THE DIVINE WINGS OF TRAGEDY

How can I describe the importance of this record in every musician´s life? First of all... I´m a composer. I write so many different types of music.... classical, folklorical, contemporary and... prog metal. Ok, I´ve read so many non-sense words from this album. About the lyrics: What´s the problem of fantasy if it´s perspective is interesting and has a message?. Symphony X is not Manowar or Rhapsody. These guys had a lot of great verses, maybe some of the most beautiful ones I´ve ever heard: "..Kissing the tears from my face as they fall to the ground in silence" or "The knife of time carves another line around these eyes", just for name a few examples. These aren´t words from a "Metalhead" , as some pretencious reviewers mentioned before. The musical part displays a lot of knowledge about composition. Every step in the songs is highly planified, and everything sounds in his precise level. Tecnically, is one of the best skilled bands. And, virtuosity is welcomed when it carries a lot of fresh ideas and talent with him. Michael Romeo is one of the greatest minds in actual music. His compositions, solos and orchestrations are full of mastery. There´s a lot of difference between Romeo and Malmsteen (just for name a basic metal player). Romeo has a lot (A LOT) of melody. Also is much more trained in every musical aspect. Romeo doesn´t play things that sound classical... he plays real classical music!. He knows the difference between a prelude or fugue or a sonata or...

Russell Allen is the great vocalist of the moment. His performances live are great too. He has a huge vocal range and an unique voice colour. And every "cheesy" (add irony to that, please) word that comes from his mouth has PERSONALITY. M. Pinella work is also awesome. Intrincate soloing and soft atmospheres. The bass and drums lines are just perfect. They are respectful about the music, with some highlight parts in every SX work.

As a progressive fan, I´m really tired of the un-grounded comments about Symphony X. Do they really know what progressive means?

Please, don´t miss the opportunity to meet this masterpiece!. You won´t regret. Maybe it takes a long time to discover some occult things in the songs. "The divine wings of tragedy" has a lot of marvelous compositions, and great lyrics too... trust me. Pay attention to : the instrumental passage of "the accolade", an incredible Quadlibet of seven melodies making one, united. The preludes of "Out of the ashes" and "Withching hour". Is not a typical "power" introduction, seriously. The strenght and solos of "Of sins and shadows". The bass lines and vocal parts of "Sea of lies". The heavy riffing and solos of "Pharaoh" and "The eyes of Medussa" (this one, with a beautiful vocal melody above the progressive riffs). and.. The super epic "non-cheesy" song: "The divine wings of tragedy"!. With a great lyric adaptation, some arrengements from "The planets suite" (by G. Holst), and a lot of changing passages. but... the jewel of this CD is the last track. A romantic vision of a composer´s life and his love for music. The fight against the lack of understanding (EJEM!). With the best Russell Allen´s work ever, great solos, very respectful ones. A great great great composition, that goes from ballad to heavy to ballad again. Transposing tones all over the song with Excellent leitmotivs.

Ok... This is truly the album I really love the most! It changes my way of think music, when I was 18. And every time I hear it, I discover some new emotions in me... some hidden details that still makes me go crazy. This review comes from a guy who loves good music, that breaths music, thinks music and dream with music. I have no prejudices! I love Bach, Mozart, Verdi, Stravinsky. But also Pain of salvation, Queen, Ayreon, Cradle of filth (yes, black metal has quality too). I hear jazz, folk and tango and that´s why this album is... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!