PARADISE LOST

Progression through aggression! This can stand for Symphony's X new album. An evolution to their sound, following the trend in the prog scene of 21st century. A very balanced mix of heavy,progressive,aggressive and power sound. But,let's comment each track separately. Oculus Ex Inferni-As always Symphony X pay their tribute to classical music. Romeo's ideas are very productive in this intro which grandly opens the next track.5/5 (even if it is too short to judge) Set The World On Fire(The Lie Of Lies)-Wow,what an aggressive opening! Intense drumming along with thrash-death riffing. Allen's voice which sounds harsher than before, perfectly suits the music. Listen to the background keyboard theme that accompanies the heavy riffing.Very clever, Michael!My only objection is the power refrain but I cannot forget the perfect solos and performance of the musicians with the chorus ending. If it weren't for the power elements I would have put 5 stars but indeed I will rate it as 4.5/5. Domination- Michael Lepond reminds us why he should not be very underestimated by the metal audience,as he is,with his furious tapping(it is tapping,isn't it?)on his 4-string weapon. Riffs from hell similar to Pantera but with Romeo's significant style and Allen's wicked sentimental voice binding this masterpiece! I like very much the guitar themes. Very exciting song which raises your adrenaline. A new era for Symphony X,has just begun. It is a crime not to rate it with 5 stars.5/5 The Serpent's Kiss-More straight and less complex than the previous song but one of the best heavy metal songs I've heard the last 2 years. Again the instrumental team performs impeccably as Alle does also. He shouts, whispers, melodically sings, he does everything. That is why he is the most skilled 'offspring' of Dio.Check also the very artistic video-clip.5/5 Paradise Lost-If someone thought that Allen's voice has become rough and wild and he forgot his beautiful soft aspect, then he is totally wrong. This beautiful ballad reminds good old Symphony X songs(I believe that the new Symphony X are better). Another beautiful song but not the best ballad in this album. I will rate it with 4/5. Eve Of Seduction-In this song, Symphony X call their power metal roots. Very technical the solo in the beginning, I must say. I don't know for you but I am not any more in the power metal kngdom, so I believe that it is the weakest song in this album, thus it will be rated with 3/5. The Walls Of Babylon-This is a really epic song! Impressive intro with intelligent arrangement. The song reaches its peak when Russell enters the game. The rhythm section holds solidly and Romeo builds his riffs one after another. Of course Pinnella adds his touch once again. As grandiose was the opening, so delirious is the finale. The fading out riff is one of my best in all progressive and believe me, I listen a lot. 5/5 Seven-It is quite power,it is progressive, it is a lot aggressive! The massacre that is keep going on as the lyrics inform us is accurately incarnated by the song. Lepond' s tapping(this is taping for sure) is just astonishing. A catchy song with the good meaning of course. Very nice,well done!5/5 The Sacrifice-The second ballad in this song which is the best of the 2 in my opinion. Maybe Russell does not sing softly as in the Paradise Lost song but I find it more successful. Even if the lyrics are for love(I usually avoid this kind of lyrics, you listen for love in all kind of music,it is boring)I love it. I will rate it with 4.5/5 because I do not prefer ballads. Revelation (Divus Pennae Ex Tragoedia)- And I was starting to wonder'where is the epic song,more than 8 minutes long?'. Here it is. A very nice start(they have considered very much the opening of the tracks in this album)which is being followed by a flawless performance by the band. The chorus element are also present in this track. It will remind you The Divine Wings Of Tragedy because it refers to it,as far as I know. Ideal endinfg in this masterpiece album!The only bad think is that it may seem quite boring some times at the minority of people. So, 4.5/5. Overall, the best progressive album for 2007!I hope they will release something before 2010. I also hope that their next effort will follow the path of Paradise Lost, meaning the edgy and aggressive character with the progressive performance and sentiment with even less Power Metal touches.