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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: Mindflux on May 30, 2018, 08:15:28 AM

Title: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Mindflux on May 30, 2018, 08:15:28 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAZn3qx8RQc
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: bosk1 on May 30, 2018, 08:26:20 AM
Any idea who the other personnel are?
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Art on May 30, 2018, 08:28:00 AM
Sounds like Russell Allen singing... Romeo must've played the bass...

Anyway, awesome song!  :metal :metal
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: bosk1 on May 30, 2018, 08:30:48 AM
Sounds like Russell Allen singing...

???  No, it really doesn't.

In any case, pretty good song.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Adami on May 30, 2018, 08:32:51 AM
Any idea who the other personnel are?

Quote
Romeo recorded the bulk of the record over an 18-month period at his home studio with vocalist Rick Castellano, bassist John “JD” DeServio and drummer John Macaluso.

https://www.loudersound.com/news/symphony-x-guitarist-michael-romeo-to-release-war-of-the-worlds-solo-album
Title: Re: Symphony X thread!
Post by: Lethean on May 30, 2018, 08:33:06 AM
Doesn't sound like Russell Allen to me.  At least not a couple minutes into the track.  Could be someone sorta trying to sound like him.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: The Walrus on May 30, 2018, 08:40:12 AM
I think he sounds a bit like late 2000s RA, for sure. Not a carbon copy but I hear it. It's good stuff, can't wait to pick this up.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: mikeyd23 on May 30, 2018, 08:42:44 AM
Pretty cool track, I'll definitely check this out.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Ninjabait on May 30, 2018, 08:45:38 AM
Pretty good stuff, definitely sounds a lot like Symphony X but that's not surprising given that Romeo is pretty much the primary composer for the band. I'll probably check it out when it drops, but I'm not expecting anything earth shattering atm.

Also, are these super cybernetic lyric videos the biggest trend in prog metal right now? I've seen loads of them over the past couple of years. Ayreon, Epica, Haken, and now Michael Romeo all have done them in recent times and that's just off the top of my head.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Art on May 30, 2018, 09:00:43 AM
Yeah, i was way off with the singer  :blush :rollin :lol

Blabbermouth has some info:

https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/symphony-x-guitarist-michael-romeo-to-release-war-of-the-worlds-pt-1-solo-album-in-july/ (https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/symphony-x-guitarist-michael-romeo-to-release-war-of-the-worlds-pt-1-solo-album-in-july/)
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: bosk1 on May 30, 2018, 09:14:10 AM
I liked the song.  But as an added bonus, letting the YouTube link continue to autoplay led to a couple of songs by Amorphis, who I was not familiar with.  Good songs.  :tup  I may have to dig into them a bit more.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: The Walrus on May 30, 2018, 09:17:30 AM
I liked the song.  But as an added bonus, letting the YouTube link continue to autoplay led to a couple of songs by Amorphis, who I was not familiar with.  Good songs.  :tup  I may have to dig into them a bit more.

Skyforger is my favorite album. Some good melodic, heavy stuff there :2metal:
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Grappler on May 30, 2018, 09:18:07 AM
I liked the song.  But as an added bonus, letting the YouTube link continue to autoplay led to a couple of songs by Amorphis, who I was not familiar with.  Good songs.  :tup  I may have to dig into them a bit more.

Skyforger is my favorite album. Some good melodic, heavy stuff there :2metal:

 :metal SKYFORGER  :metal
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: kaos2900 on May 30, 2018, 09:23:21 AM
Loved it! Hear a little Dio in the singers voice. I'll be getting this.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Architeuthis on May 30, 2018, 03:25:08 PM
Wow, that was awesome!  Great sounding production too..
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: TAC on May 30, 2018, 03:49:05 PM
I'm not sold. I would need to hear more.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Adami on May 30, 2018, 05:04:40 PM
Sounds fine, but Romeo has become the Mark Tremonti of this genre. Every song (mostly) sounds good, but they all sound the same after a while.

It also feels like this happened...

Romeo: Hey guys, I wrote the next Symphony X album, here it is.

Pinella: Where are the keyboards?

Romeo: UGH Does it have to have keyboards?

Pinella.......yea?

Romeo: SOLO ALBUM IT IS
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: bl5150 on May 30, 2018, 05:15:56 PM
I like it .   I didn't find the song hugely memorable but the style/sound is certainly my thing.

In my case Youtube pushed me to this  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZs4NZ5BnJg

Okay with the sound down  :)


Sounds fine, but Romeo has become the Mark Tremonti of this genre. Every song (mostly) sounds good, but they all sound the same after a while.

It also feels like this happened...

Romeo: Hey guys, I wrote the next Symphony X album, here it is.

Pinella: Where are the keyboards?

Romeo: UGH Does it have to have keyboards?

Pinella.......yea?

Romeo: SOLO ALBUM IT IS

And yeah..........that's along the lines of what I was thinking when I said it wasn't all that memorable.    I'm up for a bare bones , hard rocking version of SX but I do hope there's some variety in there and he's not spreading his songwriting ideas too thin.  I thought Underworld was great btw.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: NoseofNicko on May 30, 2018, 06:56:46 PM
Nice. Definitely getting that album.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: abydos on May 31, 2018, 03:27:37 AM
I liked the song but overall it doesn't sound like a song that would be out of place on an SX album and I like it more than most I've heard from them since The Odyssey. The singer does sound a lot like Allen in his voice and style on this song. Hopefully the rest of the album sounds different because if not it makes little sense that it wouldn't be a SX album.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: jingle.boy on May 31, 2018, 04:30:15 AM
Liked it plenty on one listen.  Will definitely a spin when the album drops.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on May 31, 2018, 04:55:38 AM
Tracklist (& some of the track times) are up: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/war-of-the-worlds-pt-1/1384475346?app=itunes&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

1. Introduction
2. Fear The Unknown [4:20]
3. Black [6:18]
4. Fucking Robots
5. Djinn [7:28]
6. Believe
7. Differences
8. War Machine
9. Oblivion
10. Constellations

What track are you most excited for? I'm personnally looking forward to "Fucking Robots" :lolpalm:

Edit: also seems like we're getting the album July 27th. Mark your calendars.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on May 31, 2018, 07:36:09 AM
Sounds fine, but Romeo has become the Mark Tremonti of this genre. Every song (mostly) sounds good, but they all sound the same after a while.

It also feels like this happened...

Romeo: Hey guys, I wrote the next Symphony X album, here it is.

Pinella: Where are the keyboards?

Romeo: UGH Does it have to have keyboards?

Pinella.......yea?

Romeo: SOLO ALBUM IT IS

I feel like it was more of Romeo not wanting to wait for Russell Allen, especially what Allen has gone through recently.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: goo-goo on May 31, 2018, 08:01:58 AM
Sounds fine, but Romeo has become the Mark Tremonti of this genre. Every song (mostly) sounds good, but they all sound the same after a while.

It also feels like this happened...

Romeo: Hey guys, I wrote the next Symphony X album, here it is.

Pinella: Where are the keyboards?

Romeo: UGH Does it have to have keyboards?

Pinella.......yea?

Romeo: SOLO ALBUM IT IS

I feel like it was more of Romeo not wanting to wait for Russell Allen, especially what Allen has gone through recently.

Well, yes and no. In an interview before the Amob accident Allen said he was concentrating fully on Amob while Romeo would be working on his solo album. The accident might have pushed back the Symphony X stuff but not Romeo's music.

Sounds brutal (in a good way). I'm very excited for this one.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: The Walrus on May 31, 2018, 08:14:55 AM
Mike LePond himself said earlier this year (in January) that SX were meeting up to work on a new album that would hopefully be released at the end of this year or early next year. I don't think Russ is holding anyone up.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on May 31, 2018, 08:32:10 AM
Mike LePond himself said earlier this year (in January) that SX were meeting up to work on a new album that would hopefully be released at the end of this year or early next year. I don't think Russ is holding anyone up.

Guess they're meeting up soon if they want a release in that timeframe.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Architeuthis on May 31, 2018, 11:21:59 AM
That would be interesting, a SX album and DT14 being released around the same time.   We'd get a double dose of Prog metal which would be nice. I know it probably won't happen, but a co-headline tour of DT and SX would be epic if they released a new album simultaneously.  :metal
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Anxiety35 on May 31, 2018, 01:14:41 PM
Musically it sounds just like modern era Symphony X. Production wise, it sounds just like modern era Symphony X.  Its good. Will be good to listen to as we wait for another Symphony X release.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: ErHaO on May 31, 2018, 02:28:13 PM
Sounds awesome! Indeed very modern SX like, but I think modern SX is one of the best bands of the type of music they are aiming for (though classical SX is my preference). Vocals sound great.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 28, 2018, 10:14:05 AM
Listening to this album, I find it very good, it's very cinematic, like a soundtrack for a Marvel movie lol. I am loving it.

Anyone up to review it?
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on June 28, 2018, 08:15:40 PM
Listening to this album, I find it very good, it's very cinematic, like a soundtrack for a Marvel movie lol. I am loving it.

Anyone up to review it?

