THE ODYSSEY

This album starts off with Inferno, a heavy Thrashier opener with the memorable vocals by singer Russell Allen yelling out the words, "WELCOME TO THE ANARCHY" and then a heavy riff starts. Overall, the first song isn't so bad, much better than an opener like Of Sins and Shadows, but much weaker than an opener like Evolution or Smoke and Mirrors.

The song Wicked follows it, an intensely heavy song, perhaps the heaviest song Sym X has ever done so far, for me it falls between the category of [&*!#] and crap (at least for SX standards) This is also my least favorite Sym X song. This is point where my skull cracks due to lack of melody and the harsh vocals of Russell Allen, which I enjoy far more when he is in a more "calmer" mood. (Exagerating of course) Not a very memorable Sym X song. Another bland heavy rocker follows and then we have the continuation of the Acollade trilogy.

Acollade II is a very good song, not quite as good as its brother and certainly heavier. Its creative vocals and guitar solo is one that is very much enjoyed by me. A great Sym X song and a classic under my standards.

Acollade II is followed by two other heavy rockers that rival that of Wicked, but none are memorable as well.

Awakenings is like the lighter, very much like a segue to a song like on Rediscovery, but this "segue" is far longer and not as good. Good song, nevertheless. Creative and out of the book for Sym X at least.

The Odyssey is the last and the longest track on this album. It is also by far the best track on the otherwise uncreative and heavy release by Symphony X. After the characteristically symphonic approach to them, it really sounds like a Lord of the Rings soundtrack, well, at least the beginning sounds like it. We carry the story of the grand Odyssey, a man lost at sea, wanting for Ithaca. A great, epic song I can not really describe. This song is by far the most creative, artistic thing Michael Romeo ever wrote. Along with V, this song is a sheer magnum opus. You just have to listen to the epic itself!

There is a remake of Masquerade also in the limited edition of this disc, which is actually widely sold in stores (actually the only one sold in stores). The remake is excellent and much better than awfully produced, sung original release on the self- titled Symphony X release.

Overall, I must say the Odyssey is not a very creative piece of work, other than the title track and one that is in sheer need of a balance between heavy riffs and melody. I would only recommend it if you want to listen to the magical title track. It is technically a 3/5 album, despite the greatness that is the title track. But I was so disappointed in this release overall and could have been a lot better much like V: The New Mythology Suite, but then I guess bands move in different directions..

Inferno- 4/5 Wicked - 2/5 Incantations Of The Apprentice - 2/5 Accollade II- 4/5 King Of Terrors- 2/5 The Turning- 2/5 Awakenings- 3/5 The Odyssey- 6/5 (Masquerade) - 4/5

Overall: 3 stars, a good effort but not the best Symphony X album as everyone puts it out to be. The epic however is a masterpiece!

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