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SYMPHONY X ‘The Odyssey’ (Inside Out 2002)
Symphonic/power metal band with their seventh release. The line-up
consists of Russell Allen (vocals), Michael Romeo (guitar), Michael Pinnella
(keys), Jason Rullo (drums) and Michael Lepond (bass). This band are the
heavier end of the power metal genre with a powerhouse vocalist in Russell
Allen. ‘Inferno’ starts the album off at a gallop with crashing guitar riffs
and the ultra heavy vocals of Russell Allen, who still manages to maintain
melody in his vocals. ‘Wicked’ is another power anthem with guitars to the
fore. Other highlights include ‘King of Terrors’, based on a Edgar Allan Poe
tale with its hook filled chorus and driving keyboards, coupled with some
severe guitar riffs. The Helloween/Metal Church like ‘The Turning’ has light
and heavy music combining nicely to produce another fine track.
The title track, ‘The Odyssey’ is of course based on Homer’s (the Greek
poet not Simpson!) tale of the same title. Broken down into seven parts the
movie style pomp of ‘Odyssey: Theme/Overture’ gets this epic underway and is
followed by the mellow intro to ‘Journey to Ithaca’, which soon turns into a
power metal epic! The whole track has so much going on classical passages,
guitar solos, symphonic keyboards, double-time drumming and more. It all
come together in a fitting finale of guitars, keyboards and the fine vocals
of Russell Allen - simply put this is superb.
Not an instant album by any means but one that reveals more with each
play. As with many power metal bands melody is the main driving factor
backed-up by top draw musicianship. Worth your time and money without a
doubt, especially if you are a power metal fan.
****
Review by Jason Ritchie
£13.99
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