Uh, it's not out yet... :huh:
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: ErHaO on June 29, 2018, 12:37:11 AM
The track Djinn is up on streaming and I am loving it.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: NoseofNicko on June 29, 2018, 02:06:26 AM
Djinn is good, but the chorus sounds so damn familiar to me. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard it before.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Art on June 29, 2018, 06:12:33 AM
Djinn is pretty cool!
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 29, 2018, 08:07:05 AM
Listening to this album, I find it very good, it's very cinematic, like a soundtrack for a Marvel movie lol. I am loving it.

Anyone up to review it?

Uh, it's not out yet... :huh:

It’s not, but we got a promo copy.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Lethean on June 29, 2018, 08:41:25 AM
Listening to this album, I find it very good, it's very cinematic, like a soundtrack for a Marvel movie lol. I am loving it.

Anyone up to review it?

Uh, it's not out yet... :huh:

It’s not, but we got a promo copy.

So - that means what?  You're offering it to us in exchange for posting our opinions about the album?  Cool, why not?  :P  Or, are you asking random people on a DT forum to write an "official" review for whoever "we" are?  Just curious... :)
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 29, 2018, 11:49:12 AM
Listening to this album, I find it very good, it's very cinematic, like a soundtrack for a Marvel movie lol. I am loving it.

Anyone up to review it?

Uh, it's not out yet... :huh:

It’s not, but we got a promo copy.

So - that means what?  You're offering it to us in exchange for posting our opinions about the album?  Cool, why not?  :P  Or, are you asking random people on a DT forum to write an "official" review for whoever "we" are?  Just curious... :)

In the past I have done the same, in that way Rodrigo Altaf and Friedrich Stenzel (both members of DTF have had the chance to review albums and do interviews with band members of many bands and later we post such reviews/interviews in our online magazine.

Si, if anyone wants to do it with the Michael Romeo album said person should contact me privately to get the directions and the link to the album. Get it now?
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on June 29, 2018, 05:29:14 PM
DJINN is  :metal
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: abydos on June 30, 2018, 01:40:14 AM
The end part of the solo in Djinn, 3:56+ reminds me of a Dream Theater/JP solo I can't quite figure out. Is it just me?
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Adami on June 30, 2018, 02:22:49 AM
Intro reminds me of Shattered Fortress.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: wolfking on July 01, 2018, 05:52:18 AM
So, a Michael Romeo solo album that sounds just like Symphony X...............okay, take my money.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: wolfking on July 01, 2018, 05:58:06 AM
The end part of the solo in Djinn, 3:56+ reminds me of a Dream Theater/JP solo I can't quite figure out. Is it just me?

The solo is different but the whole thing reminds me of the short heavy solo in Ministry of Lost Souls

EDIT:  Actually, how about Illumination Theory?  I think that's it.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: ErHaO on July 01, 2018, 07:19:43 AM
Since I dig the two released tracks a lot, I just read the information and missed it was a two parter. Apparently the other part is almost ready as well, but will be released later so that people can soak the first one in.

And SX seems to be on track to do another album (next year?) as well, so suddenly we will see significantly more Romeo awesomeness than we have gotten in long time  :metal

So, a Michael Romeo solo album that sounds just like Symphony X...............okay, take my money.

Haha, yes, that seems to be basically it.

Don't know who it is, but the vocals sound mighty fine as well thus far. It is not like, say, Withem by members of Seventh Wonder, where I am really missing Tommy's vocals but the rest of the band sounds really similar.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: me7 on July 01, 2018, 08:02:18 AM
I've seen a lot of remarks how this is just SX with a different name, but to me this sounds more inspired than the past few SX albums.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Adami on July 01, 2018, 08:51:38 AM
I've seen a lot of remarks how this is just SX with a different name, but to me this sounds more inspired than the past few SX albums.

Then it sounds like inspired Symphony X with a different singer. 
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: ErHaO on July 01, 2018, 11:25:00 AM
I've seen a lot of remarks how this is just SX with a different name, but to me this sounds more inspired than the past few SX albums.

Well, it sounds similar to SX but that doesn't mean it is necessarily better or worse. If the album is full with this quality, I may actually prefer it to most SX albums. These tracks are some quality metal.

Black sounds totally like a SX track to me but Djinn differs a tad more, also reminding me a bit of DT, as others have mentioned.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 08, 2018, 08:27:17 PM
LotsOfMuzik interview with Michael Romeo, conducted by Rodrigo Altaf:

https://lotsofmuzic.weebly.com/home/i-wanted-the-orchestral-parts-to-be-overblown-with-a-lot-of-guitars-symphony-xs-michael-romeo-talks-to-lotsofmuzik-about-his-solo-album-war-of-the-worlds-part-i

 :metal
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: bl5150 on July 08, 2018, 08:35:48 PM
Cool interview  :tup
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on July 09, 2018, 05:22:29 PM
Cool interview  :tup

Thanks man! It would mean a lot to us if you guys shared it on Facebook, and/or liked our page: https://www.facebook.com/lotsofmuzik/

Metal and prog are dying genres, and we can only survive if you give us your support - it costs ZERO dollars to do it!
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: bl5150 on July 09, 2018, 05:46:14 PM
Done!
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Lethean on July 09, 2018, 06:11:35 PM
Could I suggest some proof reading for the content on that site?  It's just a little thing but could go a long way.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on July 09, 2018, 06:16:19 PM
Done!

Thanks!!!
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on July 09, 2018, 06:17:19 PM
Could I suggest some proof reading for the content on that site?  It's just a little thing but could go a long way.

Thanks man, and I agree. We're not native English speakers, but that's no excuse! We'll try to improve.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Mindflux on July 12, 2018, 08:52:02 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pL-Zn8HBKs

Album trailer
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: abydos on July 16, 2018, 12:47:12 AM
He looks like he's lost weight and is healthier. That's nice.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Mindflux on July 19, 2018, 08:31:27 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1G8NYx3ULk

"Fear the Unknown"
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: bosk1 on July 19, 2018, 08:51:43 AM
I like what I am hearing on this album.  My review is coming shortly.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on July 19, 2018, 09:37:37 AM
Cool interview  :tup

Thanks man! It would mean a lot to us if you guys shared it on Facebook, and/or liked our page: https://www.facebook.com/lotsofmuzik/

Metal and prog are dying genres, and we can only survive if you give us your support - it costs ZERO dollars to do it!
Is metal really a dying genre? Seems like metal is more mainstream than ever before. I would say prog in a way too but not as mainstream as metal I guess.

How we consume music is of course diffrent these days.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Dublagent66 on July 19, 2018, 11:39:35 AM
Cool!  :tup

Can't wait to get this Next Friday!  :2metal:
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on July 19, 2018, 07:50:55 PM
Cool interview  :tup

Thanks man! It would mean a lot to us if you guys shared it on Facebook, and/or liked our page: https://www.facebook.com/lotsofmuzik/

Metal and prog are dying genres, and we can only survive if you give us your support - it costs ZERO dollars to do it!
Is metal really a dying genre? Seems like metal is more mainstream than ever before. I would say prog in a way too but not as mainstream as metal I guess.

How we consume music is of course diffrent these days.

Michael Romeo seems to agree with me...have you read what he said in the interview?
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: NoseofNicko on July 19, 2018, 08:34:31 PM
Cool interview  :tup

Thanks man! It would mean a lot to us if you guys shared it on Facebook, and/or liked our page: https://www.facebook.com/lotsofmuzik/

Metal and prog are dying genres, and we can only survive if you give us your support - it costs ZERO dollars to do it!
Is metal really a dying genre? Seems like metal is more mainstream than ever before. I would say prog in a way too but not as mainstream as metal I guess.

How we consume music is of course diffrent these days.

Michael Romeo seems to agree with me...have you read what he said in the interview?

It doesn’t matter if Romeo agrees, metal is not a dying genre at all. Many great metal albums still come out every year.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on July 20, 2018, 07:11:36 AM
Cool interview  :tup

Thanks man! It would mean a lot to us if you guys shared it on Facebook, and/or liked our page: https://www.facebook.com/lotsofmuzik/

Metal and prog are dying genres, and we can only survive if you give us your support - it costs ZERO dollars to do it!
Is metal really a dying genre? Seems like metal is more mainstream than ever before. I would say prog in a way too but not as mainstream as metal I guess.

How we consume music is of course diffrent these days.

Michael Romeo seems to agree with me...have you read what he said in the interview?

It doesn’t matter if Romeo agrees, metal is not a dying genre at all. Many great metal albums still come out every year.
Yea I mean is there a better time too be a metal fan?

So many great tours, festivals and new albums every year. Sure everything is not for everyones taste but that's the thing, there's something for everyone.
I would say you get spoiled being a metal fan these days almost.  :biggrin:

Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Mindflux on July 24, 2018, 07:57:14 AM
Fear the Unknown solo play through:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNhdVufI7w4&feature=youtu.be&a
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 24, 2018, 09:06:38 AM
Bosk1 review of the album

https://lotsofmuzic.weebly.com/home/michael-romeos-war-of-the-worlds-pt-1-exceeds-expectations-by-bosk1

 :metal
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Architeuthis on July 24, 2018, 10:37:03 AM
Thanks for the great review Bosk,  I will definitely buy the album.  :tup
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: bosk1 on July 24, 2018, 10:46:09 AM
Cool.  Glad you found it to be a good read.  I tried not to be overly effusive, but it was hard not to.  This is just a fun and well done album all around.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Architeuthis on July 24, 2018, 11:24:01 AM
 I'm glad you mentioned it has some unexpected twists, and interesting to hear about the big ballad type song drawing the listener in. I think it's important that even metal albums should have that element in them.   I'm sure Michael Romeo kept in mind to not sound too much like SX. I really liked the single I heard from it so far.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: bosk1 on July 24, 2018, 01:49:48 PM
I'm sure Michael Romeo kept in mind to not sound too much like SX.

