Live on the Edge of Forever [Live]

Symphony X | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 13, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 2001
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Live
• Label: Inside Out U.S.
• ASIN: B00005R8H0
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,589 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Close your eyes on the edge of forever..., November 29, 2001

By 

Lord Chimp (Monkey World) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live on the Edge of Forever (Audio CD)

Symphony X is one of the few progressive metal bands whose music I enjoy. Thus, my respect for them has been boosted considerably with the release of this 2CD live album. For one thing, V - The New Mythology Suite is one of my favorite albums, and the band performs a good portion of it on disc 1 (all the way up to "The Death of Balance," at which point it segues into "Candlelight Fantasia"). V is my favorite SymX album, but in the studio the album seemed a bit more "tame" than their earlier stuff. Live, Symphony X's trademark aggression is thrust back into V. (Fanfare!)

For a relatively inexperienced live band, they put on a great show, performing their highly sophisticated music with explosive energy. I am particularly in awe of vocalist Russell Allen, who is an astonishingly good live performer. Although he is not an extremely technical singer (by his own admission), his voice fares very well, he's a spirited & lively performer, and he often improves the delivery over the original studio recordings. On "Candlelight Fantasia," he hits every note of the beautiful song with perfect, controlled pain. On others, he injects a great deal more aggression into the lyrics. On "Fallen," he sings, "My Serpents plot the overthrow of your temples and shrines" with a growl so evil it makes the hairs on the back of my neck rise. On "The Divine Wings of Tragedy - The Prophets Cry" he sounds utterly demonic. Nothing is worse than a great singer who can't perform live...Symphony X doesn't disappoint in that regard!

If you're wondering how the band recreates their majestic vocal harmonies in the live setting...well, they don't. Still, they do what they can. When possible, Michael Romeo and Michael Pinnella sing backing vocals (which work well). On "Of Sins and Shadows," Pinnella runs the choral sample from his keyboards. The massive, complex a capella counterpoint choral work that opens "The Divine Wings of Tragedy" is cut entirely. While it's difficult to recreate some of their richly textured symphonic music live, the band fares very well in other regards. Even though keyboardist Pinnella can't support a full MIDI orchestra live, the symphonic cuts ("Prelude," "Transcendence," "On the Breath of Poseidon") still possess a big sounding quality. Michael Romeo helps out by filling some of the missing textures with awesome guitar licks. For example, on the symphonic speed metal cut "On the Breath of Poseidon" he plays neoclassical runs to round out the symphonic weaves throughout the song. It's different, and very cool. Romeo = guitar master!

Many songs are altered to keep things fresh, as well. "Candlelight Fantasia," which is shortened, is performed with nothing but Allen's ghostly voice and pianos. Believe it or not, the song is even more ethereal and beautiful when done live. Pinnella adds a number of lovely little piano tags throughout (like at the end of "Egypt" (yes, I know there was piano there before, but this is different) and the end of "Communion and the Oracle." Even when the songs aren't altered in any way, the sheer energy gripping the performances makes everything sound new and more exciting. The frenzied Romeo/Pinnella soloing duels sound more wild and exhilarating than before. Romeo's hair-pin metal riffing is burning with energy, which makes the sometimes mucky guitar tone less regrettable. It's also great to hear Allen's interaction with the crowd, like when he basically teases the audience before the beginning of "Smoke and Mirrors." Good fun! Speaking of the crowd, they sure get rockin' to the music (that makes it more exciting!). European audiences sure love their Symphony X.

Rarely is anyone 100% satisfied with a live album (especially if you're a jerk like me), so obviously I'm disappointed in a few respects. The album is called Live on the Edge of Forever, but where is the song "The Edge of Forever"? It's such a beautiful song, and I would have loved to hear it live with the band's thundering energy (since The Damnation Game's production was pretty bad). In fact, there are no songs from The Damnation Game, or the debut. That's too bad. I think it also would have been incredible to hear "The Relic" live, because it has an awesome, heroic chorus that would rock live.

But no big deal. These complaints are really just what they call "small potatoes." Live on the Edge of Forever is awesome anyway you take it. There's been a lot of great live releases this year, but this is one of the best. The performances catch fire, and Symphony X rocks n' stuff. If you don't buy this, I must question your sanity.

(Note: Despite the fact that catalogues title this album as Live in Europe and some of the sticky white labels say so as well, the actual album is called Live on the Edge of Forever. When wondering what the difference is between Live in Europe and Live on the Edge of Forever, know that there isn't one. They are the same.)

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolute masterpiece...live, December 22, 2001

By 

sweepking "guitarist and homebrewer" (Mililani, HI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live on the Edge of Forever (Audio CD)

Wow. I don't even know where to begin to relate to the reader how great this cd is. This is the best cd set in my collection...live or studio. Five stars is definitely not enough. Symphony X is the best band out there right now, period. On this cd, they show they can pull off even their most demanding songs live. Their recreations here are better than the studio versions, showing much more energy and absolutely mind-boggling technical abilities on their respective instruments. They even do a respectable job with the synchronized choruses (Of Sins and Shadows is the only song with some pre-recorded chorus work). The performances here are incredible-everything from Allen's energetic and emotional vocal delivery to Lepond's thunderous bass work, are easily on par with and even supersede anything any other band has done, including Dream Theater's Live in New York. The standouts by far are Pinnela's furious keys, Jason Rullo's crushing drum work, and Michael Romeo's searing guitar wizardry. Romeo sets a new standard for every guitarist out there. He has no equal, period. He demonstrates the perfect balance of technical virtuosity, emotional energy, and seamless songwriting. His playing is perfect here, surpassing his studio work with additional improv runs and true-to-cd recreations. His rhythm work is heavier than a sledgehammer with the precision of a surgeon, and his solos defy mortal ability. One listen to his pre-Egypt solo would send Petrucci or Yngwie back to the rehearsal room. No hype-this band is in a league of their own.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Slow Down!, January 6, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Live on the Edge of Forever (Audio CD)

I just saw them in Chicago and they were excellent except for one thing-they play their songs too fast-slow the meter of the songs down to album speed and they will sound better. Most of these songs are fast-paced to begin with. You will hear some of this on this live CD. They really can play their songs live and Sir Russell's vocals are killer live. Jason Rullo is a fantastic drummer which adds to the band. Romeo's guitar work is unreal as well as the bass and keybord work. This is one of the best bands on the planet-go see them live if you get a chance. If they were doing this in the 70's or 80's, they would be a household name. Too bad our young generation doesn't appreciate greatness when heard. This band should not be touring with no roadcrew and only getting 45 minutes to perform as an opening act. What a shame! As being in the music business for a while-I have NEVER seen such a great band get such little recognition!!