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Symphony X - Twilight in Olympus CD (album) cover

TWILIGHT IN OLYMPUS

Symphony X

 

Progressive Metal

3.76 | 398 ratings

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Gatot
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars This is Symphonic Progressive Metal

Some people who first knew the music of Symphony X would typically say "it's like Dream Theater". But hold on . If you observe all the subtleties you would find a dividing line that separate the characteristics of Symphony X from Dream Theater. Of course the two have similarities as both of them are in prog metal scene. You may find the compositions of Symphony X are bit softer than Dream Theater. Both bands I like them very much regardless differences or similarities.

It's really interesting that "Smoke and Mirrors" (6:09) with powerful guitar melody and riffs followed with symphonic progressive metal music that gives lead singer Sir Russel Allen sings the first lyrical verses. The music is in very fast tempo, neatly composed with great combination of guitar, keyboard (in symphonic style) and double pedal bass drum. It's an energetic track that is suitable to wake you up and energize you at the very beginning of the day. The interlude part includes a transition of symphonic music based on keyboard in medium tempo before finally the pulsating keyboard work and guitar solo fill the interlude part excellently. It's truly a powerful track!

"Church of the Machine" (8:57) begins the music with an ambient keyboard work and suddenly followed with upbeat music. It is quite interesting that there is an insert of clavinet sound accompanied by slower tempo music before it moves into faster tempo with keyboard as main rhythm section accentuated by soft guitar riffs. Dazzling drum work augments heavy guitar riffs and this kind of style has characterized the music of Symphony X. Again the duets of Michael Romeo (guitar) and Michael Pinnella have the music of Symphony X unique.

The album also features excellent epic "Through the Looking Glass (Part I, II, III") (13:05) which starts with a floating music dominated by multi-layered keyboard sounds, overlaid by guitar solo. Piano sometimes appear at the transition pieces to accentuate the music and make better textures. It's really an excellent track as it has not only neat composition, but it also has a catchy tagline melody through the voice of Russell Allen. The epic also contains tempo changes throughout multi-parts structure. The music flows naturally from start to end with the climax at the end after very nice intertwining solos of Romeo's guitar and Pinnella's keyboard.

Maybe "Lady of the Snow" (7:09) is a bit of misplaced being here in this album? Why? This song does not sound anything like any progressive metal music. If someone is given this song as a sample of Symphony X music, it's misleading I believe. But .. it's one of my favorite Symphony X tracks because it has a very substantial elements of neo progressive music and some symphonic nuances. The tempo is mellow but the composition, especially melody is powerful. Oh man .. I do enjoy this track!

I would say that this album is an excellent addition to any prog music collection. Fans of progressive metal must have this album in their collection because without it, it's incomplete. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

DragonForce "Live in Jakarta: May 19, 2007".

Gatot | 4/5 |

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