Symphony X - Paradise Lost

The masters of Symphonic Power Metal are back!

Symphony X are recognized by-and-large as one the most important acts in the worldwide metal scene. After the release of their hugely successful CD, The Odyssey - and after nearly five years - Michael Romeo and his band have returned with what is already being praised as their best work to date. Paradise Lost has all the trademarks that have come to be associated with Symphony X: Incredibly intricate and powerful, yet-melodic compositions that showcase every member's unrivaled technical skill as instrumentalists. However, once again it must be said that the spotlight is squarely on the ferocious vocal force of singer Russell Allen and the almost inhuman pyrotechnics of guitarist Michael Romeo.

The North American version of Paradise Lost features a fantastic foldout and diecut digipack that was designed by Warren Flanagan, who has done art-direction for major motion picture blockbusters such as I Robot, X-Men and Blade.

This is thee guitar release of the summer! Album Description

Great cd

This is the top American progressive metal band. They are awesome at what they do. Worth getting this cd and all thier other. October 11, 2008

5 YEARS FOR THIS ?? WHAT A LETDOWN

After all these years, this is what we get ..Ive listened to this cd countless times since its release and really nothing truly stands out . its just kind of dull... 2 decent tracks but the rest of the cd has no flow and zero symphonic overtones. not sure what's next? they need to go back and go over what got them a fanbase . truly there weakest cd since " The Damnation Game" I mean If I want to listen to Pantera I would.... C'mon Guys , your better than this!!!! September 30, 2008

Not a huge metal fan... love this album

I can appreciate metal in most of its forms. Meshuggah is clearly brilliant, Mastodon brings out the jazzier side of metal (IMO), Metallica in their halcyon days were a force, and then there's Symphony X. I listened to "The Odyssey", it was okay but I wasn't convinced by anything. The production sounded a bit flat and dare I say it, cheap. "V", I kinda had the same impression. "Paradise Lost"; this album is in a whole different league than those first albums. If I had any gripe whatsoever I just wish that whoever made the big financial decisions would give these guys the real money to work alongside a massive orchestra and as well as a full blown choir. To me the choir sounds small, almost as if they're using a program like Symphonic Choirs or something. I'd like bigger. But budgetary constraints aside, this is one excellent album. Lyrically, it stumbles in a few places but overall its solid.

Well worth multiple listens. September 26, 2008

Hit by the Serpent's Kiss!

It seemed like forever, but absence makes the heart grow fonder. Symphony X delivers what we all expected. A raw album that seems to fuse all their artistic abilities into one! 2007, gave us...Paradise Lost!

1. Oculus ex Inferni - This is how we've come to expect Symphony X to begin an album! A hard hitting symphonic rock piece that truly sets the mood! A heavy peice that will bring you right in! 5/5

2. Set The World on Fire (The Lie of Lies) - An insanely heavy way to truly kick off the album!! The guitar work meshing with the drums is what hits you first! Amazing heavy harmony throughout! 4/5

3. Domination - The band continues with the fast, heavy, and in your face power on this track! What fits perfectly is the heavy, deep choir in the background on top of Allen's growling vocals! Amazing guitar work here as well! 4.5/5

4. The Serpent's Kiss - One of my favorite tracks on the album! Has enough speed and power, but also has the first melodic feel of the album. I cannot get over how well the guitars, bass, and drums all gel together for a truly seemless delivery! 5/5

5. Paradise Lost - The title track of the album does not disappoint! A killer chorus with lyrics that will leave you mystified. To me it seems that Allen poured his heart and soul into this song, and it pays off! Truly beautiful!! 5/5

6. Eve Of Seduction - I LOVE the guitar work here! The X return to the heavy, hard-hitting on this track and really rhe guitars are what steal the show! Allen's vocals delve deep enough to create a heavy haunting feeling, which is just what this track represents! 5/5

7. The Walls Of Babylon - This is the hidden gem of the album. Has the heavy element of "Eve..." yet the melodic undertones of "Paradise..." Perhaps my favorite track on the album as a whole! 5/5

8. Seven - Heavy, fast, and brutal!! This is a track where the ENTIRE band just shines as one cohesive unit! Will have you rocking out for days! Plus, "Seven" is just a cool name for a song! 4.5/5

9. The Sacrifice - Another GREAT song for the album! Has the melodic feel that many fans like, and again shows exactly how powerful Allen can be as a vocalist! 4.5/5

10. Revelation (Divus Pennae ex Tragoedia) - The classic way Symphony X ends an album! However, unlike their past release "The Odyssey", this is a lot heavier! This is the quintessential Symphony X that everyone has come to know and love! 5/5

Overall, a GREAT album, and well worth the wait. Truly shows the bands diverse talents and musical tastes. Part heavy, part melodic, but ALL Symphony X! July 13, 2008

Dream Theater...Without the Megalomania!!!

This CD is phenomenal..this band is phenomenal..there have always been shades of Dream Theater in Symphoy X's sound but unlike those boys from Long Island..they can get their point across without bloated 10 minute musical masturbation sessions. These songs are every bit as virtuostic (is that a word??) delivered in a compact package..they don't need to prove their genius by flogging the listener over the head with complex playing. IMO Dream Theater has become a parody of themselves and Symphony X adeptly blends complexity, with accessibility. Not to mention Russell Allen far surpasses James LaBrie in the vocal department. While LaBrie sings every song as if he is auditioning for a Broadway musical, Allen delivers a visceral, spartan performance which really captures the listener..and his diction is lightyears better, you can actually understand the lyrics, without the "Rigoletto" overtones. Romeo , imo, is just as skilled as Petrucci on the six string and to be honest his playing has a quirky quality that John does not, that serves as a breath of fresh air. While Romeo can shred a million miles an hour, he does so expertly in the context of the song..without the "Look at me!" vibe. THis CD is a classic and I love the new direction..it is a breath of fresh air!! Get it!!! July 12, 2008

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