Author Topic: Symphony X thread! (Read 317261 times)

Plasmastrike · « **Reply #1785 on:** May 24, 2015, 06:47:40 AM »

Man, I really don't get an Iconoclast B-side vibe from this. Sounds fresh as fuck. Russel and Romeo on FIREEE

me7 · « **Reply #1786 on:** May 24, 2015, 07:08:23 AM »

I too think the songwriting approach is similar to Iconoclast. The only difference is the tone of the vocals and instruments.

Lolzeez · « **Reply #1787 on:** May 24, 2015, 09:27:43 AM »

Meh,sounds okay.

The Dark Master · « **Reply #1788 on:** May 24, 2015, 09:41:24 AM »

I disagree about the Iconoclast b-side assertions. Those riffs and the clean, soaring vocals, especially in the chorus, are very reminiscent of the V-Odyssey era. Admittedly, SX isn't exactly the most varied of bands, and there's a lot more continuity in their sound from album to album compared to, say, Dream Theater, but their history does have several distinct periods. This song, while not sounding completely different from the PL-Iconoclast era, sounds more to my ears as belonging to The Odyssey.

Ben_Jamin · « **Reply #1789 on:** May 24, 2015, 10:57:25 AM »

It's Ok, I enjoyed the song. Nice to hear Russell's cleans again. The chorus is kind of a downer because of Russells vocals, maybe its the melody of the lyrics.

me7 · « **Reply #1790 on:** May 24, 2015, 12:34:26 PM »

Regarding the comparisons to previous albums:
Are we talking about the same thing?

Regarding the songwriting (the way the song would look as notes on a note sheet), without any regard for clean/harsh vocals and guitar tones, I clearly see an Iconoclast b-side. The chorus is too "happy" to fit on Iconoclast but still written in the same mindset.
The tone of the band however is indeed very similar to V.

PROGdrummer · « **Reply #1791 on:** May 24, 2015, 02:06:00 PM »

Quote from: me7 on May 24, 2015, 12:34:26 PM

Regarding the comparisons to previous albums:
Are we talking about the same thing?

Regarding the songwriting (the way the song would look as notes on a note sheet), without any regard for clean/harsh vocals and guitar tones, I clearly see an Iconoclast b-side. The chorus is too "happy" to fit on Iconoclast but still written in the same mindset.
The tone of the band however is indeed very similar to V.

See: In The Dragon's Den, Sea of Lies, The Relic, The Turning, ect.

Light Up The Night isnt the only SymX song that features pounding double bass drumming and fast 16th note tremelo picking riffs the whole way through. Its a style that's popped up on pretty much all of their albums, especially pre-Paradise Lost era. I dont really understand why everyone associates that with Iconoclast, when that album actually focused more on slowed down, groove-based heavy riffs (Dehumanized, Lords of Chaos, Faceless God, ect)

Flacracker · « **Reply #1792 on:** May 24, 2015, 02:14:18 PM »

At first I thought they got a new singer. Romeo shows that he still is one of the best riffers out there. I like the chorus. Lyric videos always make the lyrics seem arbitrary to me, so I don't know how I feel about that.

ErHaO · « **Reply #1793 on:** May 24, 2015, 03:06:21 PM »

Heard it once. Not sure if I like it a lot, but Nightwish/Kamelot/Blind Guardian/Angra all had to grow on me recently (and did), so I'll see how it fares. It lacks any build up in the beginning (which SX is great at) and the chorus feels it would benefit from some extra punch by having a slight overdub, background vocals or instrument giving additional support. The album cover is okay in the sense that it at least has a nostalgic throwback thing going on. But the actual art is not something that will grow on me, nor those song titles.

