| | Symphony X Odyssey CD Symphony X Discography of CDs
 (16 Customer Reviews)
Symphony X is certainly an anomaly: an '80s-style fantasy metal band who came along in 1994 (after Nirvana and Pearl Jam's success had seriously rearranged the rock landscape) and ended up acquiring a loyal Gen-X following (especially in Europe). In the '90s and 2000s -- a time when other young headbanger bands have embraced alternative metal and been influenced by punk, rap, and/or industrial -- Symphony X has maintained an unapologetically old-school outlook. And that old-school perspective remains on The Odyssey, which is a 2002 release but recalls the classic fantasy metal of '80s favorites like Queensr˙che, Yngwie Malmsteen, Ronnie James Dio, and Iron Maiden. A few of the riffs might bring to mind Metallica, a band that emerged in the '80s but has had a strong influence on alterna-metal combos of the '90s and 2000s. (Those who assert that Metallica eventually ended up becoming as influential as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Judas Priest aren't off base). But even if some of guitarist Michael Romeo's heavier riffs have a somewhat Metallica-ish punch, everything else about this ambitious CD underscores Symphony X's love of '80s fantasy metal. From the conceptual lyrics to the Euro-classical influence to the elaborate arrangements and melodies, The Odyssey is a 2002 release that wouldn't have been out of place in 1985. By early-2000s standards, this material sounds dated. But dated isn't necessarily a bad thing -- if you hold a particular era in high regard, dated can actually be a plus. And if you're the sort of die-hard fantasy metal enthusiast who still cannot get enough of Queensr˙che's Operation: Mindcrime, dated is certainly a plus on this album. That isn't to say that The Odyssey is in a class with Operation: Mindcrime; however, it is a respectable effort that will likely please those who have enjoyed Symphony X's previous releases. ~ Alex Henderson
Includes liner notes by Symphony X.
Personnel: Russell Allen (vocals); Michael Romeo (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, programming); Michael Pinnella (piano, keyboards); Jason Rullo (drums).
Audio Mixers: Michael Romeo; Steve Evetts.
Recording information: The Symphony X Dungeon.
Photographer: Eddie Malluk.
Symphony X: Russell Allen (vocals); Michael Romeo (acoustic & electric guitars, programming); Mike Pinnell (piano, keyboards); Michael Lepond (bass); Jason Rullo (drums).
Symphony X: Russell Allen (vocals); Michael Romeo (acoustic & electric guitars, programming); Mike Pinnella (piano, keyboards); Michael Lepond (bass); Jason Rullo (drums).
Odyssey Music Review Average Rating: (4.6 out of 5 stars)   List All Reviews Why can't DT be more like X
X as always has better vocals than DT and their songs aren't 10 plus minutes of sleep inducing bordom. As is always the case with concept CD's there aren't many songs that could stand on there own. I wish all metal bands would stop making these concept CD's. Concept CD's are usually a sign the song writer can't come up with original lyrics so he writes his lyrics following a story line that hundreds or in this case thousands of years old. Be original and write some fresh lyrics.
Submitted by JBL (Dallas) 
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 Stellar
Symphony X returns with a phenomenal effort equal to their previous best releases, Twilight in Olypmus and Divine Wings of Tragedy. More emphasis on heavy guitar rhythms than their last effort, V, which was too heavy on keyboards. As usual, every musician in the band is a virtuoso, including one of the best vocalists around. A must have for an 'X' fan as well of fans of Dream Theater and others in the genre
Submitted by a reviewer (Atlantic City, NJ)
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WOW.I'm impressed.
Took a chance and was surprised at how crisp and heavy they were.I compare them to Dream Theater with a real singer and a real "metal" edge.Recommending this to my generation of heavy metal enthusiasts.
Submitted by a reviewer (Tinley Park IL ,USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No Stunning
Symphony-X are ahead of the progresive metal pack and "Odyssey" cements their reputation for high quality music and songwriting. Reverting back to more guitar from the keyboard laden "V" this album is a must for anyone into high doses of high class prog metal!
Submitted by a reviewer (Chesterfield, England)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No Finally back to where they started
Symphony X owened us a really good album since The Damnation Game. This is certainly at the same level, creative and powerfull. Everyone who enjoys progressive metal will enjoy this album!!
Submitted by a reviewer (San Antonio, TX, USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No List All Reviews | Have you heard this album? |  |
Purchase Odyssey CD To buy, Click on price to add to cart | Symphony X V CD (2000)
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With her second CD, "Time Flies," Elizabeth Doyle adds great Chicago bass players to her distinctive vocals and piano. Steve Rodby (who plays with Pat Metheny), Jim Cox (one of Marian McPartland's sidemen), Rob Amster (bassist for Kurt Elling), Larry Gray (who played on Joe Williams' last recording) and actor/arranger/bass player, Bill Harrison assist on a jazzy mix of standards and originals. Composers represented on the recording are Duke Ellington, LaTouche & Moross, Tommy Wolfe, Michel LeGrand with Johnny Mercer lyrics (as well as the original French lyrics), Frank Loesser, Rodgers and Hart, Dave Frishberg, Irving Berlin, Stephen Sondheim, Jimmy Dorsey & Paul Madeira, as well as three original numbers by Doyle. Her current live show is "Dakota Blonde: The Lyrics of Peggy Lee" with an upcoming performance at the Skokie Theatre and other venues. Doyle was featured on Marian McPartland's NPR radio program "Piano Jazz" June 2008. May of 2008 found her at the Swan Bar in Paris. She made her New York show debut with "Hollywood Blondes" November 2007 at the Metropolitan Room. She was the 2007 recipient of an After Dark award for cabaret performance. During the six years she performed at Chicago's famous Pump Room, she garnered compliments from Randy Newman, Billy Joel, Maya Angelou, Cleo Laine and John Dankworth, Christopher Plummer, John McMartin, Marilyn McCoo, Jimmy Dean, and Frank Sinatra Jr. As a composer, her single songs have been featured in Chicago cabaret shows at the Bailiwick, the Arts Club, Royal George, the Mercury, the Theatre Building, Davenport's and Toulouse, as well as on Jim Rollins' CD, "Photographs On the Walls Of the Pump ...
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