The Odyssey

Symphony X | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 13, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Inside Out U.S.
• ASIN: B00006L83M
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #89,965 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. The King Of Terrors

2. Accolade (Part II)

3. Wicked

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 stars - A Heavy, Epic Progressive Metal Masterpiece, July 18, 2006

By 

Justin Gaines (Northern Virginia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Odyssey (Audio CD)

You almost have to look at Symphony X's 2002 epic the Odyssey as two separate albums. At the very least, it might make you wish for the days of vinyl, where each side of a record had its own character.

In this case, side A would consist of the first 7 tracks. Call it "the Heavy Side". These tracks build upon the same style the band displayed on previous albums, but they are just that much heavier on this album. Michael Romeo's Malmsteen-like shredding takes a back seat to more bludgeoning riffs, and while Russell Allen makes full use of his amazing vocal range, he's much more growly and aggressive on this album. This is Symphony X after a Pantera binge, and while it may be heavier than this kind of music usually gets, it's nice to see Symphony X emphasizing the "metal" in progressive metal.

The B-side - let's call it "the Epic Side" would boast just one song (2 if you have the limited edition), the 24-minute title track based on Homer's epic saga of Odysseus. This is the Symphony X we all know and love. This isn't the band's first attempt at a lengthy epic song, but it is by far their best. The Odyssey is an extremely well structured song, with each chapter in the story having its own distinct musical style. The whole band is in top form on this one. Michael Romeo in particular shines, and while he has plenty of opportunities to demonstrate his considerable guitar skills, it never veers into self-indulgence. Michael Pinnella's keyboards are strong as well, and help tie the song's individual parts into a cohesive whole. Russell Allen's powerful voice works wonders as well, finding the perfect emotions for each stage of the hero's odyssey.

This is a shining example of what progressive metal can accomplish. Symphony X builds on progressive rock foundations and adds metal's heaviness and aggression. Listen to this song after the Kansas songs "the Pinnacle" and "Icarus: Born on Wings of Steel" from the Masque album, and you get a very good idea of where Symphony X's influences lie. In fact, there are moments on the Odyssey (particularly Odysseus's return to Ithaca) where you'll swear you're listening to a vintage Kansas epic. Combine those influences with Romeo's obvious appreciation for Yngwie Malmsteen, and the result is a 24-minute epic that demonstrates the band members' talents and despite its length never gets boring. The title track alone makes the Odyssey one of the best progressive metal releases of the past five years.

NOTE: The track listing Amazon provides is incomplete. You actually get 8 songs on this album.

NOTE 2: There is a limited edition version of the Odyssey featuring get a bonus track called Masquerade. This is a remake of a song from Symphony X's debut album, which sadly did not feature Russell Allen on vocals. It's a nice addition, though it makes me wish the band would go ahead and redo that album with the current lineup.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the band....., May 31, 2003

By 

Bodom J (Bethpage, TN United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Odyssey (Audio CD)

that dream theater wish they were! And that's saying a lot because dream theater frickin owns. What to say about this cd and where to start...man, i don't know. First of all, the cover art is very imaginative. By just looking at it, you know this cd is going to be one great ride and it's going to be one epic piece of artwork.

Vocals: Best vocals of any progressive band that i've heard. Unlike a lof progressive singers (geoff and james mainly), he doesn't try to sound epic by doing a soprano/not quite power metalish voice. He is actually got some pretty harsh sounding vocals, although it's no where death metal or even bands like pantera, if that's what your thinking. He almost sounds like some dude from a southern rock, except the music behind him isn't back water blues...just grandious, epic, metal with a slicing edge.

The guitar? simply put, it's just plain amazing. If there was ever a definition of "guitar hero" then it's this dude. Easily one of the greatest players to ever pick up the instrument. Crushing riffs, very heavy for this type of metal and some AMAZING solos that just pull you in.

Drums? Some of the best drumming you will ever here from a non-death metal or thrash band. The double bass on the cds just pounds and never lets up. A lot of times, the snare is just hit like he has machine gun arms.

Keyboards: Keyboards are great! they don't ever try to sound overly bombastic, therefore coming off as corny. They never try to pretend they are what makes the band and try to over come everybody. They blend in perfectly, as if they are a second guitar.

Overall sound? Like dream theater but only in the feel and type of the music. They are much more consistent with their music than dream theater is and they have way more of a metal edge.

UP THE IRONS!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A different Symphony X Album - It's growing on me, November 16, 2002

By 

Simon (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Odyssey (Audio CD)

I love Symphony X - When I first heard them, they were the band I'd waited for all my life. A mix of incredible technique, feel, classical beauty and shredding to make you want to kill somebody, they take my breath away. A band to let you really fantasise and go somewhere special - how often do you get that these days ? V and DWoT mixed classical with speed metal in a way that this album doesn't. The vocals are harder, more shouted and agressive - to me Symphony X are at their best in songs throughout all their albums that are similair to 'The Turning' - The beautiful cathederal organ, the anthemic power of Sir Russell Allen's vocals, guitar shred that is technically perfect. Bass and drums weaving a speed partnership that I can't describe for tightness, inovation and skill. As a drummer, I feel Jason Rullo has not had the attention he deserves - what a player - forget Vinnie Collaiuta, Mike Portnoy, Dave Weckl, Dennis Chambers - this is your man - go for it my son, I love ya !! High points are the intro to Incantations of the Apprentice, The Turning and just the fact that this, my favourite band of 4 years has produced another album. See you in the UK in March !! Oh, and just in case you felt there was any ambiguity about this review - I LOVE SYMPHONY X !!