Symphony X thread!

[sirbradford117]

Sorry for the additional bump.  But we finally have the first glimpse of video from the Odyssey Project which I participated in earlier this month.  Here's our performance of "Fallen/Transcendence."  Me on the keys...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6h14QHgROg

[Birch Boy]

Damn that guy has a good voice.

[Vahvahenki]

Even though it's a preview, it sounds great. I'm looking forward to the final edit.

[NecessaryPain]

Cool vid. 

But damn, I was hoping for a SX new album update.

Jesus christ these guys have a serious lack of contact with their fans. How long have they been in the studio for now? Must be pushing a year.

[PlaysLikeMyung]

Cool vid. 

But damn, I was hoping for a SX new album update.

Jesus christ these guys have a serious lack of contact with their fans. How long have they been in the studio for now? Must be pushing a year.

Yeah it's been close to a year now...

[Rina]

Sorry for the additional bump.  But we finally have the first glimpse of video from the Odyssey Project which I participated in earlier this month.  Here's our performance of "Fallen/Transcendence."  Me on the keys...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6h14QHgROg

Bravo, that's seriously awesome. Good voice too. 

[sirbradford117]

Hopefully the guys who filmed it up will upload clips from the Odyssey itself soon.

Sometime by the end of May 2011 the entire show will be produced in DVD-quality and hopefully put onto YouTube.  Updates for you all as I get them.

[EPICVIEW]

These guys are incredible, I have seen them many times.. Romeo is a legend.

Id like them to break from their formula and do some different style already tho, that neo classic style is getting a bit dated, but I guess thats what they do, and what their fans sorta demand

[EPICVIEW]

Sorry for the additional bump.  But we finally have the first glimpse of video from the Odyssey Project which I participated in earlier this month.  Here's our performance of "Fallen/Transcendence."  Me on the keys...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6h14QHgROg

Bravo, that's seriously awesome. Good voice too. 

Kudos to you.. very nice

[LudwigVan]

Id like them to break from their formula and do some different style already tho, that neo classic style is getting a bit dated, but I guess thats what they do, and what their fans sorta demand

This seems to be a problem inherent to neo-classical metal.  Let's hope Symphony X don't end up painting themselves into a corner the way Yngwie did. 

[Global Laziness]

Let's hope Symphony X don't end up painting themselves into a corner the way Yngwie did. 

This is the second time I've heard that this week. What exactly do you mean by it?

[PixelDream]

They could choose to stay relevant, by keeping their music beautiful. I think most SX albums are beautiful, except for Paradise Lost. That's not beautiful, that's just bloated and too much of EVERYTHING.

I'd say, let RA do his thing (not 'harsh' all the time), let the fusion influences return in a cool way, and apply heavy riffs where needed. Make different rythm guitar sounds, not just that cold midi-ish Line6 sounds. Hell, MJR, get a tube amplifier instead of those ugly digital POD sounds. Get some of that MOJO goin' on. The band rules, lay off with the digitalism. Let the band shine.

[abydos]

Just let Twilight and V have sex and record the baby.

[PixelDream]

Just let Twilight and V have sex and record the baby.

Bettered my 'idea' in one sentence. Excellent.

If the next record is as brickwalled as PL, I'm afraid I won't even come around to listen to it. I'm just done with it, dynamics are one of the most important factors in music, even in heavy metal.

[EPICVIEW]

Id like them to break from their formula and do some different style already tho, that neo classic style is getting a bit dated, but I guess thats what they do, and what their fans sorta demand

This seems to be a problem inherent to neo-classical metal.  Let's hope Symphony X don't end up painting themselves into a corner the way Yngwie did. 

agreed... well said Ludwig

[Ħ]

I personally hope the new album is along the lines of PL.  I know I'm crazy but PL is one of my top 5 albums of all time.

[wolfking]

Yeha, I really enjoyed PL too, I'd be fine with the new record continuing in that direction. 

[LudwigVan]

Let's hope Symphony X don't end up painting themselves into a corner the way Yngwie did. 

This is the second time I've heard that this week. What exactly do you mean by it?

