Album Review - The Odyssey , by Symphony X

Rating: 5 star *****

This Album is prog metal (progressive metal). There are two complete gems on this CD, The Odyssey and Accolade II. These songs make me glad that music even exists. The Odyssey incorporates symphonic elements of strings, trumpets, etc. with heavy metal. It is a 24 minute long piece with 7 movements that recount the classic tale of Homer's, The Odyssey. The next incredible piece is called Accolade II . This piece is a sequel to a song on a previous album. It recounts the tale of a knight who is fighting a tyrant's regime on a battle field and states that his father's death will not be in vein. The chorus on this song is crafted in such a way that when it kicks in, a nearly overtaking feeling of beauty arises. None of this music will show up on conventional radio, as it probably shouldn't, since it is way more beatiful, thought out and complex than anything released in the masses. It is neat and refreshing to hear some highly technical and beautiful heavy music that actually tells stories. I am sick of hearing songs in which people are complaining about how bad they have it, when they are free, healthy, and playing the best gear money can buy. The other songs on this album are not nearly as meaningful as these two are. However, these two songs are enough to carry it to a five star rating. This CD is WOW. (yes, I said "This CD is WOW.")