5 stars from me, the first disc, playing out almost the entire Mythology Suite album, with the exception of something like four tracks, and then blazing through some amazing playing on disc two. These guys know how to play live. Not too much talking with the audience, just kicking a** and taking names. I had only two complaints among this masterpiece, for any fan of Symphony X or progressive/power metal: one, I couldn't believe that there were no 'real' solos as far as Michael Romeo and Jason Rullo? A guitar and drum solo would have made this 2 disc set even more unbelievable sounding; my second gripe: I couldn't belive there were no songs of The Damnation Game or their 1st self-titled CD??? The 1st one had so many great songs on it and Damnation Game wasn't anything to laugh at either? I would have gone for a full three disc blowout, more songs off those two and the guitar and drum solos. So what if it seemed like the Dream Theater, Scenes set? Compared to the last Dream Theater release, I think Symphony X's Odyssey, blew away any and all progressive metal bands for a long time. With all my complaining done, you get a solid 2 disc live set of songs that will amaze, shock, and stun you into listening to these guys even more! Don't miss this one!! ***** 5 STAR ESSENTIAL X-RATING FROM SCRAGGY'S TOMB OF POWER METAL, USA. Cheers!

Average customer rating:

X Over Trombone
James (Jim) Pugh
Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Complete Recordings

ASIN: B000R349OS
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Average customer rating:

Raw and awesome
I feel a need to defend this record...3.5 Stars
Good but not great
It's Pretty Good. Some good songs, some not-very-good ones.
Mostly for fans who want all their works.

Symphony X
Symphony X
Manufacturer: Inside Out U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Damnation Game
Twilight in Olympus
V: The New Mythology Suite
Divine Wings of Tragedy
Odyssey

ASIN: B00012BD08
Release Date: 2004-01-13

Tracks:

Into the Dementia
Raging Seasons
Premonition
Masquerade
Absinthe and Rue
Shades of Grey
Taunting the Notorious
Rapture or Pain
Thorns of Sorrow
Lesson Before Dying

Customer Reviews:

Raw and awesome.......2007-07-29

In contrast to some of the other reviewers here, I feel that this is a stellar album. I have been a fan of SX for several years and listened to all their other albums before I bought this one last week. With that said, I became accustomed to their later works, complete with fully developed and well-produced sound and admittedly better vocal performance. When I listened to this, I instantly fell in love with the raw underdeveloped sound. It truly makes it a treat for fans to hear SX in their first release, and somehow it adds a bit of awe to the music because the listener realizes that all their prowess is a result of great performance and not superb studio effects.

Now, this album is definitely more of a normal 80s metal album, say Malmsteen-style with the standard galloping double-bass drumming beat, than a prog album, but it's clearly metal with the SX neo-classical twist. And you can definitely hear the SX originality here. The characteristic complex layering, guitar solos straying from pure major scales, keyboard solos in all various instruments, and unexpected vocal twists and choruses are all there. Furthermore, this in my opinion is a very tight and very melodic album. Despite the innovative playing and creative bridges, there's not a lot of excess shredding and techno-solo-mumbo-jumbo that you find on later albums (or with other bands, notably the ever-excellent but technical Dream Theater). It's mostly just creative melodies with lots of sudden key changes and time changes that sound great. Also of interest, you can clearly hear some influences... I hear a lot of Rush, early Dream Theater (specifically When Dream and Day Unite), some early Queensryche. The only negative is the vocal strength of the singer. He's good, but not that great. The strength here is definitely the instrumental quality, not singing quality.

All in all, this album sounds a bit different than later works but is excellent in its own right. If you are not a stickler for production quality and appreciate it when bands put out slightly different styles in each album, pick this up.

I feel a need to defend this record...3.5 Stars.......2007-05-08

I'll agree with one thing the reviewers said: dont make this your first Symphony X listening experience. I don't agree that Rod Tyler is a horrific vocalist...I just think that Russell Allen is so powerful and talented that he leaves everyone else in the dust. Absinthe and Rue is a really cool track, and you can see that Symphony X really rose from tracks like that. Shades of Grey is a nice tune too. Overall, a good album but definitely the least impressive from the band (makes sense...its a debut!). So if you like the other stuff, give it a look, overwise I'd say go with Divine Wings of Tragedy of the phenomenal Odyssey.

Good but not great.......2007-01-07

Reason why this can't get a full 5: Rod Tyler. Christ have I never ever heard a worse vocalist imo. Should have had Russell Allen here that would have made a slight improvement.

It's Pretty Good. Some good songs, some not-very-good ones........2006-04-12

Symphony X's debut album. They produced it all for themselves, and according to them in the interview included in this Digipak, it sounded like a good idea at the time, but turned out pretty much a failure. I guess I can't blame them too much for just trying to get a head start and having bad quality, and there is admittedly some good songwriting in particular tracks. Some are pretty good, some I avoid.

1. "Into the Dementia" In my opinion, a pointless intro. Just a guitar-solo excersize that lasts a minute. A miss.

2. "The Raging Season" A decent song, but I end up skipping to the next track here. It's the middle of the song which is really annoying vocally. Rod Tyler sings like I do, and I sing rather terribly. I don't hate his performance throughout the album, but just here I felt that his attempt at sounding aggressive backfired.

3. "Premonition" Now here's a good song. I like the chorus a lot. Nice and mellow too, although not exactly a ballad. Good work.

