UNDERWORLD

Underworld is a solid record by Symphony X. It's got the prog power that gets you hooked, the symphonic elements throughout and even a bass that shines through a little bit more than in the other records. However, that's also the album Achilles' heel: it stops there.

You see, this is a safe album: vaguely conceptual, no 10+ minutes tracks, all songs structured really similarly. It's got an overture, which is nice, but that doesn't make it a five-star record by far.

This album pleases the fanbase, the first-time listener, and the guy that only knows V and Divine Wings Of Tragedy. It's a great one to stream, but not to buy.