Symphony X - Paradise Lost

Symphony X – Paradise Lost

Myself and Owen from AOG have always maintained that Symphony X were a ‘Fully Evolved’ band right from their conception. They sat around a table and agreed that their musical vision shall be just like it still is today – fully evolved, over dramatic, brutally sonic, technically perfect, mythically enlightened, progressive metal leaning towards an epic battle scenario. I imagine that if Zeus owns an i-pod, then Symphony X will command his ‘My Favourites’ playlist.

I am a huge fan of Symphony X and believe that they have never quite reached Dream Theater’s success due to their ‘relentless’ metal crusade and that the vocals are a hugely acquired taste that you either love, loathe or laugh at. I don’t mind them as a rule, but if they get too much I just focus on Michael Romeo’s guitar playing (onslaught) which is absolutely enthralling. I have always felt that his playing requires as much physical effort as Jason Rullo dedicates to the drums. Romeo’s rhythm playing is on the verge of peerless.

Amazingly, I have to admit to having a similar passion for all of the Symphony X catalogue, with no clear favourites, so Paradise Lost fits neatly into this equation. However, my first impressions of Paradise Lost are those of being hugely impressed.

There is nothing too different to report in style or concept (but of course there wouldn’t be as they are fully evolved already). The production is huge and the general pace is consistent and well balanced. The overall output is unforgiving with only the title track and ‘The Sacrifice’ possessing a more reflective pace – the latter with hints of Malmsteen Balladisms.

The highlights ‘to date’ for me, include the awesome battle riffing at 5:03 on ‘Set The World On Fire’, ‘Domination’ with it’s beautifully produced tremelo moment at 0:40 and ‘Serpent’s Kiss’ – blissful on all levels!

I look forward to seeing them with Dream Theater in the UK this autumn and hope but doubt that the PA system will cope. And I can only imagine that Zeus has got some really shit seats – apparently they’re up in the gods!

Conclusion

PARADISE FOUND

Like This? Try…

Dream Theater
Yngwie Malmsteen
Masterplan
Andy James (For The Guitars)
Children Of Bodom (Sometimes)