THE ODYSSEY

I don't tend to write reviews about albums that hold a special place in my heart, but it is one of these afternoons that you re-discover a favourite. In "The Odyssey", Symphony X move further away from the Divine Wings of Tragedy and regress to a much more Malmsteen/speedy power metal approach, nevertheless retaining the grandiose elements and powerful songwriting that gave them a decade of top-notch releases ('97-'07).

Low-tuned, creeping, mid-tempo heavy riffs that we would later experience in albums such as "Paradise Lost" make their appearance in "Wicked" but the majority of the album is based on Romeo's speedy power metal fantasies, apparent in "Inferno", "King of Terrors" and "Incantations of the Apprentice" that seem to have been made of the same mould; the latter retains the fantasy elements of the early days of the band.

The beauty of the album lies in the sequel "Accolade II", the grandiose "Awakenings" (with a strong Kansas feel) and the unsurpassable epic "The Odyssey". The former two sum up the qualities and unique character of this band and stand up there with the best of their songs, mixing the lyricism with the power. Galloping guitars and lush keyboards, multiple vocals, odd-time signatures and uplifting refrains. The next and biggest suprise comes in the 24-minute title track that finds the band in the heights of imagination. The story of the Odyssey is very difficult to tell in 24 minutes but Symphony X achieve it using "rich pictures", excellent storytelling, music moods that fluctuate, following the dramatic events (explore that booklet), opening and closing with some of their most catchy melodies ever.

If you enjoy the power metal aspect of Symphony X, this is an album for you, up there with the big albums of this band. Others may not enjoy as much but might find their own Ithaca in the title track.

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