The Death of Balance (V: The New Mythology Suite - Symphony X)

Member Name: Frankingsteins

Product:	V: The New Mythology Suite - Symphony X
Date:	07/01/05 (295 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Talented musicians, Interesting concept, A number of classic tracks

Disadvantages: Interludes can become irritating, Lack of originality as the album progresses

‘V’ is, as expected, the fifth album to be released by New Jersey progressive metal leaders Symphony X, and embodies everything that makes the genre so interesting to metal fans. From sweeping overtures to speeding electric riffs, choral vocals and acoustic melodies, The New Mythology Suite is a modern rock masterpiece from the underappreciated successors to Dream Theater.


SYMPHONY X is:

Russell Allen – vocals
Michael Romeo – guitars
Michael Pinella – keyboards
Michael Lepond – bass
Jason Rullo – drums

Russell Allen’s powerful vocals range from aggressive rasps to high choir performances but are most commonly grounded in the middle. A great voice that has been recruited by various musicians when assembling experimental works, such as Arjen Lucassen’s Ayreon project. Jason Rullo and Michael Lepond contribute less to the songwriting, but although their presence is essentially to balance the high instruments, the drums and bass make their presence felt and never miss a beat.

The real highlights of the album however are once again the guitars and keyboards of Michael Romeo and Michael Pinella, two musical geniuses who have recently released solo albums. Romeo’s guitars take something of a backseat to Pinella’s orchestral crafting on this album, making for a grander and more operatic offering than previous Symphony albums.


THE NEW MYTHOLOGY SUITE


1. Prelude
2. Evolution (The Grand Design)
3. Fallen
4. Transcendence
5. Communion and the Oracle
6. The Bird-Serpent War / Cataclysm
7. On the Breath of Poseidon
8. Egypt
9. The Death of Balance / Lacrymosa
10. Absence of Light
11. A Fool’s Paradise
12. Rediscovery
13. Rediscovery part II: The New Mythology

Under Allen, Romeo and Pinella, ‘V’ takes inspiration from myths of the ancient world and brings them together to form a fascinating concept album. The segue tracks (1, 4, 7, 9 and 12) help greatly in maintaining the mood and flow of the album, although this may deter newcomers to more progressive metal. Songs such as ‘Evolution,’ ‘Fallen,’ ‘The Bird-Serpent War’ and ‘A Fool’s Paradise’ are classic speedy metal anthems from the band, while the lengthier and deeper offerings ‘Communion and the Oracle,’ ‘Egypt’ and the title track display the full range of the band’s abilities and styles.

The only criticism of the album stems from its conceptual nature; at times, it sounds as if riffs and vocal styles are being repeated, while sections of the segue tracks are devoid of interest. The complex style of some tracks does mean that the listener is rewarded on repeated playings, however the band have not entirely succeeded in creating a masterpiece to rival their earlier work.


VERDICT


Symphony X are one of the most interesting bands in metal, incorporating elements of heavy metal, thrash and contemporary European power metal to come up with tracks that rival even the most powerful bands. ‘V’ is several steps away from being their classic album, although the eagerly awaited follow up to 2002’s ‘The Odyssey’ will hold even further surprises.

1997’s ‘The Divine Wings of Tragedy’ catches Symphony X on top form, featuring a diverse range of styles and a climactic twenty minute epic that improves on each listen. ‘The New Mythology Suite’ is a great album, but could have done with a more even focus on all members involved.

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