I don't mean to bash either the "neo-classical" genre or Yngwie, but if you take a hard look at YJM's musical career, it was defined by an initial HUGE splash and sensation (deservedly so) created by the mastery and genius of those first few albums with Sotto and JLT on vocals.  Quickly after that, however, it seems that his musical scope narrowed and his popularity waned, while he was increasingly viewed as a one-trick-pony who churned out repetitive albums of shredfest after shredfest.  It all comes across as rather one-dimensional and AC/DC-ish.  Not saying that the quality of Yngwie's more recent albums are poor, as there're tons of folks who greatly enjoy them, but they're just not relevant anymore. 

I like what Symphony X has done by building on what Yngwie started and expanding on the sub-genre.  Adding more of a keyboard element, using epic themes based on Milton and ancient mythologies/religions etc, exploring other classical composers besides Bach and Mozart (e.g. Holst), adding some proggy compositional elements and delving into longer song forms like The Odyssey.  That said, with their talent and technique, I think S-X could still do a whole lot more within the neo-classical sub-genre, pushing the envelope and maybe even stepping outside of the whole neo-classical thing.   

[Ultimetalhead]

I kind of think that's what Paradise Lost is. It's not focused on neo-classical elements at all. It's focused more on bone-crushing heaviness (Not a bad thing at all) than anything.

[Rina]

Yeha, I really enjoyed PL too, I'd be fine with the new record continuing in that direction. 

LOVED PL. 

[oh8wrx]

Absolutely LOVE Symphony X! Got meet-and-greet tickets (and concert tickets) for May at the Wiltern Theater in LA! I'm fully prepared to be impregnated with Russell Allen's child.  I can only imagine the scream that child will bear when it is first brought into this world.

Can't wait for the new album, should be out in a few weeks, eeeek!

Have to say, one of my favorite songs is from PL, "The Sacrifice" or "Domination"

[Elsydeon]

Absolutely LOVE Symphony X! Got meet-and-greet tickets (and concert tickets) for May at the Wiltern Theater in LA! I'm fully prepared to be impregnated with Russell Allen's child.  I can only imagine the scream that child will bear when it is first brought into this world.

Can't wait for the new album, should be out in a few weeks, eeeek!

Have to say, one of my favorite songs is from PL, "The Sacrifice" or "Domination"

I'm not quite sure about it being out in a couple weeks. I remember MJR mentioning in an update that it should be out around christmas, but I havent heard anything really official lately...

[Rina]

Absolutely LOVE Symphony X! Got meet-and-greet tickets (and concert tickets) for May at the Wiltern Theater in LA! I'm fully prepared to be impregnated with Russell Allen's child.  I can only imagine the scream that child will bear when it is first brought into this world.

Can't wait for the new album, should be out in a few weeks, eeeek!

Have to say, one of my favorite songs is from PL, "The Sacrifice" or "Domination"

Sacrifice is my favorite, LOVE that song.

[oh8wrx]

Absolutely LOVE Symphony X! Got meet-and-greet tickets (and concert tickets) for May at the Wiltern Theater in LA! I'm fully prepared to be impregnated with Russell Allen's child.  I can only imagine the scream that child will bear when it is first brought into this world.

Can't wait for the new album, should be out in a few weeks, eeeek!

Have to say, one of my favorite songs is from PL, "The Sacrifice" or "Domination"

I'm not quite sure about it being out in a couple weeks. I remember MJR mentioning in an update that it should be out around christmas, but I havent heard anything really official lately...

Maybe it's just wishful thinking.  Just excited about the new album and can't wait to see how his voice has developed.  If you listen to the first album til now, you can hear the transition.  He's a god.

I liked his stuff with Jorn Lande was good, same with the solo album but something about the way he carries his voice with SX...

[Elsydeon]

Absolutely LOVE Symphony X! Got meet-and-greet tickets (and concert tickets) for May at the Wiltern Theater in LA! I'm fully prepared to be impregnated with Russell Allen's child.  I can only imagine the scream that child will bear when it is first brought into this world.

Can't wait for the new album, should be out in a few weeks, eeeek!

