V - THE NEW MYTHOLOGY SUITE

4.5 stars.This is my favourite SYMPHONY X record so far. It is heavier overall than the others, but also not as fast paced. It fits my tastes more that's all. This is a concept album about "Atlantis". Interesting that while they were working on this recording both Romeo & Allen took part in Ayreon's "Flight Of The Migrator" album. As Easy Livin mentions, in the year 2000 we had two records entitled "V". SPOCK'S BEARD's fifth album and SYMPHONY X's fifth record. What seems strange to me is the fact that both bands were on the same record label, and both have almost the same background picture of gold desert sands with a black & red sky on the front covers. Odd.

"Prelude" is a Neo-Classical intro with the vocals to match. "Evolution (The Grand Design)" opens with heavy, fast paced riffs.The vocals almost sound distant, but they sound great. The background synths are a nice touch. Check out the guitar solo after 3 minutes that is followed by some killer riffs. This song blends into "Fallen". It opens with keys as a heavy sound slowly starts to rise up. A powerful sound is the result as vocals come in.The keys are swirling 3 1/2 minutes in followed by some blistering guitar. Light keys to end it. "Transcendence" is more Classical music like "Prelude". "Communion And The Oracle" is one of my top three favs on this album. I like the piano intro as drums and acoustic guitar provide a really nice sound. Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in are restrained in this mid- paced tune.This is just so tasteful. "The Bird-Serpent War / Cataclysm" features heavy riffs and background synths. Nice guitar solo later. "On The Breath Of Poseidon" has a classical intro before pounding drums and synths take it hostage. "Egypt" is another one of my top three on here. Probably my favourite actually with those Eastern sounds coming through the heavy soundscape. The chorus is incredible with the lighter vocals. Some outstanding bass as well. After 4 1/2 minutes the guitar is simply amazing.

"Death Of Balance / Lacrymosa" begins with a classical intro that is replaced by a punishing passage of riffs and background synths. Vocal harmonies with synths end it. "Absence Of Light" has a good galloping sound reminding me of IRON MAIDEN. The guitar and keys are fantastic ! A blistering guitar solo after 3 minutes. "A Fool's Paradise" is a dark, heavy and uptempo track. Good song. It calms down late with some beautiful melodic guitar. The pastoral mood continues with "Rediscovery(Segue)". "Rediscovery (Part II)-The New Mythology" is the longest track at almost 12 minutes.The guitar and vocals sound so good on this track. The synths and drumming can't be overlooked either. I know some feel this should have been the solo filled, exciting finale, but I love this song. My final top three track. There is some heaviness later, and it's not without it's solos,it just doesn't blow the doors off that's all.

A more mature offering from the band that I personally really like.