Odyssey [EXTRA TRACKS]

Symphony X

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 5, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks
• Label: Inside Out U.S.
• ASIN: B00006L83N
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (136 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,453 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #23 in	Music > Indie Music > Rock > Progressive
  #69 in	Music > Hard Rock & Metal > Progressive Metal

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Import exclusive limited edition of the progressive metal act's 2002 album, includes the bonus track 'Masquerade.' Slipcase. InsideOut Music.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A voyage you need to take., November 9, 2002

By	Lord Chimp (Monkey World) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Whereas _V: The New Mythology Suite_ was a meticulously crafted work that slowly drew its listener in, _The Odyssey_ returns to the Symphony X strike-and-recoil, where one fierce song comes quickly after another. With a cursory evaluation, it has more in common with _The Divine Wings of Tragedy_ than _V_. The huge keyboard orchestrations are mostly gone, but there are certain striking moments that lend credence to the band's name.

The good news is that although _The Odyssey_ does recall past Symphony X works, the band also pushes their boundaries and expands their musical palette. Specifically, all of the band's familiar elements have been heightened -- the metal side is heavier and the symphonic side is more, err, symphonic. And one thing is for sure, this album's was tempered for serious heaviness. Michael Romeo's guitar distortion sounds heavier than a sumo wrestler on a wooden toilet seat. The guitars, bass, and drums are stacked in such a way that they lays on thick cement slabs of metal that hurts so good. Romeo's unique, odd-metered riffing style has grown so refined that it makes everything before sound like a measly prototype, and it is more complex than ever. Rhythmically, the band is a lot more eloquent and complex, especially drummer Jason Rullo, who is a monster on this disc.

The album is not shy with the heavy, visceral lashes like "Inferno (Unleash the Fire)", "The Turning", or -- the apex of the album's heaviness -- "King of Terrors". This one is a vicious, carefully synchronized, odd-metered monster where the jackhammer riffing and Sir Russell Allen's vocals are as vicious as they come.

Without a doubt, listeners will find that the prevalence of keyboards has been toned down in contrast to the richly symphonic _V_. Keyboard maestro Michael Pinnella does still enhance the music appropriately, adding color and atmosphere. "Incantations of the Apprentice" is a song spearheaded by very aggressive drums (Rullo, you demon) and riffs, but also a mystical atmosphere enhanced by lyrics and creepily invigorating symphonic strains. On the topic of keyboards, Pinnella's lead tone is much, much better than before on this album. His ability is brought to the spotlight for "Awakenings", where his piano playing rages from thunderous (during the interlude) to beautifully florid (near the beginning)

Keybaords are also very dominant in "The Accolade II", an extension of the fantastic epic from _The Divine Wings of Tragedy_. It is lengthy piece that blends fresh ideas with some familiar melodies, but very intelligently and subtly integrated. The keyboards on this song are a definitely standout -- all lovely pianos, bells, violins -- but everything in this song is stunning: the vocals, the melodies, the story. The lyrics tell of a knight living in the wake of his father's death. The band makes all this work nicely because they are the most eloquent poets in the world of writing fantasy/medieval lyrics. When Allen sings, "I wish to stay, to be here with you -- you were my strength, how can I go on?", the vocal harmony and melody are heartbreaking. Romeo's guitar solo in this one is just unbelievable -- more emotional than anything he's done before. If the title track isn't your favorite song on the album, it will probably be this one.

So what about the 24-minute title track? Does it justify the cheesy (albeit supra-cool) power metal-esque cover art? Hell yes. Soundscapes so "symphonic" you'll think The Enid is back in business, amazing metallic maelstroms of guitar/keyboard heaviness, and an overall sense of grandeur suitable for Homer's epic of Greek mythology. The music and lyrics do an amazing job creating the sensation of a perilous sea voyage. Instrumentally, it creates the heave of the sea but not quite the salty ocean spray. The final movement has one of the most uplifting choruses I've ever heard -- "Triumphant, Champion of Ithaca!" This song is so good it's sick...without a doubt, it is one of the best metal epics ever recorded. Yep, it's true. "The Odyssey" isn't the only song on the album based on another story either. The aforementioned "King of Terrors" is about Edgar Allan Poe's _The Pit and the Pendulum_.

If you get the limited edition (which you should), you get a beautiful slipcase. I don't know who did the cover art, but the colors they put into this thing are nearly hypnotizing in bright light. (Best fantasy cover art ever!) The booklet is also expanded with great studio pictures and band commentary for every song. Finally, there is the bonus track "Masquerade"  the remake of a song from their debut. Naturally, with Sir Russell Allen on vocals and a much better recording, the song is pretty darn awesome. It is also the only taste you'll get of the band's old Queen-like vocal harmonies on this disc. (The song originally appeared on the rare _Prelude to the Millennium_ compilation.)

I'm not sure what everyone will think of this. It's less elaborate than prog metal but (much) heavier and more embellished than johnny power metal (even the good power metal like Sonata Arctica). Symphony X fans will enjoy it, either way, I think - at the very least, I'd put it as an equal to the amazing _V_, perhaps better. That's saying something, I think.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Musicl genius., November 19, 2002

By	Peter Jones (Durham, North Carolina United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a relative neophyte to the metallice stylings of Symphony X (though not to progressive music by any means) I waited with braced anticipation the release of this album. I have heard some of the older SyX songs and absolutely love them, but wanted the Odyssey to be my first purchase. This may have been a mistake.

This album is so utterly, mind blowing, amazing (the list could go on!) that I honestly wonder if it can get any better! (Actually, it just whet my appetite for more!) Every song on this album is a real masterpiece, with some fantastic highlights. The title track is one of the greatest concept songs I have ever heard, masterfully continuing the imagery and art found on the cover of the album and painting a fantastic tapestry of the voyage and trials of Odysseus. Accolade II is just one of the most beautiful and moving pieces of music I have ever heard. Awakenings proves again that these guys are masters of their craft. Russel Allen's dualistic vocal work on The Turning is great, and the terror of King of Terrors is palpable.

In short, this is one of the greatest albums I have purchased in years, and would recommend it to anyone interested in some truly great music that defies simple catagorization.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An astounding achievement -- musical perfection!, November 5, 2002

By	Just Bill (Grand Rapids, MI United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Symphony X is America's most consistently interesting and magical progressive metal band. Their last studio album -- V -- raised the bar so high that I didn't think even they could top it.

But they did.

The Odyssey is a creation of staggering complexity and virtuosity, with guitarist Michael Romeo leading the charge in a big way. His neo-classical/Yngwie Malmsteen-esque fleet-fingered style shines brightly on The Odyssey, bathing the whole disc in an intense, warm glow.

Even though The Odyssey is more guitar-driven than V, that doesn't mean the other musicians take a back seat to Michael's desire to crank up the amps way past 11. Nope. Vocalist Russell Allen belts out the songs with vigor and passion...keyboardist extraordinare Michael Pinella (whose style truly moves me) plays a more understated, but critical role in helping to make The Odyssey the aural joy that it is...and rhythm section Michael Lepond and drummer Jason Rullo keep it all securely anchored, but with enough creative twists and turns to keep it interesting.

In some ways, The Odyssey is like V but without the seques. The production is astounding in its clarity and intensity, yet its fervor never loses sight of a killer melody and groove -- especially on tracks like "Incantations of the Apprentice."

Symphony X has reached musical perfection. They're the most interesting progressive metal band in America, and easily the one that still continues to surprise with each new release.

Even the artwork and packaging are fantastic.

I highly recommend The Odyssey, Symphony X's magical music for the discerning listener.