ICONOCLAST

SYMPHONY X fans might want to get used to waiting 5 years between albums as this has happened with the last two releases. As usual Michael Romero comes up with the lyrics, in fact he actually brings complete demos to the studio where the other band members will then give their thoughts and ideas.This is a method that seems to work for them.This particular album has technology as it's theme and in particular how it will one day rule the planet.They look at it in different ways from weapons to the social networks on the computer to electricity and more. While "Paradise Lost" had choirs and orchestration added to fit the theme, this one has a lot of mechanical textures. And while "Paradise Lost" was a heavy record, this has to be their heaviest album to date. In fact I think for most fans this will be a grower simply to get used to the style. Not much in the way of Symphonic stylings on this album.They hit us hard and they are relentless. So be warned.

"Iconoclast" kicks in hard rather quickly then it picks up speed before 2 1/2 minutes as synths then vocals join in.The background guitar 4 1/2 minutes in and later reminds me of JUDAS PREIST. A ripping instrumental section comes in after 6 minutes. A nice Power-Metal rhythm before 8 1/2 minutes. Just a killer track.

"The End Of Innocence" also sounds pretty amazing. Again more angry vocals and we get a guitar solo after 4 minutes. "Dehumanized" has this dark and heavy sound then the vocals kick in. Love the chorus on this one. A guitar solo 4 minutes in and I love when he slows the solo down as it reminds me of Lifeson.

"Bastards Of The Machine" has this galloping rhythm and the vocals come in before a minute. Heavy stuff 2 1/2 minutes in when the vocals stop. "Heretic" is some heavy shit i'll tell you that. A killer intrumental section begins before 3 1/2 minutes.

"Children Of A Faceless God" features more heaviness with vocals. I really like the intro. It's almost a little lighter (shocking I know) on the chorus.The guitar lights it up 4 minutes in and before 5 minutes. Great tune. "Electric Messiah" has these heavy drums that kick in quickly and the vocals follow. Amazing sound 3 1/2 minutes in. We get a keyboard solo then the vocals return.

"Prometheus (I Am Alive)" has some dark atmosphere early then it builds until it's kicking ass after a minute.Vocals join in. It sounds cool when the vocals slow down. Ripping guitar 5 minutes in.

"When All Is Lost" ends the album,or at least the version I have. For the first time really we get a mellow tune and a time to actually exhale (haha). Piano only to start as reserved vocals join in. It does get fuller after 1 1/2 minutes as we get a crunchy sound. We're galloping now.The guitar and sound soars 6 1/2 minutes in but then the guitar starts to shred. I knew they couldn't keep this mellow stuff going ! But then it calms down to end it.

The boys are back and heavier than ever, so put your seatbelts on for this ride because your going to need them.