V - THE NEW MYTHOLOGY SUITE

At a very early point of my life (I was 13 or 14), I first got my dose of prog, becoming obsessed with Dream Theater (that obsession has ended, but I still respect them madly), so it was obvious that I would sample other cheeses on the progressive metal plate.

I had heard of Symphony X (i had one of their songs as a download, but you will find out about that in due time). So when I found this album in a now aborted Virign Megastores, i immediately bought it.

So is it any good.

Their are many albums that aritists make, and they are just flawless. This album is a classic example. Not one boring moment, amazing songwritining, incrediby cathcy chorus's and instrumentation of Gods.

I would go far to say that this is one of the greatest albums I have ever heard.

This album is also a concept album, based on the old Atlantian tales, and Ma'at and balance. Basically a non greek version of Rush's Hemispheres.

1. Prelude - Just an amazing symphonic intro. Amazing instrumental work, and prepares you for the ride of your life. 9/10

2. Evolution (The Grand Design) - Fierce riffing, amazing instrumental work and Russel's voice is just spine chilling. Just breathless to listen to. 10/10

3. Fallen - I never really liked this song, but now I'm really getting into it. Amazing chorus, and the instrumental section has a very Black Mages vibe to it, with the amazing organ and guitar unison parts. 10/10

4. Transcendence (Segue) - Interlude basically. 8/10

5.Communion & The Oracle - Just beautifull. The compositional devices used are amazing, and remind me of the scales I would use when writing (basically alot of descant and the odd disjunct riffs now and then). Beautifull vocal harmonies and overall just amazing. Flawless. 10/10

6. The Bird Serpent War/Cataclysm - The most metal song on the album. The riffs in this song are mammothly heavy. Not as strong, but it is too kick ass to be forgotten. 9/10

7. One The Breath Of Posiedon (Segue) - Another interlude. But more kick ass and amazing guitar work. 9/10

8. Egypt - What a powerfull song. Amazing discourse between instruments, and Russel's best vocals on the album. The chorus is also amazing. 10/10

9. Death Of Balance/Lacrymosa - A choral influenced interlude. 9/10

10. Absence Of Light - This chorus always reminds me of the dwarves in Snow White. Fantastic chorus and just specatacluaire. 10/10

11. A Fool's Paradise - In my opinion, the best chorus on the album. It's just so powerfull and very catchy. 10/10

12. Rediscovery (Segue) - Another interlude, meh. 8/10

13. Rediscovery (Part II): The New Mythology - Epic in every way possible and not one boring moment. This song just has so much emotion and power. It's also crafted extremely well. 10/10

CONCLUSION: If you don't have this album, then you should be ashamed. Buy it now, and revel in it's spectacle, young child.