4. "Masquerade" Remember the ninth track on the Odyssey Limited Edition? That one may be better in arrangements (and singing), but I occasionally find myself listening to this original version, as the choir arrangements make me chuckle a bit. Good song.

5. "Absinthe and Rue" Songwriting abilities start to show here. I heard that Russ wanted to redo this particular song. It's not that bad, actually, with its many instrumental segments. Nice intro, Mike Pinnella. I like the rather psychedelic solo section in the middle.

6. "Shades of Gray" A ballad, one of the first songs Romeo and Pinnella wrote together (maybe, correct me if I'm wrong). I like the bass passages after the intro chorus, kudos to Thomas Miller. Nice chorus, you wouldn't think it is SX at first, but still a nice listen.

7. "Taunting the Notorious" A speed metal track. I sometimes scorn at this track for neglecting the keyboards almost too much. There are some guitar/bass duels, but being the music-cynic I am, I must say that they don't contribute enough to the musical feeling, and sounds like just a sweep excersize. (Miller's bass sounds like a clanking piece of metal or something...)

8. "Rapture or Pain" A good song with a nice chorus. Nice keyboard work here. I like this song.

9. "Thorns of Sorrow" Rather typifies the sound of the album and nothin much new, sorry to say. OK chorus though.

10. "A Lesson Before Dying" Great job considering they were first starting out at this point. This is where I can't find much bad with the whole 12 minutes of this track...well, except perhaps a dragging solo section, not that its untalented or bad. I actually feel a little more goodness in Tyler's voice. Great job!

I don't hate Rod Tyler like many others do, I just accept his voice for this album, for that's what it was. Fortunatley, their songwriting capabilities will get better on preceding albums. You can give this one a try, but it won't sound like the SX you may know as of now. Still, you can forget about that and find some decent songs from this CD on its own. I mean, I sure enjoyed its many aspects. =D

Mostly for fans who want all their works........2005-11-04

Being that this is Symphony X's first album, and looking at what they've become, it's really hard to get upset about the quality of this album. The production quality is not the best and the singing doesn't sound all that great, but I think it's just because they didn't balance everything right. My favourite thing about the album is the old version of Masquerade (you can find a newer & heavier version on the Odyssey album). You can really see how far the band has come by comparing the two.

Average customer rating:

Review rating reflects only DVD quality

Paradise Lost
Symphony X
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Paradise Lost
Systematic Chaos
One Cold Winter's Night

ASIN: B000Q7ZL9W
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

Oculus Ex Inferni
Set the World on Fire (The Lie of Lies)
Domination
Serpent's Kiss
Paradise Lost
Eve of Seduction
Walls of Babylon
Seven
Sacrifice
Revelation (Divus Pennae Ex Tragoedia)

Tracks:

King of Terrors [DVD]
Out of the Ashes [DVD]
Dressed to Kill [DVD]
In the Dragon's Den [DVD]
Inferno [DVD]
Evolution [DVD]
Odyssey, Pt. II [Live in Hollywood] [DVD]
Odyssey, Pts. V & VI [Live in Hollywood] [DVD]
Smoke and Mirrors [Live in Hollywood] [DVD]
Of Sins and Shadows [Gigantour USA] [DVD]

Album Description

Limited two disc (CD + PAL/Region 0 DVD) pressing of the 2007 album from the masters of Progressive Metal comes housed in a lavish foldout digipak and features a bonus DVD that contains behind the scenes and live footage and one exclusive semi acoustic track. Symphony X are still one of the most important acts in the worldwide Metal scene. Michael Romeo and his band have returned with their best work to date. Paradise Lost has all the well-known trademarks of Symphony X.. Fantastic compositions and their technical skills as instrumentalists come together in 2007 like never before. The artwork was designed by Warren Flanagan who worked for blockbusters like I Robot, X-Men and Blade. Riot.

Customer Reviews:

Review rating reflects only DVD quality.......2007-07-04

Just got this deluxe edition in the mail and had to try to save a few people from wasting their money. (I was not stupid enough to pay $60 for it on Amazon. I got it for $20 from the Laser's Edge site.) The CD sounds incredible so far. (I literally just walked in the door with it.) I decided to first pop in the DVD; excited to see some live performances from the band. I'd read somewhere that there was also some documentary sort of stuff on the bonus disc. I'm a total music nerd and totally eat up that kind of thing. Imagine my disappointment when all I found on the bonus disc was some very mediocre-to-poor quality live clips of the band. Some of the footage looks like it was shot with a hand-held video camera by a roadie standing off-stage. (You don't even get multiple angles of the performance.) Other footage looks like it was shot by someone who was semi-pro. The images look very sharp and professional, HOWEVER, once again you only get one camera shot for the whole song- no close ups during the guitar solo, or anything like that. Now the worst part is that the audio sounds HORRIBLE throughout; regardless of how well it was shot. I was reminded of watching my old Metallica "Cliff 'Em All" video. If you just want to SEE the band playing, some of the stuff is O.K., but the audio is, at times, unlistenable. Obviously, "Cliff 'Em All" was supposed to be a completely amateur kind of thing. It's a shame that whoever put this DVD together for Symphony X didn't strive for something that looked and sounded better than amateur. I strongly discourage anyone from buying the deluxe edition of this disc. Buy the Gigantour DVD instead. It only has two songs on it by Symphony X, but at least it's decent quality.

As for the "Paradise Lost" CD itself, I've listened to four songs while typing this review. It's very intense so far. Some of their best stuff. I've no doubt I'm going to love it. Five stars for the CD!

Music Info:

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