Whether it's the genius writing and execution of Michael Romeo-his thoughts incubating exactly four years since the band's slamming last album Iconoclast-or the richness of experience gained by Russell Allen over a triumphant run with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Symphony X have struck an enriched level of maturity with this their ninth album, entitled Underworld.Symphony X have triumphed, creating a panoramic old school "album rock" experience in an era cursed with shorter and shorter attention spans. "This new one is about the song," begins axe wizard Michael Romeo, chief writer in the band, and possessor of The Dungeon, the tricked-out studio in which the album was crafted, newly equipped with the latest in technology required to execute the band's famous symphonic and orchestrated touches with aplomb. "Every song is to-the-point and fine-tuned, with us paying a lot of attention to the hooks, voices, riffs, and keeping the interest and the energy high for the whole record, so it can be listened to start to finish." "Underworld's not really a concept album," agrees Michael, "but like the last couple of records, there's a theme that carries through. I started looking at Dante, and Orpheus in the underworld, where he's going to go to Hades or hell to save this girl. So there's the theme of going to hell and back for something or someone you care about." Immediately with "Nevermore," the focus Michael speaks about becomes clear. Russell is right there with the vocal after a brief, non-nonsense thrash intro, and then the clouds part for a chorus of beauty, Russell sliding a melody on top of a feverish prog riff of erudite magic from Michael. "Without You" on the other hand is a strident ballad but one full of rock events and vaulted arranging, light vs. shade, soaring harmonies, punch, power, and last but not least progressive time signatures. "That one's a bit mellower, with a big chorus and a sweeping feel. I don't know if I would call it a ballad, but it's a little bit softer, not so much about riff, but more the acoustic and electric interplay." "And Russell, he's just a natural," notes Romeo. "When he first heard the songs, he had mentioned that he really wanted to sing more, even though the material was heavy. So we put a lot of emphasis on his abilities and making the choruses strong vocally" But ultimately, to reiterate, the band's goal-and mission accomplished-was to create a record where strength of song was paramount. In that respect, with Underworld, Symphony X have transcended the stigma with which progressive metal is often saddled.
H**S
Catchy, technical, epic Symphony X-ness
Being my second Symphony X album (the first being The Odyssey) I'm relatively new-ish to the band, although I've known of them for a while. In a way, I'm quite glad that I've not purchased the rest of their back catalog yet as it's allowed me to enjoy this album without comparing it too much to previous ones, which is something that I see happen often when it comes to bands of 20+ years releasing new material. Whilst this album is certainly not as progressive as The Odyssey in terms of the music itself, it's definitely still a prog-metal album. There's still virtuoso musicianship, lengthy songs (To Hell and Back) and technical riffage spread out across the entire album, just presented in a much more concise, punchy package.One thing that I've seen some people comment on is the apparent attempt at 'commercial' success with songs like 'Without You'. I really don't see how writing a really catchy ballad is an attempt at commercial success. Okay, it's a bit softer than the other songs, but why let that bother you? A good song is a good song. Michael Romeo had stated in plenty of interviews before the release that the album's main focus was songwriting and they really nailed it. Every song feels like a fully formed idea, and it's quite amazing how they manage to cram so many catchy choruses and riffs into practically every song! It seems as though many hardcore prog fans fear the term 'catchy' or 'hook', which is absolutely ridiculous because a chorus that gets stuck in your head will really make the difference between a good song and a great song and this is an album full of them.As I said at the start, I can only really rate this album for what it is rather than compare it to previous Symphony X albums (something I think people should do regardless) so in conclusion, I love it. It's full of everything I like; amazing guitar playing across the board, fantastic musicianship from everyone, soaring vocals and really good songs with infectious melodies, all done in that epic Symphony X way.
D**R
UNERWORLD IS OUT OF THIS WORLD.
I only got into Symphony X when I heard tracks from their Paradise Lost Cd, and loved the vocals of Russell Allen so bought the Cd. I have since bought Iconoclast which is another very good Cd, but Underworld in my view is one step on from the last two Cd's. From the 1st notes of the symphonic opener Overture going into fantastic 2nd track Nevermore [ which is one of my favourites ]. Title track Underworld comes next which is a good rock track followed by Without You [ The Single from the Cd ] which has a ballad style to it. Then the two very catchy but quite heavy songs Kiss of Fire and Charon. Next comes To Hell and Back which is another song I find myself singing the lyrics,when the song keeps coming into my head. Track 8 is In my Darkest Hour, another catchy track followed by Run with the Devil, a song that grows on you and then Slower song Swan Song which is a slow burner but another song I really like after frequent listens. The album finishes with 11th track Legend which is a great end to this epic Cd. So all I can say is Buy this Fantastic album and see for yourself.
R**Y
Basically too good...
Songs, songs, songs....Most bands don't have them ,or don't have enough of them, these guys have great songs oozing out of them.You'll be humming 'Without You' morning noon and night after listening too just once... this is as simply as good as it gets with Prog Metal -Ironically, I've never heard them on Planet Rock radio, should they be? well yes they should, but kind o' glad they aren't as they are a very special musical phenomenon and think I like it that way...Well done guys, keep doing what you're doing - and I'm a fan for life....Col
A**O
Vastly underrated and even better Live, Dreamtheater class as far as I can see ...
Cannot believe this band when it comes To England only does the smaller venues - These are true giants of prog metal, vastly underrated and even better live.in the Dreamtheater class as far as I am concernedAnd, yet another brilliant CD with at least two band members again standing with anything as good on the entire planet for this genre i.e Russel Allen and of course, Michael Romeo
S**W
Symphonic Majestic Metal
What an epic album this is. Even 4 years on from its release it is still on my regular playlist and I can’t wait to hear the follow up!
A**R
great album
all goood
A**R
Wonderful Sound, 100% recommended.
Four words: Worderful Sound, Incredible Soundstage. Sound even better throught a tube amplifier. Received on time.If you like this album on MP3 or CD, this versión will blowing your mind. Please hear "Legend" ... if already is a song that reaches deep into the heart, this vinyl will be surely amazing. Check it out.Cheers from Chile.
M**R
Great CD and worth the investment
This is a great CD which maintains their characteristic sound and displays their musical prowess as one of the top metal prog bands. In my opinion this is the strongest of the last 3 albums. Russell Allen has got to be the greatest voice in the prog world and ably maintains his reputation in this latest offering.
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