Symphony X keeps getting better

From the Autumn 2002 issue.

The progressive metal quintet from New Jersey offers up their sixth and, quite possibly, their most aggressive album to date.

Monstrous riffs supplied by guitarist Michael Romeo are abundant on this disc, demonstrating that he is one of the guitarists that everyone should be talking about. With this album you also get to hear the incredible vocals of Russell Allen, one of the greatest metal singers of all time. Allen runs the gamut from brute force on "King of Terrors" to beautiful melodies on "Awakenings."

Also included is "The Accolade II," a continuation of a song from their third album, "The Divine Wings of Tragedy." Part Two might actually eclipse the first in terms of power and beauty, but make no mistake, the clear stand-out cut on this album is the title track.

"The Odyssey," which clocks in at just over twenty-four minutes, contains some of the most beautiful melodies the band has come up with, as well as some orchestral parts that would make John Williams proud.

Symphony X is one of those bands that continues to get better with each album they do, and "The Odyssey" is no exception.

Review by Gabriel Lopez. Gabriel is guitarist for Fractured Halo, and lives in Fallbrook, Calif.