The kings of power metal are back! After almost 5 years, Symphony X returns with over an hour of intense, heartfelt, and true power metal.
Underworld is neither a rehash of old material nor is it a major shift for the band, It’s something in between. But it is not as heavy as its predecessors Paradise Lost and Iconoclast. Of course it maintains its roots in literature through inspiration from Dante’s Inferno with a dose of Orpheus in the Underworld by Jacques Offenbach.
Nevermore is a classic opening track – it blasts into your consciousness with a classic hook, pounding drums, and fiery lyrics. Charon is an interesting mix of ballad-esque lyrics with a heavy musical backbone. Legend is the perfect way to end the album and, as it turns out, the setlist for the supporting tour, as well. It finishes the story woven throughout the album with a mixture of emotions.
Michael Romeo’s crunchy guitar still wails away while singer Russell Allen has taken a more soulful approach to the lyrics and it shows. His voice sound fantastic, and the supporting tour was nothing short of a clinic by the entire band.
Bassist Mike LePond dominates, but plays so smoothly that he brings genuine emotion to the tracks. Drummer Jason Rullo once again plays with intensity while Michael Pinnella fills the songs with incredible depth – this band shines on vinyl pressings (pictured below), and Underworld is no exception.
Overall, the joy of listening to a new Symphony X album comes in waves. There are so many layers that it takes several listens to truly understand the level of talent necessary for producing such an album – which is a great attribute given the band’s long intervals between releases.
If you have the opportunity to see this band perform live, do not pass it up. The positive energy, alone, is enough to keep you charged-up for weeks!
Favorites:
-Nevermore
-Kiss of Fire
-Charon
-To Hell and Back
-Legend