Thankfully, Russel finally shows some vocal groove again (not only metalmode). Don't know if you guys were aware of the vocal workshops he gave last year, but he is in great shape:
Inferno https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUYoRJlQam0
Evolution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7lXa6VZRgg

They better let some more old songs return to their setlists as well (last time I saw them was Iconoclast + Paradise Lost and Inferno/Sins, which is a shame)

Quote from: PROGdrummer on May 24, 2015, 02:06:00 PM

Quote from: me7 on May 24, 2015, 12:34:26 PM
Regarding the comparisons to previous albums:
Are we talking about the same thing?

Regarding the songwriting (the way the song would look as notes on a note sheet), without any regard for clean/harsh vocals and guitar tones, I clearly see an Iconoclast b-side. The chorus is too "happy" to fit on Iconoclast but still written in the same mindset.
The tone of the band however is indeed very similar to V.

See: In The Dragon's Den, Sea of Lies, The Relic, The Turning, ect.

Light Up The Night isnt the only SymX song that features pounding double bass drumming and fast 16th note tremelo picking riffs the whole way through. Its a style that's popped up on pretty much all of their albums, especially pre-Paradise Lost era. I dont really understand why everyone associates that with Iconoclast, when that album actually focused more on slowed down, groove-based heavy riffs (Dehumanized, Lords of Chaos, Faceless God, ect)

True (if someone happens to view that evolution clip above, just listen to the end, for example). It is more of a production style and focus on certain elements that gives that stigma I think.

me7 · « **Reply #1794 on:** May 24, 2015, 04:22:36 PM »

Quote from: PROGdrummer on May 24, 2015, 02:06:00 PM

See: In The Dragon's Den, Sea of Lies, The Relic, The Turning, ect.

Light Up The Night isnt the only SymX song that features pounding double bass drumming and fast 16th note tremelo picking riffs the whole way through. Its a style that's popped up on pretty much all of their albums, especially pre-Paradise Lost era. I dont really understand why everyone associates that with Iconoclast, when that album actually focused more on slowed down, groove-based heavy riffs (Dehumanized, Lords of Chaos, Faceless God, ect)

You're right about double bass and tremolo being prominent since the beginning, but the songs you listed don't feature it all the way through. They have more variety and structural complexity than songs from Iconoclast and Nevermore (maybe except for In the Dragon's Den, but that is intended as a counterpoint to Sonata and is supposed to be cliche metal).
The thrashy and technically challenging but structurally simple and monotonous songs became predominant on Iconoclast and Nevermore is one of them.

PROGdrummer · « **Reply #1795 on:** May 25, 2015, 06:56:28 AM »

The older material definitely has more variety overall, so yeah I see your point.
I'm thinking the all out aggressivness of this song is going work well coming off of the "overture", which will probably sound like Oculus Ex Inferni and less "in your face".

The pre-chorus/chorus of Nevermore really draws me back to The Divine Wings of Tragedy (song). I dont know if its the way Russell is singing or the chords that Pinella is playing in the backround, but maybe a combination of both. Gave me nostalgic vibes from the first time I ever listened to DWOT.

Bertielee · « **Reply #1796 on:** May 25, 2015, 08:07:27 AM »

I find Nevermore a little underwhelming. For one, I find the pre-chorus better than the chorus and that's not good in my book. Russel sings well but not much more. Finally, I'm still trying to find where the interest of Romeo's solo lies (I don't see where it goes). Yep, it harkens back a little to DWoT in the vibe, but not in the execution and not really in the composition. Was really hyped for this one, not so much now.

B.Lee

me7 · « **Reply #1797 on:** May 25, 2015, 08:21:34 AM »

Quote from: PROGdrummer on May 25, 2015, 06:56:28 AM

The pre-chorus/chorus of Nevermore really draws me back to The Divine Wings of Tragedy (song). I dont know if its the way Russell is singing or the chords that Pinella is playing in the backround, but maybe a combination of both. Gave me nostalgic vibes from the first time I ever listened to DWOT.

That melody is definitely reminiscent of the early days. It reminds me of the Thorns of Sorrow chorus.

