Back in the early 21st century, I grabbed a cheap copy of Symphony X's 'V' (2000), because I'd heard a lot of good things about the band. My impressions about the album was that it was "too classically influenced and capriciously proggy, but with great vocals." Not that I really gave it time to show its strengths. Come 2007, and I was persuaded to check out 'Paradise Lost'. During the years, I'd heard Russell Allen's vocals performances on many albums, actually all the bands he is/was a part of, so I wasn't too much afraid to give 'Paradise Lost' a chance.
And am I happy I did?! A huge, resounding YES! This album features all the elements the band have been known for: They are actually progressive, they are influenced by classical music, they are heavier than your average prog metal band and every musician give a stellar performance. But I was surprised, knowing the band's output poorly, that the music is absolutely catchy. The album's 60 minutes and 66 seconds are filled with essential music, without any filler material. The album flows blazingly, despite the twisting progressive nature of the music, albeit this is not the case with every song this time around.
The lyrical theme, which is the battling between the good and the evil, is a bit dull-edged for me, but let's see how it was portrayed with the music. 'Oculus Ex Inferi' is epic dark mood-rising metalized symphonic instrumental. You've surely heard this done by Dimmu Borgir, Cradle Of Filth and the likes, but Symphony X have succeeded much better than any of those that I've heard. The attack begins with 'Set the World on Fire (The Lie of Lies)'. It simply rumbles over a careless listener with its ferocity. My initial thought was, that "is this really Symphony X playing?" It is heavier, ripping (an adjective not so common with this band) and more captivating than anything from the band I'd heard earlier. 'Domination' continues the controlled whirlwind, showcasing more shredding (another adjective not so common with this band) nature. 'Serpent's Kiss' is more charming piece, as fits with the lyrics. The title track is the first slow song of the album, and can be narrowed into a sentence from its lyrics: "Love is a tragedy." The song is beautiful to the core, but not lame sugary way. 'Eve of Seduction' is probably the most simple song from the band to date, but it does not decrease its value a bit. It is catchier than many a "radio friendly" song! Then again, illustrative 'The Walls of Babylon', is on the more progressive corner. 'Seven' is the neo-classical epic of the album, and 'The Sacrifice' is its tearjerker. The biggest epic is left last. 'Revelation (Divus Pennae Ex Tragoedia)' is pure manna for older Symphony X fanatics. On it, the different sides of the band are all rammed into one song. This is a long album, but thanks to the diversity-in-uniformity, it provides a lot to listen to with your mouth open and drool flowing out from it. Partly instant, partly needs some digging in.
The band's performance is nothing short of amazing all the way through. Russell Allen, the voice with many faces, offers his darkest ever performance on this album. He does some throat singing, yet not growling, and soon goes into soothing territories. His voice is very powerful and deep indeed. "Alpha male" is the term that comes to my mind when listening to this fellow, there's no better term I can picture how Mr. Allen sounds like. The lyrics are pure poetry. "When the stars lose their fine. And night steals the morning away. Forever and the day." All the music expect the title track was composed by guitar virtuoso Michael Romeo. Keyboardist Michael Pinnella co-wrote the title track. Rhythm section of bassist Michael Lepond and drummer extraordinaire James Rullo provide thick yet sensorium-expanding backbone. There is a lot of superlative playing going on, but it doesn't feel forced, it comes all natural and sounds, well, merry, in lack of a better word. I think that every guy has invented something new in his field in these songs. Sound-wise this is something like perfect. It's crystal clear, but the lower end scrambles the nuts. It is well-balanced, but shows every fine detail from every guy. It is big, but not plastic.
The cover and booklet artwork, even though created with computer, is awesome. Cut-to-shape digipak does look good, but the bonus DVD doesn't. It contains 10 songs with amateurish picture and sound quality. All the songs are shot with one camera only. But I don't doubt a bit, that a true SX-fanatic is pissing some honey over it. At least it showcases older material for people like me. I can't wait for a professionally done concert DVD from the band now, because the band's vibe looks good, I can't but laugh heartily looking Mr. Allen doing his monster stuff.
'Paradise Lost' is progressive without being too tortuous, but more like awe-inspiringly performed metal. An essential purchase for any technical or progressive or heavy or power metal fanatic, but I really encourage any metal music fan who likes good music. That is exactly what you'll find here, with exquisite construction in every possible way. You simply can't go wrong with this one. Now, fetch!
Rating: 9 (out of 10) ratings explained
Reviewed by Lane
06/14/2008 16:50