It was hard to articulate in detail, but there are definitely moments where it sounds A LOT like Symphony X.  I mean, there are plenty of times where songs were very derivative of the sound of V, or The Odyssey, or Paradise Lost.  But then other times where it was definitely way outside the box.  It is a good mix of both.  And yet, I somehow NEVER felt like I was listening to something that wasn't written by Michael Romeo.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: goo-goo on July 24, 2018, 02:27:35 PM
Romeo's guitar tone in the last 2-3 albums has been monstrous. Absolutely love it.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on July 24, 2018, 02:47:58 PM
Great review, bosk!!!
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on July 24, 2018, 08:46:14 PM
Fear the Unknown solo play through:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNhdVufI7w4&feature=youtu.be&a

That was one of the most impressive things I've seen a guitar player do. He doesn't even frown his eyebrows!!!

Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Adami on July 24, 2018, 08:51:55 PM
Fear the Unknown solo play through:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNhdVufI7w4&feature=youtu.be&a

That was one of the most impressive things I've seen a guitar player do. He doesn't even frown his eyebrows!!!

Technically, the dude is just scary talented. I just wish he was more diverse and didn't have basically 1 style. Luckily he nails that style amazingly well.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: wolfking on July 24, 2018, 10:28:41 PM
Fear the Unknown solo play through:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNhdVufI7w4&feature=youtu.be&a

That was one of the most impressive things I've seen a guitar player do. He doesn't even frown his eyebrows!!!

Technically, the dude is just scary talented. I just wish he was more diverse and didn't have basically 1 style. Luckily he nails that style amazingly well.

I have always thought this. Love listening to him play and his chops are out of this world but his playing can be quite one dimensional at times.  Although love everything he does guitar wise.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: abydos on July 25, 2018, 12:39:06 AM
Stumbled upon this guy on YT, he's doing some more in-depth analysis of Romeo's playing/riffs and techniques which is rather interesting to watch, at least for me. King of Terrors /metric modulation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgMGfsPhfJU
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: ErHaO on July 25, 2018, 02:00:14 AM
I'm sure Michael Romeo kept in mind to not sound too much like SX.

It was hard to articulate in detail, but there are definitely moments where it sounds A LOT like Symphony X.  I mean, there are plenty of times where songs were very derivative of the sound of V, or The Odyssey, or Paradise Lost.  But then other times where it was definitely way outside the box.  It is a good mix of both.  And yet, I somehow NEVER felt like I was listening to something that wasn't written by Michael Romeo.

Cool, that sounds like everything I want out of a (Romeo) solo project.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: a51502112 on July 25, 2018, 11:00:17 AM
Fear the Unknown solo play through:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNhdVufI7w4&feature=youtu.be&a

That was one of the most impressive things I've seen a guitar player do. He doesn't even frown his eyebrows!!!

His economy of motion is really impressive.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: abydos on July 25, 2018, 03:31:36 PM
Every time I see him in a video like that, he looks like he's thinking what he's going to have for dinner the day after while playing.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Architeuthis on July 26, 2018, 07:14:19 PM
Every time I see him in a video like that, he looks like he's thinking what he's going to have for dinner the day after while playing.
:lol
I do the same thing while I'm playing guitar. Jamming makes me hungry for some reason..
However, Michael Romeo's guitar chops take alot more energy to play than mine, so at least he has an excuse. I think I just fall into the starving musicians category.. 🍔🎶
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Zook on July 26, 2018, 09:10:12 PM
I took abydos' comment as he plays so effortlessly that he can be thinking about something completely different and not miss a beat.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: NoseofNicko on July 26, 2018, 09:54:38 PM
Well it definitely sounds a lot like Symphony X, but it’s no Symphony X. It has some great riffs, but it also has quite a few riffs that sound like recycled Symphony X riffs and the choruses are typical prog/power metal choruses. Most of the choruses sounded very familiar to me unlike most of Symphony X’s choruses. Not a bad album by any means, but I’m disappointed.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: abydos on July 27, 2018, 01:14:36 AM
I took abydos' comment as he plays so effortlessly that he can be thinking about something completely different and not miss a beat.
That's what I meant.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: me7 on July 27, 2018, 03:21:42 AM
Well it definitely sounds a lot like Symphony X, but it’s no Symphony X. It has some great riffs, but it also has quite a few riffs that sound like recycled Symphony X riffs and the choruses are typical prog/power metal choruses. Most of the choruses sounded very familiar to me unlike most of Symphony X’s choruses. Not a bad album by any means, but I’m disappointed.

I had hoped that this project would move away from the samey power metal sound of the last SX album. Hope I can find some free time on the next days to digest it.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on July 27, 2018, 03:48:18 AM
Guys, I'll be interviewing drummer John Macaluso, who played on Romeo's new album, next Thursday. Let me know if you have any questions for him! He's an interesting character, and has played with Symphony X when Jason Rullo had heart issues. He also played with LaBrie in one of his solo tours, and with Malmsteen and Ark.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: kaos2900 on July 27, 2018, 06:47:22 AM
Well it definitely sounds a lot like Symphony X, but it’s no Symphony X. It has some great riffs, but it also has quite a few riffs that sound like recycled Symphony X riffs and the choruses are typical prog/power metal choruses. Most of the choruses sounded very familiar to me unlike most of Symphony X’s choruses. Not a bad album by any means, but I’m disappointed.

I'm almost through my first listen and I would have to agree with this though I wouldn't say I'm disappointed since it's pretty much what I expected. Really reminds me of a direct sequel to Paradise Lost. I've going to give it a few more spins at work today but this is feeling like a 3/5 album. Good but really nothing special.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: goo-goo on July 27, 2018, 07:21:00 AM
My very first impression is that the album sounds like a blend of Avenged Sevenfold and Symphony X and leaned towards a more commercial sound..A lot of hooks and catchy melodies. Would love to hear an instrumental version of the album. There is a lot going on instrumentally. So far I'm digging it. Wish I can pull out that Romeo guitar sound. Absolutely love it.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: kaos2900 on July 27, 2018, 12:55:29 PM
3 solid listens.

Fear the Unknown, Black, Djinn, & Differences are all solid tunes with great riffs, solos, and vocal melodies. All of the rest did nothing for me or sounds like Symphony X b-sides. Being as I enjoyed 4/10 tracks I lower my ranking to 2/5.

Now time to move on to Redemption.  :metal
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: bosk1 on July 27, 2018, 12:57:09 PM
Robots sounds nothing like Symphony X.  What did you think of that one?
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: kaos2900 on July 27, 2018, 01:29:34 PM
Robots sounds nothing like Symphony X.  What did you think of that one?

I appreciate the experiment but Robots just didn't click with me.  Everything just seemed disjointed.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: abydos on July 27, 2018, 01:40:44 PM
I was living in a blissful amnesia at how godawful and farty dubstep like that is. Other than that the song is good, but I know I won't listen to it with that shit in, it makes my ears hurt.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: jingle.boy on July 27, 2018, 01:53:14 PM
Robots sounds nothing like Symphony X.  What did you think of that one?

Invariably, I'm going to make this a 9-track album in my library.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: bosk1 on July 27, 2018, 02:42:11 PM
Y'all are crazy.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: jingle.boy on July 27, 2018, 02:44:09 PM
Y'all are crazy.

Keep it on topic!   :biggrin:
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: TAC on July 27, 2018, 02:47:58 PM
Dropped the needle in a couple spots on Spotify.

Ordered! :metal
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: bosk1 on July 27, 2018, 03:23:51 PM
TAC, stop liking good music.  I'm not sure I can handle this newfound change.

Y'all are crazy.

Keep it on topic!   :biggrin:

Oops.  Sorry, boss.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Samsara on July 27, 2018, 03:55:06 PM
Dropped the needle in a couple spots on Spotify.

Ordered! :metal

Yep, I bought this and Redemption earlier this week just on a few samples and bosk's reviews. Should be in the mailbox when I get home.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: The Walrus on July 27, 2018, 03:56:10 PM
Listening to F*cking Robots on Spotify now, haven't heard anything else (can't even remember what the first single sounds like). I dig the electronic elements. I really do. It's nice to hear a metal guitarist actually bringing something new to the table. Gonna play this over the weekend, sounds very promising.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: jingle.boy on July 27, 2018, 04:44:00 PM
Listening to F*cking Robots on Spotify now, haven't heard anything else (can't even remember what the first single sounds like). I dig the electronic elements. I really do. It's nice to hear a metal guitarist actually bringing something new to the table. Gonna play this over the weekend, sounds very promising.

You roll anything even remotely similar to that in my Roulette, it's insta-elimination.

:bosk1:
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: bosk1 on July 27, 2018, 04:51:13 PM
Y'all are crazy.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: The Walrus on July 27, 2018, 05:22:07 PM
Listening to F*cking Robots on Spotify now, haven't heard anything else (can't even remember what the first single sounds like). I dig the electronic elements. I really do. It's nice to hear a metal guitarist actually bringing something new to the table. Gonna play this over the weekend, sounds very promising.

