Symphony X - Divine Wings of Tragedy (10 tracks) +Album Reviews

Progressive Perfection - Rapid and Emotional

Dan Solera | Chicago, IL USA | 02/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It wasn't until the New Jersey progressive metal band released their third album that they would build a substantial fan base. After their first two albums, Symphony X and The Damnation Game went by relatively unnoticed, the band replaced their lead singer with California-born Russell Allen and wrote the best album of their career. Fusing progressive and neoclassical movements with aggressive and fast power-metal, guitarist/songwriter Michael Romeo established the band with a sound unlike any other. The songs do not have the predictable quality of everyday power-metal outfits, but instead have surprise turns and unexpected notes.

The opening track, "Of Sins and Shadows" would not be the masterpiece it is without the juxtaposed chorus of voices that follows the second chorus (a delightful surprise). Neither would the 20-minute giant "The Divine Wings of Tragedy" have its tremendous appeal if the entire song were a predictable journey through mundane and overdone chord arrangements. The twists and turns through which listeners navigate as they listen to each song are what separate both the album and the band from everyday metal fanfare. The keyboard/guitar solo on "Sea of Lies" is delightful and indicative of things to come; the triumphant energy of "Out of the Ashes" is as close to "regular" (yet exceptional) power-metal as the band will ever get; and the real treasure of the album is "The Accolade", a 9-minute woeful power-ballad that is destined to be unforgettable.

The album is powerful, beautiful and (after a few listens) very catchy and accessible. Progressive power-metal is a difficult combination to execute, but thankfully for the classically-oriented Michael Romeo, this band pulls it off perfectly. Except for a few lackluster tracks ("The Eyes of Medusa" and "Pharaoh"), the album is monumental.

See also: Symphony X - Twilight in Olympus, Symphony X - V: The New Mythology Suite, Symphony X - The Odyssey

"

The first masterpiece from Symphony X

R. Gorham | 10/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"THE BAND: Michael Romeo (guitars), Russell Allen (vocals), Thomas Miller (bass), Jason Rullo (drums & Percussion), Mike Pinnella (keyboards).

THE DISC: Released orginally in 1997. 9 tracks clocking in at approximately 66 minutes. Recorded at Trax East Studios in South River, NJ. The new digipak contains digitally mastered sound as well as a screen saver and band interview. There is an 18-page booklet containing band pictures, lyrics, song credits and thank you's. Label - Inside Out Music.

COMMENTS: This was my first ever disc from this New Jersey band. It will forever hold a special place in my heart. I rank it 2nd only to the band's magnum opus "V-The New Mythology Suite"... and it isn't 2nd by much. This is a truly wonderful album. The band has since grown and matured since '97 and I truly believe they rank as one of the top heavy progressive rock music acts out there. It truly escapes me why Symphony X receives little or no air play in America, little or no promotion, and limited touring (at least in the southwest)... yet they remain Gods across the ocean in Europe and Japan. Romeo's blistering work on the guitar is high quality stuff (Yngwie Malmsteen would be proud) and he has very few equals. Russell Allen's voice is beautiful - and he's a singer, not a screamer or growler. Miller, Rullo and Pinnella are all equally talented on their instruments. The 22+ minute title track and "The Accolade" will forever be my two favorite songs that the band has ever written. If you're new to Symphony X, you must try "V-The New Mythology Suite" or "Twilight In Olympus" next. Great disc."

Symphony X, an exellent progressive metal band.

Parker Buessow | Sequim, Washington USA | 04/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I have the money, I always look for something new and different in Metal, and Symphony X delivers everything that I listen for in terms of sound. While staying on the emotional side, the band keeps things nice and heavy through out the entire album. Quite easily one of the best, and most impressive songs on this album is the twenty minute long epic: "The Divine Wings of Tragedy". I won't go into describing the song, because it'll spoil the surprise if you have not heard it yet. My favorite songs on this album are: "Sea of Lies", "The Accolade", "The Divine Wings of Tragedy", and "Candlelight Fantasia." All in all, Symphony X is a great band to add to your collection, highly recommended for fans of "Evergrey", "Blind Guardian", "Kamelot" "Sonata Artica", etc..."

Symphony X at their best

Ztrange | South of heaven | 08/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Arguably their best album to date, together with 'The Oyssey'. The title song is a true epic with over 20 minutes of total bliss and musical genius.

No fillers on this album, every song is a classic in its own right. Killer cuts along the amazing title track; 'Eyes of Medusa', 'Out of the Ashes', 'Of Sins and Shadows' -Great stuff!

"

The Definitive Work of Progressive Metal

A. Carlson | Marietta, GA USA | 01/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Divine Wings of Tragedy is quite possibly the greatest progressive metal album I have ever heard. I have been listening to metal (in various tweaked subgenres) for several years now, and when I found Symphony X, there was no going back. At first my interests were curbed toward a more mainstream approach, such as the works of Metallica, but I soon was introduced to The Odyssey (the most current Symphony X release to date--also a 5-star work) and have not moved Symphony X out of my own personal #1 slot. This album is so complete and so absolutely incredible that anything more would have made these men (Michael Romeo, Russell Allen, Michael Pinella, Michael Lepond, and James Rullo) proverbial gods of 'prog.'

My favorite track has shifted from time to time (I've been listening to this CD for years and it's still got its kick), but among the best is "The Divine Wings of Tragedy," which is an apocalyptically driven 20-minute suite that is beyond words for description, from the well-orchestrated (and I should know, being myself an accomplished musician) choir segment to the final hits in the vein of Holst; "Of Sins and Shadows," "The Eyes of Medusa," "Out of the Ashes," "Candlelight Fantasia," and "The Witching Hour" are all incredible also. This album has beautiful contrast, while still managing to drop your jaw at least once in a song. The talent that Romeo and Pinella display in the first track is inspiring. There really is no better way to kick off a progressive metal album than with shredding of the most exact degree. And of course, they keep on providing this virtuosic performance with great speed and lush vocal melodies until they approach "The Accolade." This song is a bit more than a touch of power metal, but the way it's done really detracts absolutely nothing from the beautiful voice of Allen. From singing of the mighty soldier to the pharoh, his voice is unfaltering, passionate, and powerful (it's that way live, too). Instrumentally, the group delivers, as I have already said (but this is worth repeating), a breathtaking and incredible performance, with beauty in the soft and relaxing melodies of "Candlelight Fantasia" and yet brawn "The Eyes of Medusa." If you have to choose one track on this album, the title track is the way to go. It just may be the best 20 minutes and 42 seconds of your day. Trust me, my musical tastes (among types of metal) are constantly ephemeral, yet Symphony X never disappoints. I would dare go so far as to recommend this album as the best ever made.

-A. Carlson (pianist, guitarist, etc.)"

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