Have to say, one of my favorite songs is from PL, "The Sacrifice" or "Domination"

I'm not quite sure about it being out in a couple weeks. I remember MJR mentioning in an update that it should be out around christmas, but I havent heard anything really official lately...

Maybe it's just wishful thinking.  Just excited about the new album and can't wait to see how his voice has developed.  If you listen to the first album til now, you can hear the transition.  He's a god.

I liked his stuff with Jorn Lande was good, same with the solo album but something about the way he carries his voice with SX...

I absolutely love his work with Ayreon and Arjen Lucassen(sp?) He has such a powerful voice it's so awesome

[oh8wrx]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-91MFzaolWc

Watch how Russell Allen just dominates.  Puts them to shame.

[Global Laziness]

Let's hope Symphony X don't end up painting themselves into a corner the way Yngwie did. 

This is the second time I've heard that this week. What exactly do you mean by it?

I don't mean to bash either the "neo-classical" genre or Yngwie, but if you take a hard look at YJM's musical career, it was defined by an initial HUGE splash and sensation (deservedly so) created by the mastery and genius of those first few albums with Sotto and JLT on vocals.  Quickly after that, however, it seems that his musical scope narrowed and his popularity waned, while he was increasingly viewed as a one-trick-pony who churned out repetitive albums of shredfest after shredfest.  It all comes across as rather one-dimensional and AC/DC-ish.  Not saying that the quality of Yngwie's more recent albums are poor, as there're tons of folks who greatly enjoy them, but they're just not relevant anymore. 

I like what Symphony X has done by building on what Yngwie started and expanding on the sub-genre.  Adding more of a keyboard element, using epic themes based on Milton and ancient mythologies/religions etc, exploring other classical composers besides Bach and Mozart (e.g. Holst), adding some proggy compositional elements and delving into longer song forms like The Odyssey.  That said, with their talent and technique, I think S-X could still do a whole lot more within the neo-classical sub-genre, pushing the envelope and maybe even stepping outside of the whole neo-classical thing.   

Wow, great explanation, thanks!

[LudwigVan]

I kind of think that's what Paradise Lost is. It's not focused on neo-classical elements at all. It's focused more on bone-crushing heaviness (Not a bad thing at all) than anything.

I agree that Paradise Lost is bone-crushing heavy... more brutal and harsh, which does step outside of what the band had been doing.  But I also think the album is a lot less imaginative than Twilight or V. 

PL has definitely split their fans into those that either loved it or hated it.  It'll be interesting to see which direction the new album takes. 

[bosk1]

I'm fully prepared to be impregnated with Russell Allen's child. 

I'm just curious.  How exactly does one prepare for that?

[Elsydeon]

I hear ones diet must consist completely of beer, steak, bacon and beer. 

[oh8wrx]

I'm fully prepared to be impregnated with Russell Allen's child. 

I'm just curious.  How exactly does one prepare for that?

Listening to Symphony X while drinking a bottle of Jack Daniels...straight.

[bosk1]

I'm fully prepared to be impregnated with Russell Allen's child. 

I'm just curious.  How exactly does one prepare for that?

Listening to Symphony X while drinking a bottle of Jack Daniels...straight.

  Then that means I'm fully prepared to be impregnated with Russell Allen's child too!  HALP!   

[oh8wrx]

I'm fully prepared to be impregnated with Russell Allen's child. 

I'm just curious.  How exactly does one prepare for that?

Listening to Symphony X while drinking a bottle of Jack Daniels...straight.

  Then that means I'm fully prepared to be impregnated with Russell Allen's child too!  HALP!   

If you have a working uterus and tits then I'd say you were.   

[PlaysLikeMyung]

Bosk1 is carrying Russell Allen's child. Pass it on

[bosk1]

I'm fully prepared to be impregnated with Russell Allen's child. 

I'm just curious.  How exactly does one prepare for that?

Listening to Symphony X while drinking a bottle of Jack Daniels...straight.

  Then that means I'm fully prepared to be impregnated with Russell Allen's child too!  HALP!   

If you have a working uterus and tits then I'd say you were.   

Well, yes, but they're in the other room fixing dinner.