You roll anything even remotely similar to that in my Roulette, it's insta-elimination.

:bosk1:

 :lol Even better. Randy Newman every single round.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: jingle.boy on July 27, 2018, 05:38:15 PM
Listening to F*cking Robots on Spotify now, haven't heard anything else (can't even remember what the first single sounds like). I dig the electronic elements. I really do. It's nice to hear a metal guitarist actually bringing something new to the table. Gonna play this over the weekend, sounds very promising.

You roll anything even remotely similar to that in my Roulette, it's insta-elimination.

:bosk1:

 :lol Even better. Randy Newman every single round.

Key word right there.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Lethean on July 27, 2018, 05:53:43 PM
Is that the guy who does the Monk song?  Not a fan...
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: The Walrus on July 27, 2018, 06:11:02 PM
Is that the guy who does the Monk song?  Not a fan...

You'll be hearing him again shortly, methinks.  :biggrin: He does the 'You've Got A Friend In Me' song from Toy Story, the song Short People, a bunch of others... IAJOT is a good song to me but like many talented composers one song is not indicative of his style

Anyway... ROMEO! This guy shreds! Digging this album.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Lethean on July 27, 2018, 07:20:16 PM
Is that the guy who does the Monk song?  Not a fan...

You'll be hearing him again shortly, methinks.  :biggrin: He does the 'You've Got A Friend In Me' song from Toy Story, the song Short People, a bunch of others... IAJOT is a good song to me but like many talented composers one song is not indicative of his style

Anyway... ROMEO! This guy shreds! Digging this album.

Yeah, just .  don't.  If you do, everyone else will have a really hard time getting a 10 that round.

As for Romeo's album, I wouldn't know.  I'm on vacation. :P. Will be checking it and Redemption out a little late.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: bosk1 on July 27, 2018, 09:37:40 PM
Picked up my physical copy, and happy to be cranking it.  :metal
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: YtseJamittaja on July 28, 2018, 01:16:26 AM
Yeah, this sounds really SX for me, also F*cking Robots when you ignore those grumpy electric sounds. But I like it anyway, don't mind to compare these because Michael is the main composer anyways for SX and for this record.

I was wondering if this albums tells that SymX ever doing more albums or is Romeo moving with these solo albums now...
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: ErHaO on July 28, 2018, 06:38:36 AM
I am really digging it so far!
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: TAC on July 28, 2018, 05:50:02 PM
This album kicks ass. Just saying.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Adami on July 28, 2018, 05:56:04 PM
Gave it a first listen through today.

I dig it. Yes, about 95% of it could easily be a Symphony X album, but it's still well done. Good riffs, good vocals etc.

I appreciate him going all Skrillex on that Robots song, and I hope if he continues to write solo albums (which it looks like Part 2 is coming out) then I hope he incorporates more of that.

Similar to how I felt about Luca Turilli. His first solo album was essentially a Rhapsody album, but then his 2nd moved into a good unique direction. Hoping for the same here.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: TAC on July 28, 2018, 05:58:30 PM
Yeah, but I feel like this is tuned just a tad higher than the last couple Sym X albums, which I muchly prefer. Plus this doesn't have Russell Allen ruining it. If this guy sang for Sym X, I'd like them a lot more.


There's definitely no need for the NOMAC track though.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Zook on July 28, 2018, 06:17:48 PM
Yeah, but I feel like this is tuned just a tad higher than the last couple Sym X albums, which I muchly prefer. Plus this doesn't have Russell Allen ruining it. If this guy sang for Sym X, I'd like them a lot more.


There's definitely no need for the NOMAC track though.

(https://i.giphy.com/media/l1J9u3TZfpmeDLkD6/giphy.webp)
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: jingle.boy on July 28, 2018, 06:24:05 PM
I thought that the singer is trying damned hard to sound like Allen at times though.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on July 28, 2018, 08:08:45 PM
Yeah, this sounds really SX for me, also F*cking Robots when you ignore those grumpy electric sounds. But I like it anyway, don't mind to compare these because Michael is the main composer anyways for SX and for this record.

I was wondering if this albums tells that SymX ever doing more albums or is Romeo moving with these solo albums now...

More than half of part 2 is already recorded, and he's evaluating whether or not there will be a tour to promote part 1. And Symphony X is going to get back on track eventually, they're waiting for Russell to recover from the tragedy that struck AMob.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: TAC on July 28, 2018, 08:13:12 PM
they're waiting for Russell to recover from the tragedy that struck AMob.

???

Is he having emotional issues because of it? Not busting. It'd be totally understandable.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on July 28, 2018, 09:31:50 PM
they're waiting for Russell to recover from the tragedy that struck AMob.

???

Is he having emotional issues because of it? Not busting. It'd be totally understandable.

I think so, man...that was a traumatic experience for sure. He helped the rescue team and lost two friends. I think the only thing he's done since was a small tour with Trans Siberian Orchestra.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Zook on July 29, 2018, 05:17:17 AM
I'm not the only one hearing Star Wars references, right?
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: ErHaO on July 29, 2018, 05:47:18 AM
I'm not the only one hearing Star Wars references, right?

No, and it being a major influence for Michael wouldn't be surprising as Symphony X even recorded a Star Wars Suite back in the day.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Adami on July 29, 2018, 08:51:19 AM
I'm not the only one hearing Star Wars references, right?

Oh yea. Forgot that. Yes. Almost felt like it was note for note at times.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on July 29, 2018, 06:33:34 PM
John Williams is one of Romeo's idols, so it makes sense.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Adami on July 29, 2018, 06:55:47 PM
John Williams is one of Romeo's idols, so it makes sense.

Totally, but it got a little distracting.I was like "Oh cool melo....wait...is that Luke's theme or whatever?"

Doing famous classical pieces, like Symph X has done a billion times, is one thing because everyone does it. But Star Wars feels a bit different.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Dublagent66 on July 31, 2018, 03:14:00 PM
I like what I am hearing on this album.  My review is coming shortly.

I like what I'm hearing too.  I've had it since early Friday morning and spun it about 3 or 4 times now.  I'm curious, how many times did you listen to the album before you wrote the review?
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on August 02, 2018, 04:09:54 AM
Finally got around to this after coming down from Redemption's latest.

My thoughts on this album can best be described by the following:


Duplicate Thread
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=271.0
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: gzarruk on August 02, 2018, 11:33:25 AM
Finally listening to this album, and it is :metal

Sounds a lot like modern SX, and that's a good thing for me, since I prefer the last few albums (Iconoclast and Paradise Lost specially) over the earlier, more neoclassical albums. I really like the NOMAC robots thing he did too :lol
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: devieira73 on August 02, 2018, 12:31:58 PM
I also liked the album a lot. To me, also very much in the vein of the albums you mentioned (also my favorite SX phase), just with a bit of a different twist, like in F.. Robots, maybe a bit more poppy in places, or the really massive presence of the orchestration in all the album (which really works amazingly), but there isn't really nothing that it couldn't be in an album from SX IMO. Maybe the biggest surprise to me was the vocalist. I was expecting a Russel's clone, but he is really excellent and with a very versatile style.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Samsara on August 02, 2018, 01:05:31 PM
I am really enjoying this disc. I like SX, but I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan (I have several albums, but not all). But I am really diggin' Michael Romeo's record. The singer delivers a dynamic performance that really gels with what Michael is playing. Great stuff.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on August 03, 2018, 08:20:33 AM
Fn Robots is my fn jam! Awesome, awesome track. Who album is great. Fantastic transitions.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: ErHaO on August 03, 2018, 09:44:13 AM
Still loving it to bits, first week impressions are better than most SX albums, actually. And while it definitely could've been a SX album (undeniably Romeo music), I think a decent amount of the songs offer some distinct elements that make it feel fresh enough. The different sense of melody of the singer also adds to the freshness. And the album overall is more "cinematic" than modern SX albums. That combined with modern SX's satisfying guitar sounds, is a bliss to my ears. (In terms of classical elements I feel this is more akin to film soundtracks than older classical arrangements, which was the case for many of the older SX songs).

I wonder what the second part has in store for us. Wouldn't mind more of this, but also would like to see some more distinct songs like F'ing robots, which I really like. (I disagree with the notion that that song is just a SX song with dubstep slapped on it. First of all, it is such a major part of the DNA of that song, so it would be totally different without out it. Not really a point in "but without dubstep it is exactly SX", as that is like half of the song. Furthermore, it's structure and vocal melodies don't give me a "typical SX" vibe at all. Sure, there are the guitar sounds and obvious Romeo elements, but as a whole it sounds clearly different than anything SX has done.)
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: TAC on August 03, 2018, 06:49:08 PM
I am really enjoying this disc. I like SX, but I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan (I have several albums, but not all). But I am really diggin' Michael Romeo's record. The singer delivers a dynamic performance that really gels with what Michael is playing. Great stuff.

This is me.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: bl5150 on August 03, 2018, 10:03:18 PM
I am really enjoying this disc. I like SX, but I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan (I have several albums, but not all). But I am really diggin' Michael Romeo's record. The singer delivers a dynamic performance that really gels with what Michael is playing. Great stuff.

