UNDERWORLD

When Symphony X released Paradise Lost in 2007 it marked a shift in direction with the metal elements taking precedence over the prog making it their heaviest to date. Iconoclast, released in 2011 marked an even bigger shift in that direction. Four years later they have now released their ninth studio album Underworld and it's a killer!

Where does it fit in with past releases then? While it sits more comfortably with the last two albums than anything before ? this really kicks ass! - it marks a return to more emphasis on the melodies. This is particularly noticeable with Russell Allen's vocals who went for a harsher style of singing on the last two albums. He does that here too at times but they've clearly put a lot of effort into giving much of the material here strong vocal hooks. As usual Allen's vocals are stunning ? if there's a better metal vocalist out there at the moment I've not heard him. Don't be led into thinking they've gone soft though, this is a very heavy album ? just listen to Kiss Of Fire for proof with some stunning instrumental interplay and even some blastbeats from drummer Jason Rullo who never fails to impress me with his incredible technique. Of course the rest of the band live up to the high standards they've previously set themselves too. There are times however, like on Swansong where they lay back a bit and this could fit comfortably on some of their earlier albums like V.

This album is stunning from start to finish making picking favourite tracks futile. Back in 2011 I rated Iconoclast as their best yet, in truth Paradise Lost was just as good but Underworld is the equal of both of them making a trilogy of albums the equal of any prog metal band. While there's always a prog element on their albums fans who prefer their earlier work will still be in mourning for the old days however. Album of the year? Could well be.