PARADISE LOST

Symphony X will soon be playing a first ever gig in my country (Scotland) and needless to say I have been counting the days. Some band called Dream Theater will be supporting them and in an unprecedented move Symphony X will be allowing them to go on last!! Generous or what? Symphony X were the first band this Prog Archive brought to my attention - I had never heard of them previously - and for that alone I will always be grateful. I have to start by saying that this album is not my favourite by the band. That accolade belongs to V. I have persuaded a friend to come to the forthcoming gig. I don't know whether Symphony X will ever return and I want my mate to experience what is sure to be a truly fantastic evening of virtuoso musicianship from TWO premier prog-metal bands. Paradise Lost is however not representative of what Symphony X means to me. Don't get me wrong it is still up there and still excites me - it seems heavier in places and (as some have said) darker at the edges. Saying that, the title track reminded me a little of Kansas ( no bad thing) until it picked up the pace. The Walls of Babylon is a masterpiece and worth the cost of the album alone. What I'm trying to say is that I could let my friend hear at least 10 other Symphony X tracks that I hope they play - these include Of Sins and Shadows,Fallen, Egypt,Pharaoh,Wicked and Incantations of the Apprentice. Short and sweet - its still worth buying - they set standards few can equal.