THE DAMNATION GAME

This is Symphony X' s second CD and it has similar style to their first "Symphony X", but now with the fantastic Russel Allen in voice. This record, as the first one, is not prog except for the two longs "The Edge of Forever" and "A Winter's Dream". Almost all the songs have a very power metal influence, just listen to that double drum bass pedals on the first song "The Damnation Game" and "Secrets".... and the solos too. Here, in my opinion, Symphony X hasn't discovered their true prog metal, which is shown on the follower masterpiece "The Divine Wings of Tragedy". It's like they're missing something. Michael Romeo, as is usual, does excellent solos (very influencad by Malmsteen), but the problem I have with this guitarist (and other super fast guitarists) is that he uses always the same style , so I can't imagine him playing a rocker or bluesy solo. Pinella is a fantastic keyboardist, he does phenomenal solos, and sometimes I get crazy when I listen to them; and here starts showing more his habilities, in difference of the previous album. Bassist Miller does (in the "quiet" segments) nice bases, combining with the double drum pedal and puts nice mini-solos. When I listened for the first time to "Secrets" chorus I though: "Is Allen trying to imitate James Hetfield (Metallica) ? Yes, he is, and he does it fine !! "

The best song is "The Edge of Forever", more proggy than the other ones, and reminds me of "The Accolade". Starts with quiet acoustic guitar, going like a mid-tempo song, then enters the voice in a quiet segment, followed by a fast part (in which I can't resist myself to make headbanging) with the Symphony X trademark wild guitar/keyboard duel. This song has a nice chorus, as the sad ballad "Whispers", which adds, as I've said before in my other reviews, a Queen choir, like the typical classical metal bands. Well done choruses of the songs "Savage Curtain" and "The Haunting" The acoustic Prelude of "A Winer's Dream" is very nice too.

I can't say so much more, it's basically power metal with some prog stuff, not recommended to prog fans, so it's a just for fans album.

Rating: 2.3/5