THE DAMNATION GAME

"The Damnation Game" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US, New Jersey based power/progressive metal act Symphony X. The album was released through Zero Corporation (Japan)/InsideOut Music (Europe) in November 1995. There´s been one lineup change since the 1994 eponymously titled debut album as lead vocalist Rod Tyler has been replaced by Russel Allen.

While Tyler was a decent enough singer, the addition of Allen definitely boosted the vocal part of Symphony X and took that part of the band´s music to new heights. Allen is an incredibly versatile singer, able to sing both high pitched clean vocals and go to deep range raw vocals. His voice is powerful and his delivery commanding. The Queen influenced choirs and harmonies are still a part of the band´s sound.

Stylistically the material on "The Damnation Game" continues the combination of neo-classical influenced European power metal and the more raw thrash metal influenced US power metal style of the debut album. This time the progressive metal leanings of the debut are much more in focus though, and while I wouldn´t call "The Damnation Game" a pure progressive metal album, a combined US power/progressive metal tag isn´t all wrong. The many neo-classical guitar/keyboard parts (strongly influenced by Yngwie Malmsteen) of course bring the European power metal style to the table, and that´s what´s so interesting about this early era output by Symphony X. How they manage to combine elements from all three styles into something of their own.

The musicianship is high on all posts and the musical performances are one of the great assets of "The Damnation Game". Allen´s vocals have already been mentioned, but the instrumental part of the music is also very accomplished. The drumming is powerful and driving the music forward with great skill and conviction. The bass has an intriguing place in the soundscape and is audible, but it´s the keyboards and especially the guitars which steal the picture (when Allen´s vocals don´t). Great harmony guitar/keyboard runs, and some blistering solo work, which is both shredding and melodic. Both Michael Pinella (keyboards) and Michael Romeo (guitars) are virtuosos on their respective instruments.

Highlights include the opening title track, "Dressed To Kill", "The Edge of Forever" (the opening trio of tracks), and the closing "A Winter's Dream" suite. While some of the material on "The Damnation Game" may still be a little rough around the edges compared to subsequent releaess by Symphony X (a track like "Secrets" for example leaves a bit to be desired), the album is a highly professional affair, featuring a well sounding production job, well composed tracks, and brilliant musicianship. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)