This is me.

I have only listened once but for now this is not me.   I enjoyed the album enough but found little that demanded a repeat listen.  Will give it another shot but on first go it's not even close to Underworld for me.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: NoseofNicko on August 03, 2018, 10:09:15 PM
I am really enjoying this disc. I like SX, but I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan (I have several albums, but not all). But I am really diggin' Michael Romeo's record. The singer delivers a dynamic performance that really gels with what Michael is playing. Great stuff.

This is me.

I have only listened once but for now this is not me.   I enjoyed the album enough but found little that demanded a repeat listen.  Will give it another shot but on first go it's not even close to Underworld for me.

Yeah. This is the most generic Romeo (including Symphony X) album so far.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: TAC on August 04, 2018, 06:22:56 AM
  I enjoyed the album enough but found little that demanded a repeat listen.  Will give it another shot but on first go it's not even close to Underworld for me.

Not sure what the staying power will be either. It's definitely enjoyable. It does get a little loopy 2/3rds of the way through with the symphonic elements.

I literally haven't listened to Underworld since it came out. I find Romeo is tuned just past my low threshold and well, I just don't connect in anyway with Russ Allen.

I really like the singer on this, and Romeo's guitar tone is much easier on my ears.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Architeuthis on August 06, 2018, 01:22:39 PM
Dang, I ordered it the day it was released. I called to see if it was in yet and it is still back-ordered, sigh! 😳 
You guy's are really making me want to hear this album.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: bosk1 on August 06, 2018, 01:51:30 PM
The entire thing is up on mascotlabelgroup's Youtube channel.  You can hear all of the songs there until you get your copy.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Adami on August 06, 2018, 05:15:55 PM
Really liked it on my 2nd listen.

I didn't retain much, but I liked it a lot in the moment.

The vocalist works really well over Romeo. So even though Romeo's style is basically identical to Symph X here (that War Machines track....I think....could have been directly from The Odyssey), the new vocals help give it some life.

Hoping Part 2 is more diverse.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: wolfking on August 13, 2018, 05:03:32 AM
Picked a copy up on the weekend, pretty damn good, but come on, besides Michael showing off his John Williams crush a little more than normal, this is a Symphony X album.  Michael really lacks diversity in what he can do lately.  So many points you can reference back to any Symphony X from Paradise Lost onwards.  He's lucky this recycled style is so good though or else I wouldn't be interested.

Djinn is awesome, that second solo (the Charon like one) crushes, so good.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on August 13, 2018, 05:18:53 AM
Picked a copy up on the weekend, pretty damn good, but come on, besides Michael showing off his John Williams crush a little more than normal, this is a Symphony X album.  Michael really lacks diversity in what he can do lately.  So many points you can reference back to any Symphony X from Paradise Lost onwards.  He's lucky this recycled style is so good though or else I wouldn't be interested.

Djinn is awesome, that second solo (the Charon like one) crushes, so good.


Yeah... Romeo is SX.. this is basically a SX album. And it's in their top 3 imo (with Divine Wings and V)
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: wolfking on August 13, 2018, 05:57:18 AM
Picked a copy up on the weekend, pretty damn good, but come on, besides Michael showing off his John Williams crush a little more than normal, this is a Symphony X album.  Michael really lacks diversity in what he can do lately.  So many points you can reference back to any Symphony X from Paradise Lost onwards.  He's lucky this recycled style is so good though or else I wouldn't be interested.

Djinn is awesome, that second solo (the Charon like one) crushes, so good.


Yeah... Romeo is SX.. this is basically a SX album. And it's in their top 3 imo (with Divine Wings and V)

I know that, and it is good.  I guess I find it difficult calling something a solo album when there is very little difference.  Perhaps more listens might change my views.  It's still excellent, not denying that at all.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on August 13, 2018, 08:07:53 AM
Just pure speculation but I kind of wonder if alot of his ideas might have been musical ideas for SX but ended up on his solo album instead. A mobs tragic accident might have scraped potential studio time for SX and it seem like Russell isn't ready yet so maybe he took those ideas and put it on his solo album. I mean he is the main songwriter in SX so it dosen't really matter eitherway if he uses his own ideas.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on August 13, 2018, 08:20:39 AM
Just pure speculation but I kind of wonder if alot of his ideas might have been musical ideas for SX but ended up on his solo album instead. A mobs tragic accident might have scraped potential studio time for SX and it seem like Russell isn't ready yet so maybe he took those ideas and put it on his solo album. I mean he is the main songwriter in SX so it dosen't really matter eitherway if he uses his own ideas.

This is 100% what I believe.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on August 13, 2018, 05:26:11 PM
Just pure speculation but I kind of wonder if alot of his ideas might have been musical ideas for SX but ended up on his solo album instead. A mobs tragic accident might have scraped potential studio time for SX and it seem like Russell isn't ready yet so maybe he took those ideas and put it on his solo album. I mean he is the main songwriter in SX so it dosen't really matter eitherway if he uses his own ideas.

This is 100% what I believe.

Wouldn't doubt that ..
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: NoseofNicko on September 15, 2018, 08:42:41 PM
Fuck what does the chorus of Djinn sound like? I swear I’ve heard it before, it’s driving me nuts. I can’t truly enjoy the song because the chorus sounds so damn familiar. A lot of parts on that album sound really familiar to me, but none does as much as that part.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on September 15, 2018, 10:17:32 PM
Fuck what does the chorus of Djinn sound like? I swear I’ve heard it before, it’s driving me nuts. I can’t truly enjoy the song because the chorus sounds so damn familiar. A lot of parts on that album sound really familiar to me, but none does as much as that part.

The pre-chorus to Bridges In The Sky maybe?

"Death survivor, take me higher..."
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Fritzinger on September 16, 2018, 02:31:05 AM
Strange, the music I have heard so far doesn't grab me at all... It sounds very much like Romeo/SX by numbers, but without the characteristic performances of his main band, especially Russel Allen. I loved Underworld, consider it one of the best albums by the band, but I am really not that excited for Romeo's solo album. I'll wait for the next SX album.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: wolfking on September 16, 2018, 04:27:18 AM
This album was really good and had lots of potential in the first few listens, but I've had no desire to go back and check it out since.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: ErHaO on September 16, 2018, 04:08:28 PM
I still love it, probably an album I will return to every now and then for the coming years. A great balance between classical elements and straight up metal, with some interesting twists to the songs here and there, topped of by the great vocals.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Architeuthis on September 17, 2018, 09:05:13 AM
I really enjoy listening to this album, nice tribute to Star Wars snippets throughout.  Love the vocals! Romeo really writes awesome stuff!  :metal
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on October 22, 2019, 04:58:07 AM
So uh... any news on Pt 2?

Apparently it's been "almost done" since the release of Pt 1, yet it's been over a year, & there's still no announcement for the continuation in sight. :'(
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 07, 2022, 08:37:22 AM
So uh... any news on Pt 2?

Apparently it's been "almost done" since the release of Pt 1, yet it's been over a year, & there's still no announcement for the continuation in sight. :'(


Quote
Michael Romeo releases video for "Divide & Conquer" – the first single from upcoming album ‘War of the World’s, Part 2’!
 
The album is due out March 25th, 2022.
 
Pre-Order starts today!

Watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/nBYM6Z9NMMg

Michael Romeo on his new solo album:
"I'm really excited to finally release the new solo album, ‘War of the Worlds, Part 2’. After many delays, lockdowns, new variants, etc... ha! It looks like things are getting back on track. I'm hoping this new music will put some smiles on some faces in these uncertain times. My best wishes to everyone for 2022!"
 
Director Wayne Joyner on making the video:
“Working on videos for Michael Romeo is such an amazing privilege and pleasure. I still feel like that 16-year-old kid jamming out to his shredding. Now I get work with a hero. How cool is that!! Total honor in every sense of the word!“ 

‘WAR OF THE WORLDS PT. 2’ is now available for pre-order as:

•    180g black 2LP Gatefold
•    Ltd. 2CD PocketPak (incl. Instrumental version of the album)
•    Digital Album

Pre-order the album here: https://michaelromeo.lnk.to/WarOfTheWorldsPt2
 
 Tracklisting:
 1.Introduction - Part II (2:37)
2.Divide & Conquer (4:46)
3.Destroyer (5:34)
4.Metamorphosis (5:53)
5.Mothership (2:23)
6.Just Before the Dawn (5:01)
7.Hybrids (6:14)
8.Hunted (4:32)
9.Maschinenmensch (9:03)
10.Parasite (4:33)
11.Brave New World (Outro) (3:36)
 
Bonus Tracks:
12.The Perfect Weapon (7:41)
13.Alien DeathRay (4:31)
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Fritzinger on January 07, 2022, 08:42:22 AM
Listened to the new single. Sounds exactly how you would expect it to sound. Exactly. The chorus is very strong. Romeo just knows how to write catchy hooks! The singer sounds a bit like Russel Allen, Dio and Chris Cornell had a baby (sorry now you all have to live with this image in your mind). Romeo can still play like a maniac. But overall I find this style of prog metal... I don't know... outdated? I'm not sure how to put it. It's very well done, but I have discovered lots of newer prog metal over the last year and a half (Leprous, TesseracT) and those artists just sound more modern and refreshing to me.