Lynxo · « **Reply #1798 on:** May 26, 2015, 01:17:21 PM »

The song was awesome! Sounds much better than anything on the last two albums.

PixelDream · « **Reply #1799 on:** May 26, 2015, 06:13:35 PM »

That intro to 'The Divine Wings of Tragedy'. That they didn't compose the notes is beside the question, the execution is just amazingly beautiful. I've heard that it's all Russell Allen, and I wouldn't be surprised. But still, those vocal harmonies, just wow. That kind of beauty is exactly what I've been missing in their music since Paradise Lost.

Nick · « **Reply #1800 on:** May 26, 2015, 07:19:26 PM »

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Divine_Wings_of_Tragedy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iconoclast_(Symphony_X_album)

Compare the writing credits. Pretty much tells you all you need to know about why those other dimensions have been somewhat lost.

LudwigVan · « **Reply #1801 on:** May 26, 2015, 11:30:46 PM »

Quote from: Nick on May 26, 2015, 07:19:26 PM

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Divine_Wings_of_Tragedy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iconoclast_(Symphony_X_album)

Compare the writing credits. Pretty much tells you all you need to know about why those other dimensions have been somewhat lost.

That's an interesting observation. I wonder why Pinella's writing input has dwindled down to zero.

Beowulf · « **Reply #1802 on:** May 27, 2015, 08:05:14 AM »

Finally heard the new track. i like it a lot. But then again, i'm a newer fan of the band, and in the definite minority in that i like PL and Iconoclast better than the older albums. it'll take more listening to it, and i'm very excited for the whole album. But on first listen, i dig it.

Mindflux · « **Reply #1803 on:** June 08, 2015, 10:43:27 AM »

New album is up on Amazon for preorder.

bl5150 · « **Reply #1804 on:** June 09, 2015, 10:58:49 PM »

FWIW a local guy who gets advance review copies has sent this.............

"I think 'Underworld' should make most fans of the band and Russell Allen very happy. The band have toned the aggression back a touch and provided a good mix of old and new Symphony X(without delving too much into the more proggy early days).

For those that have heard the track 'Nevermore', it doesn't get any heavier than that on the record, and besides maybe 'Underworld' and 'Kiss Of Fire' the rest of the album has a more melodic feel to it(while still retaining the heaviness at times). Allen's vocals sound less gruff and more like that on a Lande/Allen album for most of the record. 'Without You' is a great mid paced ballad type of song and wouldn't be out of place on any Lande/Allen album. 'Swan Song' is the other softer song on the album and again, is another great track with piano running through the song and Allen's voice more restrained.

My fave songs so far after a couple of listens would have to be the very melodic track 'Run With The Devil', the title track 'Underworld' which is heavy and has a great riff, and the last track on the album 'Legend' which has a nice mix of old and new Symphony X running through it.

Overall, first impressions are strong. I can definitely hear elements from the last two albums, especially on the heavier tracks. However, I also get a Damnation Game feel at times. There are no long winded prog songs on the album with most songs around the 5 and a half minute mark. I loved Iconoclast. I thought it was a gem of an album. I love the heavier side to my music, however If anything, it lacked a little variety. 'Underworld' has variety in that it mixes in a couple of really nice mid tempo ballad type of songs and also a few more melodic tracks that give the album more depth. "

Sounds like it could be right up my alley....fingers crossed.

jjrock88 · « **Reply #1805 on:** June 10, 2015, 12:14:24 AM »

I like the sounds of that review

Bolsters · « **Reply #1806 on:** June 10, 2015, 12:23:10 AM »

I can't see this coming anywhere near to topping Paradise Lost for me, so at the moment I'm just hoping it will be better than Iconoclast.

wolfking · « **Reply #1807 on:** June 10, 2015, 05:01:17 AM »

Quote from: jjrock88 on June 10, 2015, 12:14:24 AM

I like the sounds of that review

Art · « **Reply #1808 on:** June 10, 2015, 06:09:53 AM »

The Damnation Game reference gave me some hope.

