V

Symphony X: Russell Allen (vocals); Michael Romeo (guitar); Michael Pinnella (keyboards); Michael Lepond (bass); Jason Rullo (drums). Perhaps no other guitarists in the metal genre has been as influenced by Yngwie Malmsteen as Symphony X leader Michael Romeo. That has proved to be both a blessing and a curse for this gifted guitarist. His chops are certainly comparable, but his sound and style are often identical to his idol. Therein lies the problem with this recording and, for that matter, most of the post-Malmsteen shredders. Some of the music and themes here are all too familiar, as is Russell Allen's macho vocal style. This is not meant to imply that the music here is not admirable, in fact, there are some remarkable moments that show a maturity in both the band's composing and playing. The session's most interesting moment comes during the "Communion and the Oracle," a selection that finds the band introducing a less heavy, more harmonically intriguing sound. As a whole, V: The New Mythology Suite works and proves that Symphony X has chosen to expand, rather than repeat, history in a genre that appeared to have peaked both creatively and technically. ~ Robert Taylor