Ah well, I will listen to this album and try to listen with fresh ears, so let's see  :)
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Adami on January 07, 2022, 08:51:39 AM
Yup, it's a Symphony X song.

Also your description of the singer is spot on, though I really wish he kept the last guy, it was nice to have something a LITTLE different, this just Symphony X with a Russell Allen lite singer.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 07, 2022, 08:56:02 AM
Listened to the new single. Sounds exactly how you would expect it to sound. Exactly. The chorus is very strong. Romeo just knows how to write catchy hooks! The singer sounds a bit like Russel Allen, Dio and Chris Cornell had a baby (sorry now you all have to live with this image in your mind). Romeo can still play like a maniac. But overall I find this style of prog metal... I don't know... outdated? I'm not sure how to put it. It's very well done, but I have discovered lots of newer prog metal over the last year and a half (Leprous, TesseracT) and those artists just sound more modern and refreshing to me.

Ah well, I will listen to this album and try to listen with fresh ears, so let's see  :)

This must be a first, YOU listening to a single!!  :lol

Your description of the singer is spot on, man, I swear I thought it was RA after listening to it, but now that I read your post I said, what, is not RA? LOL
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: jingle.boy on January 07, 2022, 09:40:26 AM
metal-archives.com says it's Dino Jelusic on vox??  I'm fine with this.

And yeah, this is everything I'd want/expect out of a MR/S-X track.  Me likey
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Zook on January 07, 2022, 10:19:19 AM
Whitesnake is metal as fuck!
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 07, 2022, 10:47:26 AM
Good song, but way too similar to the first album - which I loved, by the way, but I was expecting some kind of progression in the sound. I did like the vocals a lot, and have high hopes for this album.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: DTwwbwMP on January 07, 2022, 10:48:27 AM
Why not just do this as SX? I mean, it certainly sounds like RA and SX!
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 07, 2022, 10:53:14 AM
Why not just do this as SX? I mean, it certainly sounds like RA and SX!

I'm sure they're working on something. The material for this album was almost all written when Romeo's first album was done. He released this album becausa Russell was still in shock with the Adrenaline Mob accident and Romeo wanted to release SOMETHING to keep busy.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 07, 2022, 11:02:37 AM
Good song, but way too similar to the first album - which I loved, by the way, but I was expecting some kind of progression in the sound. I did like the vocals a lot, and have high hopes for this album.

The artwork for part 2 is the same as part 1 with only PART 2 written on it. So, yeah, this one won't be too different than the previous one. Plus, if I recall correctly the "new one" was written during the sessions of the 1st one
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Architeuthis on January 07, 2022, 11:04:21 AM
The new track is good, but I like the singer way wayyyyy better on the first album.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: wolfking on January 07, 2022, 01:48:32 PM
Its the exact same thing over again, and its even more or a SX song clone than ever.  A bit disappointing if you ask me.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Melphina on January 07, 2022, 02:29:29 PM
Its the exact same thing over again, and its even more or a SX song clone than ever.  A bit disappointing if you ask me.

This is why I like it so much honestly.  Can't stand SX pre Paradise Lost and I LOVE this new track!
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 07, 2022, 02:29:55 PM
Good song, but way too similar to the first album - which I loved, by the way, but I was expecting some kind of progression in the sound. I did like the vocals a lot, and have high hopes for this album.

The artwork for part 2 is the same as part 1 with only PART 2 written on it. So, yeah, this one won't be too different than the previous one. Plus, if I recall correctly the "new one" was written during the sessions of the 1st one

Yeah the similarly in the album covers bothered me too.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on January 07, 2022, 02:58:53 PM
It seems the album has been delayed since this was posted in the SX thread.  :-\ Oh well, March 25 it is

News on Michael Romeo's new album:

Quote
InsideOutMusic is pleased to announce the signing of legendary Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo , for the release of his upcoming album ‘War of the Worlds, Part II’.  The follow up to his 2018 album ‘War of the Worlds, Part 1’, will be released on Feb 4th, 2022.
For WOTW2, Romeo welcomed a couple of returning players – drummer John Macaluso and bassist John “JD” DeServio – but the album marks the first time he worked with Croatian singer Dino Jelusick. “I go way back with John and JD, so they were the obvious choices, but this time I wanted to try something different with the vocals”, Romeo says. “Dino came highly recommended, and he totally nailed it! He really brought an exciting element to the music.”
The new album proves again, that Michael Romeo is one of the most renowned songwriters in progressive metal. His new studio effort is a mind-blowing return that till take every progressive metal enthusiast on a journey!
Get a taste of the new album here: https://youtu.be/sUbAtYWReig
#MICHAELROMEO #SYMPHONYX #PROG #METAL #DINOJELUSIC #JOHNDESERVIO #JOHNMACALUSO

(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/s1080x2048/246646847_10159881444675439_6637773838801708893_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=hFS_2TEMqocAX_2Coh1&_nc_ht=scontent-vie1-1.xx&oh=f25884b4025c3682ba7a0ebb469f7c56&oe=61922D3C)

Snippet sounds exactly how you'd think it would sound. But that chorus is great.

I wonder why he can't release these compositions with his main band. He was always the main composer of the band anyway.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 07, 2022, 03:58:36 PM
It seems the album has been delayed since this was posted in the SX thread.  :-\ Oh well, March 25 it is

News on Michael Romeo's new album:

Quote
InsideOutMusic is pleased to announce the signing of legendary Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo , for the release of his upcoming album ‘War of the Worlds, Part II’.  The follow up to his 2018 album ‘War of the Worlds, Part 1’, will be released on Feb 4th, 2022.
For WOTW2, Romeo welcomed a couple of returning players – drummer John Macaluso and bassist John “JD” DeServio – but the album marks the first time he worked with Croatian singer Dino Jelusick. “I go way back with John and JD, so they were the obvious choices, but this time I wanted to try something different with the vocals”, Romeo says. “Dino came highly recommended, and he totally nailed it! He really brought an exciting element to the music.”
The new album proves again, that Michael Romeo is one of the most renowned songwriters in progressive metal. His new studio effort is a mind-blowing return that till take every progressive metal enthusiast on a journey!
Get a taste of the new album here: https://youtu.be/sUbAtYWReig
#MICHAELROMEO #SYMPHONYX #PROG #METAL #DINOJELUSIC #JOHNDESERVIO #JOHNMACALUSO

(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/s1080x2048/246646847_10159881444675439_6637773838801708893_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=hFS_2TEMqocAX_2Coh1&_nc_ht=scontent-vie1-1.xx&oh=f25884b4025c3682ba7a0ebb469f7c56&oe=61922D3C)

Snippet sounds exactly how you'd think it would sound. But that chorus is great.

I wonder why he can't release these compositions with his main band. He was always the main composer of the band anyway.

Because of Russell.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on January 07, 2022, 04:11:54 PM
It seems the album has been delayed since this was posted in the SX thread.  :-\ Oh well, March 25 it is

News on Michael Romeo's new album:

Quote
InsideOutMusic is pleased to announce the signing of legendary Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo , for the release of his upcoming album ‘War of the Worlds, Part II’.  The follow up to his 2018 album ‘War of the Worlds, Part 1’, will be released on Feb 4th, 2022.
*snip*

Snippet sounds exactly how you'd think it would sound. But that chorus is great.

I wonder why he can't release these compositions with his main band. He was always the main composer of the band anyway.

Because of Russell.

Are you responding to me (to explain the delay) or the Fritzinger post I quoted (to explain why he doesn't release it as SX)?
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 07, 2022, 04:27:13 PM
Sorry, it was to Fritzinger.

I didn't know about the postponement. Yeah, they were late in releasing that single, with less than a month for the initial intended release date!
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Polarbear on January 08, 2022, 07:30:51 AM
I listened to the new Michael Romeo single out of curiosity!

It was a pretty good Symphony X song. :biggrin: It sounds exactly like SymX, and even has a Russel Allen clone singing in it. Honestly I really thought it was Russel at first, and had to double check to be sure it really wasn't him.

Why not use Russel instead? I'm sure he isn't too busy nowadays..
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Architeuthis on January 08, 2022, 10:50:28 AM
Sounds nothing like Russel to me.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Zook on January 08, 2022, 11:04:49 AM
Sounds like a mix of the Firewind singer from the Allegiance album and David Coverdale.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Melphina on January 08, 2022, 11:32:06 AM
I don't know anything about Dino outside of this but he sounds exactly 100% like Russ to me.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 08, 2022, 02:55:30 PM
I listened to the new Michael Romeo single out of curiosity!

It was a pretty good Symphony X song. :biggrin: It sounds exactly like SymX, and even has a Russel Allen clone singing in it. Honestly I really thought it was Russel at first, and had to double check to be sure it really wasn't him.

Why not use Russel instead? I'm sure he isn't too busy nowadays..

When it was time to do another Symphony X album, Russell was still recovering from the Adrenaline Mob accident. Romeo then signed a deal for two albums, and recorded almost everything at once. When the first one came out I interviewed him and the drummer of these albums, John Macaluso, and both mentioned that part II was already 75% done. I think Symphony X is working on a new album, and have the best intentions to continue their anniversary tour, covid allowing. The timing for this second Romeo album is a little bit off, but I'll take it for what it is. He's a perfectionist, and wouldn't want to tour to promote this album unless the orchestral parts - of which there are many - could be played by an orchestra. So it's highly unlikely that he will play this material live in any capacity.