TAC · « **Reply #1809 on:** June 10, 2015, 06:16:25 AM »

Quote from: jjrock88 on June 10, 2015, 12:14:24 AM

I like the sounds of that review

bosk1 · « **Reply #1810 on:** June 10, 2015, 08:42:05 AM »

Quote from: Bolsters on June 10, 2015, 12:23:10 AM

I can't see this coming anywhere near to topping Paradise Lost for me, so at the moment I'm just hoping it will be better than Iconoclast.

I liked both albums, but in both cases still kinda felt like "eh, I waited all these years for THIS?" I try not to form opinions based on reviews, but that one actually does give me some reason to believe I will like this album better than its two immediate predecessors.

PROGdrummer · « **Reply #1811 on:** June 10, 2015, 12:06:29 PM »

album ranking time?

Paradise Lost
V
Odyssey/Divine Wings of Tragedy
Iconoclast
Damnation Game
Twilight In Olympus
s/t

Its hard to rank them because theyre all equally good in different ways, but the top 2 spots are absolutes

abydos · « **Reply #1812 on:** June 10, 2015, 12:11:26 PM »

Ok, let's see how this goes:

The Divine Wings of Tragedy
Twilight In Olympus/V
The Odyssey
Damnation Game
Paradise Lost/ST
Iconoclast

MrBoom_shack-a-lack · « **Reply #1813 on:** June 10, 2015, 01:13:04 PM »

Something lite this:

The Divine Wings of Tragedy
V
The Odyssey
Paradise Lost
Twilight In Olympus
Damnation Game
Iconoclast
Symphony X (Haven't really gotten the listen it probably deserve)

I like Iconoclast but it's a bit to much metal for my neo-classical heart, atleast when we're talking about the SX I fell in love with.

RuRoRul · « **Reply #1814 on:** June 10, 2015, 01:29:06 PM »

The Odyssey
V
Iconoclast
Paradise Lost
The Divine Wings Of Tragedy
Twilight In Olympus
The Damnation Game
Symphony X

Polarbear · « **Reply #1815 on:** June 10, 2015, 03:11:43 PM »

Album ranking? Sure, why not.

Paradise Lost
V
The Odyssey/ Iconoclast
Damnation Game
Divine Wings of Tragedy
Twilight in Olympus/ ST

Randaran · « **Reply #1816 on:** June 10, 2015, 03:36:00 PM »

Paradise Lost
Twilight in Olympus
The Divine Wings of Tragedy
The Odyssey
The Damnation Game
V
Iconoclast

I have not listened to the self titled yet.

PixelDream · « **Reply #1817 on:** June 10, 2015, 04:21:25 PM »

V - The New Mythology Suite
The Odyssey
The Divine Wings of Tragedy
Twilight in Olympus
Paradise Lost
The Damnation Game
Iconoclast

Symphony X

jjrock88 · « **Reply #1818 on:** June 10, 2015, 04:25:36 PM »

All of the albums (except for the debut, which I never got into) are pure gold. Love them all

Odyssey
V
TIO
DWOT
Paradise Lost
Damnation Game
Iconoclast

SX

The Dark Master · « **Reply #1819 on:** June 10, 2015, 05:09:38 PM »

Well, I have a distinct top 3

1- V

2- Twilight in Olympus (having Church of the Machine and Through the Looking Glass is more then enough to make TIO my second favourite album, even if the lack of an epic title track makes it sound a bit incomplete)

3- The Divine Wings of Tragedy

After that it becomes a bit arbitrary, as The Damnation Game, The Odyssey, Paradise Lost and Iconoclast each excel in ways that are unique to themselves, but they all have their flaws that place them distinctly below the top 3. It goes without saying, though, that the self titled debut is easily their weakest album

News: The Gift of Music official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fae4FQ4McSY

Author Topic: Symphony X thread! (Read 317261 times)