Symphony X - Twilight In Olympus

The latest album from the boys from Jersey, marks yet another step in their notable prog metal career. All of the monster riffs, soaring solos, grand themes and intense vocals that seem to define the genre are here in spades. And clocking in at 52:46, "Twilight In Olympus" shows a definite maturity that one would expect from a band of such notable talents. The shorter, tighter songs are packed with all the dynamics and incredible technique reminiscent of certain prog bands from Long Island circa 1986, while losing none of their own signature sound.

Gone are some of the neo-classical trappings of Michael Romeo's guitar work as he becomes more suited to the role of a true guitar virtuoso, blending his many influences seamlessly into his very own unique style without ever losing sight of the guitar's place in the context of the song.

Russell Allen never fails to amaze me. He's got the vote for vocalist of the year wrapped up in my book. Weaving effortlessly between soft ballads and all out metal arias, Allen pours emotion into everything he does and it shows. This guy just gets clearer on every album! As he continues to refine his incredible vocal talent, I wait with bated breath. Nice one, Russ!

Mike Pinella? Forget about it. One could easily pigeonhole him as a graduate from the Jens Johanssen School of Keyboarding, but being about one half of the songwriting team of Symphony X, he's clearly crucial to the overall sound and it shows. Not one to spend a lot of time on using 30 different sounds for every song, his simple keyboard setup allows him to execute his blazing runs with flawless precision.

I usually have to listen to a typical prog tune about four or five times before I feel I really heard all of it. And headphones are a must if you want to catch every nuance of the production. There are so many things going on in a Symphony X song at any given time that I am consistently amazed.

Notable tracks: Church of the Machine, Through the Looking Glass (phenomenal!) and Orion The Hunter.

The Bottom Line: One of the defining moments for me when I listen to a really good prog album like this is the uncontrollable urge to clench my fist and put my foot up on the coffee table like Bruce Dickinson and air-sing along with Allen, or otherwise, air-shred to Romeo's or Pinella's soloing. If you like any of Symphony X's previous stuff – get it! If you've never heard any of Symphony X's previous stuff, and you like your prog on the heavy side - get it! You won't be disappointed. :)

~Matt Gonzales

Album cover graphic blatantly ripped off from The Edge Of Forever website.