About the vocals, it seems he can never get it right, in the minds of the fans. When the first one came out, I read a lot of "yeah, cool album, but the vocals are way too different from Russell's, and I always associate this type of music with Russel Allen". Now he has Dino, who can pretty much sing ANYTHING, and people are complaining that he's sounding too much like Russell...

 Here's Dino doing a song from a short-lived project called Stone Leaders, which was spearheaded by John MAcaluso, and sounds a lot like Ark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWR_EyFa_nc

 Also, Dino was part of Dirty Honey, a project with George Lynch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9cPMNI4JS0

 He also created this - what if a LTE siong had vocals? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeMCAOIXPxA
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: TAC on January 08, 2022, 03:02:35 PM
I bought the first one, and I might've listened to it once.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: wolfking on January 08, 2022, 03:09:44 PM
I bought the first one, and I might've listened to it once.

I got it too.  I thought it was great for a couple of spins but it had no real lasting power for me.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Glasser on January 08, 2022, 05:21:05 PM
Any idea who the other personnel are?

Dino Jelusick  vocals, James Deservio (Zakk Wylde,  Vinnie Moore) bass. John Macaluso drums.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: TAC on January 08, 2022, 05:25:46 PM
Any idea who the other personnel are?

Dino Jelusick  vocals, James Deservio (Zakk Wylde,  Vinnie Moore) bass. John Macaluso drums.



Wow. 4 years for the answer. Better late than never I guess. :lol
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Glasser on January 08, 2022, 05:28:37 PM
Any idea who the other personnel are?

Dino Jelusick  vocals, James Deservio (Zakk Wylde,  Vinnie Moore) bass. John Macaluso drums.



Wow. 4 years for the answer. Better late than never I guess. :lol

Holy crap. I thought this was for his new one, just saw the 2018! Sorry  :rollin :rollin :rollin
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: wolfking on January 09, 2022, 02:13:25 AM
Any idea who the other personnel are?

Dino Jelusick  vocals, James Deservio (Zakk Wylde,  Vinnie Moore) bass. John Macaluso drums.

You forgot Michael Romeo on guitar.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on January 09, 2022, 03:49:31 AM
Any idea who the other personnel are?

Dino Jelusick  vocals, James Deservio (Zakk Wylde,  Vinnie Moore) bass. John Macaluso drums.

You forgot Michael Romeo on guitar.
:lol
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: jingle.boy on January 09, 2022, 06:02:26 AM
Really not sure about all the hate for Dino on the mic.  I think he's great.

:dunno:
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on January 09, 2022, 06:45:52 AM
Really not sure about all the hate for Dino on the mic.  I think he's great.

:dunno:
He's awesome if you ask me.  :metal

Not many people can sing the way Russell and Dino do.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Architeuthis on January 09, 2022, 10:48:39 AM
Really not sure about all the hate for Dino on the mic.  I think he's great.

:dunno:
I don't hate Dino on the mic, in fact he's really good. I'm just more of a fan of the cleaner tone vocals on part 1.
I'm sure Dino will grow on me when I hear part 2 in the context of the whole album. I'll definitely give it a fair shake.
I can't remember the singers name on WOTW pt 1, but I thought he was excellent!  :metal
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Glasser on January 09, 2022, 02:38:03 PM
Any idea who the other personnel are?

Dino Jelusick  vocals, James Deservio (Zakk Wylde,  Vinnie Moore) bass. John Macaluso drums.

You forgot Michael Romeo on guitar.


No I didn't, there is no guitar. Dino does the guitar with his voice. Its a Van Canto tribute.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: wolfking on January 09, 2022, 02:46:36 PM
Any idea who the other personnel are?

Dino Jelusick  vocals, James Deservio (Zakk Wylde,  Vinnie Moore) bass. John Macaluso drums.

You forgot Michael Romeo on guitar.


No I didn't, there is no guitar. Dino does the guitar with his voice. Its a Van Canto tribute.

I can see why people don't like Dino then.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Glasser on January 09, 2022, 02:48:52 PM
Any idea who the other personnel are?

Dino Jelusick  vocals, James Deservio (Zakk Wylde,  Vinnie Moore) bass. John Macaluso drums.

You forgot Michael Romeo on guitar.


No I didn't, there is no guitar. Dino does the guitar with his voice. Its a Van Canto tribute.

I can see why people don't like Dino then.

 :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: ErHaO on January 10, 2022, 05:04:29 AM
New song is good and the vocalist does a solid job.

But I will say my preference too lies with the cleaner approach of pt.1. That felt like the earlier Symphony X approach to vocals (though sounding different than Russel) with modern Sympony X music (with some interesting deviations).

But Dino's grit does sound really good and I am confident this will be a highly enjoyable album.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Lowdz on January 11, 2022, 02:59:11 PM
Dino is go8ng to be the new Ronnie Romero - he’ll be on everything.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: wolfking on January 11, 2022, 03:12:05 PM
Dino is go8ng to be the new Ronnie Romero - he’ll be on everything.

I admit I only knew of him from the last Magnus Karlsson album, but he's pretty damn good on that.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: gzarruk on January 11, 2022, 03:29:37 PM
I think Dino is a phenomenal singer, but I really don't like the gritty vocals approach too much. He was on one song on the Felipe Andreoli album and I much much much prefered the instrumental version.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Glasser on January 11, 2022, 07:23:32 PM
Animal Drive and Dirty Shirley are amazing!!! Dino puts the “n” in Dio for sure.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Lowdz on January 14, 2022, 01:50:11 AM
Dirty Shirley was great.

Have you heard the video Dino did where he put vocals on LTE’s Paradigm Shift? That convinced me he was the real deal.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Glasser on January 14, 2022, 03:39:59 PM
Dirty Shirley was great.

Have you heard the video Dino did where he put vocals on LTE’s Paradigm Shift? That convinced me he was the real deal.

No but I would love to hear that......
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 14, 2022, 05:52:21 PM
Dirty Shirley was great.

Have you heard the video Dino did where he put vocals on LTE’s Paradigm Shift? That convinced me he was the real deal.

No but I would love to hear that......


I posted on this thread. Here it goes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeMCAOIXPxA
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: jingle.boy on January 16, 2022, 05:54:56 AM
Dirty Shirley was great.

Have you heard the video Dino did where he put vocals on LTE’s Paradigm Shift? That convinced me he was the real deal.

Yeah, this was great.  It was the cover of Immigrant Song that captured me.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yoz_I7ljLc.  The Stormbringer cover (with Joel Hoekstra and Virgil Donati) is pretty dope too.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: MinistroRaven on February 16, 2022, 11:03:45 AM
Today, you can see the video for “Metamorphosis,” the second single to be released from
‘War of the Worlds, Part II.’

Watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/V0vu7Ah6pfo
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Adami on February 16, 2022, 11:06:57 AM
Pretty typical Symphony X song. Sounds like it could've come right off whatever their last album was.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 16, 2022, 08:19:41 PM
Pretty typical Symphony X song. Sounds like it could've come right off whatever their last album was.

It could, but it didn't. You do know why Romeo is releasing a solo album, right?
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Adami on February 16, 2022, 08:55:34 PM
Pretty typical Symphony X song. Sounds like it could've come right off whatever their last album was.

It could, but it didn't. You do know why Romeo is releasing a solo album, right?

Yes.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: jingle.boy on February 17, 2022, 06:35:12 AM
Pretty typical Symphony X song. Sounds like it could've come right off whatever their last album was.

That sure ain't a bad thing, imo.  Underworld was incredible - again, imo.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: ErHaO on February 17, 2022, 06:52:59 AM
New song is solid, I hope the album has a couple of less typical songs as well (which pt.1 did have), but more modern Symphony X is never a bad thing for me.

Really not sure about all the hate for Dino on the mic.  I think he's great.

:dunno:

I don't think there is any hate, just a preference that some have and it was the first single so you get comparisons.

This guy sounds great for sure!
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Adami on February 17, 2022, 07:18:08 AM
Pretty typical Symphony X song. Sounds like it could've come right off whatever their last album was.

That sure ain't a bad thing, imo.  Underworld was incredible - again, imo.

I get that. It is a good album, was just listening to some of it on my drive to work this morning.

I think it's cause we got a tease of something a BIT more different from Pt. 1 and I see this as a regression by trying even harder to sound like Symph X.

It'd be like if DT (or any band) plays a show with a bunch of rare b-sides and then immediately goes back to playing their hits. Sure, we like their hits, but I got pretty excited by the prospect of something different only to be given the familiar again.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: wolfking on February 17, 2022, 02:55:08 PM
I'm finding it difficult to give a shit about this album.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 17, 2022, 07:32:08 PM
I'm finding it difficult to give a shit about this album.

I got the album today,  and will talk to Michael next Tuesday. My first impression is that it's even stronger than the first one,  and it has a few callbacks to the themes and melodies of Part 1. I haven't listened to the bonus tracks yet, but I'll get to that tomorrow.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Dublagent66 on February 21, 2022, 03:28:58 PM
Dino sounds similar to Allen, but you can still tell the difference.  I like it.  :tup
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 21, 2022, 06:15:43 PM
Dino sounds similar to Allen, but you can still tell the difference.  I like it.  :tup

He's giving all he's got on this album. To me, this is a serious contender for album of the year!
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Bluefish on February 21, 2022, 06:34:21 PM
I already preordered it. I like the song and like this singer better than the one from War of the Worlds // PT. 1.  I wish he would release a new Symphony X album.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Zook on February 27, 2022, 11:31:50 AM
I'm finding it difficult to give a shit about this album.

I got the album today,  and will talk to Michael next Tuesday. My first impression is that it's even stronger than the first one,  and it has a few callbacks to the themes and melodies of Part 1. I haven't listened to the bonus tracks yet, but I'll get to that tomorrow.

Ask him if he has anything special planned for the 20th Anniversary of The Odyssey, like maybe a new mix with a real orchestra.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Adami on February 27, 2022, 11:36:16 AM
I'm finding it difficult to give a shit about this album.

I got the album today,  and will talk to Michael next Tuesday. My first impression is that it's even stronger than the first one,  and it has a few callbacks to the themes and melodies of Part 1. I haven't listened to the bonus tracks yet, but I'll get to that tomorrow.

Ask him if he has anything special planned for the 20th Anniversary of The Odyssey, like maybe a new mix with a real orchestra.

As awesome as that would be, I have no idea how they would afford that. I'm not even sure how they afford to do what they already do. Their album sales are likely rather insignificant and they rarely seem to tour. How the hell are they making money?
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 27, 2022, 01:21:05 PM
I already spoke with him, so I couldn't ask that. And about how they make money - that's a VERY good question. I have a feeling that the guys in Symphony X have different priorities, and different opinions about how the band should be treated. I'm pretty sure that Russell would like it to be a more steady band, whereas others see it as a side gig. Romeo does soundtracks and has his studio, and I believe the majority of his income comes from that. Unfortunately, he's the main writer in Symphony X, so the others have to walk at his pace. That's just my take anyway, don't take it as truth.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Glasser on February 27, 2022, 02:33:02 PM
I already spoke with him, so I couldn't ask that. And about how they make money - that's a VERY good question. I have a feeling that the guys in Symphony X have different priorities, and different opinions about how the band should be treated. I'm pretty sure that Russell would like it to be a more steady band, whereas others see it as a side gig. Romeo does soundtracks and has his studio, and I believe the majority of his income comes from that. Unfortunately, he's the main writer in Symphony X, so the others have to walk at his pace. That's just my take anyway, don't take it as truth.

I will ask him today. They rely on touring and selling merch and yes Mike has other outlets of income. Truth.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 27, 2022, 03:44:06 PM
I already spoke with him, so I couldn't ask that. And about how they make money - that's a VERY good question. I have a feeling that the guys in Symphony X have different priorities, and different opinions about how the band should be treated. I'm pretty sure that Russell would like it to be a more steady band, whereas others see it as a side gig. Romeo does soundtracks and has his studio, and I believe the majority of his income comes from that. Unfortunately, he's the main writer in Symphony X, so the others have to walk at his pace. That's just my take anyway, don't take it as truth.

I will ask him today. They rely on touring and selling merch and yes Mike has other outlets of income. Truth.

Oh cool,  you'll interviewing him as well? That's awesome! And yeah  no wonder Lepond has a million bands, and Russell does other stuff too. Jason had a food truck at one point,  but he stopped.  And I have no idea what Pinella does outside of Symphony X.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Glasser on February 27, 2022, 04:16:08 PM
I already spoke with him, so I couldn't ask that. And about how they make money - that's a VERY good question. I have a feeling that the guys in Symphony X have different priorities, and different opinions about how the band should be treated. I'm pretty sure that Russell would like it to be a more steady band, whereas others see it as a side gig. Romeo does soundtracks and has his studio, and I believe the majority of his income comes from that. Unfortunately, he's the main writer in Symphony X, so the others have to walk at his pace. That's just my take anyway, don't take it as truth.

I will ask him today. They rely on touring and selling merch and yes Mike has other outlets of income. Truth.

Oh cool,  you'll interviewing him as well? That's awesome! And yeah  no wonder Lepond has a million bands, and Russell does other stuff too. Jason had a food truck at one point,  but he stopped.  And I have no idea what Pinella does outside of Symphony X.

As far as a re-release for The Odyssey, no. The tour that covid screwed up was technically 20th anniversary. Feeling optimistic the new tour happens.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 27, 2022, 05:15:29 PM
I already spoke with him, so I couldn't ask that. And about how they make money - that's a VERY good question. I have a feeling that the guys in Symphony X have different priorities, and different opinions about how the band should be treated. I'm pretty sure that Russell would like it to be a more steady band, whereas others see it as a side gig. Romeo does soundtracks and has his studio, and I believe the majority of his income comes from that. Unfortunately, he's the main writer in Symphony X, so the others have to walk at his pace. That's just my take anyway, don't take it as truth.

I will ask him today. They rely on touring and selling merch and yes Mike has other outlets of income. Truth.

Oh cool,  you'll interviewing him as well? That's awesome! And yeah  no wonder Lepond has a million bands, and Russell does other stuff too. Jason had a food truck at one point,  but he stopped.  And I have no idea what Pinella does outside of Symphony X.

As far as a re-release for The Odyssey, no. The tour that covid screwed up was technically 20th anniversary. Feeling optimistic the new tour happens.

He mentioned to me that they will start rehearsals in March. I got tickets to see them in Toronto, and of course I hope thi tour happens.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on March 09, 2022, 08:11:33 PM
Here's the interview with Romeo: https://youtu.be/dMwc1l8hhtc
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Glasser on March 09, 2022, 09:33:22 PM
Here's the interview with Romeo: https://youtu.be/dMwc1l8hhtc

Great job man! I want that Nothingface  shirt! Mike is a great dude! Humble and down to earth.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on March 10, 2022, 01:37:03 AM
I got that shirt from the recently revamped Voivod website,  and bought some socks too. And thanks! Romeo is really cool,  and we could be talking for hours if he didn't have other interviews lined up after mine.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Architeuthis on March 26, 2022, 03:38:00 PM
The new album WOTW part 2 is excellent!   :metal

Great songs and the guitar solos are amongst his best.. 
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: devieira73 on March 26, 2022, 03:55:11 PM
Yes! And I'm liking it even more than pt. 1. It seems to me that, with this new one, he isn't worried at all to be compared to Sympony X, which is a good thing. It's like modern SX with the returning of a lot of its orchestrations from the older albums.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: jingle.boy on March 27, 2022, 05:52:25 AM
The new album WOTW part 2 is excellent!   :metal

Great songs and the guitar solos are amongst his best..

Hell fucking yeah.  Loved it more than the first.  Nice to see someone release an album with decent length - over an hour of music here.  So many albums I've listened to are more in the mid-40 minute range.  FFS, this isn't the 70s anymore!   :lol
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Art on March 28, 2022, 06:44:15 AM
Great album, liked it even more than pt 1. Dino Jelusic is amazing on this.  :metal
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Architeuthis on March 29, 2022, 08:32:14 PM
I like the vocals on the first album better. Not to say that Dino isn't great, but I personally prefer the cleaner tone vocals over the grittiness of his style.
I love the songs and the music of part 2 just as much if not better though, plus the Star Wars themes aren't as obvious.  I think it would be cool if Romeo used both singers for a potential part 3 album, the final chapter.  That would mix it up really nice!   :metal
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: ErHaO on March 30, 2022, 04:49:11 AM
I really enjoy it. Overall it seems heavier and Dino's vocals suit that very well. Amazing performances by everyone. I prefer part 1 as it feels more varied to me and has a couple of songs that sounded new for Romeo. But this is quality material as well.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: goo-goo on March 30, 2022, 08:31:13 AM
I like the vocals on the first album better. Not to say that Dino isn't great, but I personally prefer the cleaner tone vocals over the grittiness of his style.
I love the songs and the music of part 2 just as much if not better though, plus the Star Wars themes aren't as obvious.  I think it would be cool if Romeo used both singers for a potential part 3 album, the final chapter.  That would mix it up really nice!   :metal

Is it supposed to be like a Pt 1 vs Pt 2 with two different characters?
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on March 30, 2022, 10:08:22 AM
I like the vocals on the first album better. Not to say that Dino isn't great, but I personally prefer the cleaner tone vocals over the grittiness of his style.
I love the songs and the music of part 2 just as much if not better though, plus the Star Wars themes aren't as obvious.  I think it would be cool if Romeo used both singers for a potential part 3 album, the final chapter.  That would mix it up really nice!   :metal

Is it supposed to be like a Pt 1 vs Pt 2 with two different characters?

No, it's a loose concept.
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: nick_z on March 30, 2022, 11:28:45 AM
I enjoyed this much better than I thought. Nothing really new under the sun for Romeo, but it's a very good collection of crunchy/melodic/well-played (and sung!) metal.

I didn't pay much attention to pt.1 when it came out, maybe I should revisit...
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Architeuthis on March 31, 2022, 01:29:02 PM
Also notice how this album gets stronger as it goes. Second half onward>  :metal
Title: Re: Michael Romeo solo track off upcoming solo album!!
Post by: Dublagent66 on April 04, 2022, 12:34:20 PM
Both albums are fantastic and thanks to MR for keeping the essence of SX alive with his solo releases. :2metal: