Last night's show in Holland.

[karelrulez]

OK this is sort of a review.
This is my first time to Symphony X.
The first band on the stage was Thunderstone, didn't know 'em, I thought they were cheesy powermetal, but they played it decent enough. Then Symphony X. I thought YES now we're gonna get it.. but the sound was SO horrible (WHO's behind the soundboard?) that I couldn't hear MJR's solo's and Pinella's. Also I could barely hear Russel. The thing I DID hear was that they were just fuckin' awesome, especially Russel, his singing was, just like others say, out of this world. The setlist was something like this:

Inferno
Wicked
Accolade II
Evolution
Communiun and the Oracle (this one was really amazing)
Smoke and Mirrors
Of Sins and Shadows.

I can't wait for SyX to be headlining, 'cause this set was WAY to short.
After that, Stratovarius came on stage, I don't really have something to say about them, I only think they are the cheesiest band you can imagine, BUT damn they play their music well. Also the show with the pyrotechnics and stuff was cool. And the strange thing was, that Stratovarius' sound was very good. Does Stratovarius have better equipment than Symphony X or something?

 

[RequiemX]

I have found that any live show has variable sound quality. There are just too many factors. But chances are that Strat had a better sound guy.

 

[SaTriaNi]

Cool! But it sucked that they played so short! But do you have a t-shirt?

 

[xystus]

:Smokin: I got a shirt!


I got in pretty late, so me & my buddies couldn't get as near to SX as we wanted to be.. But the sound was great! I guess it was because we weren't right in front of the band; but more in the back.

Russel was .. amazing:

His singing was [even] way better than the released live-CD.

-Romeo kicked ass as well. His solo's were just as fast and precise as always..
-There were some problems with the synths at the end of the show (technicians came onstage), but the band overwhelmed all fans!

SX rules.. no doubt about it.. DAMN!

 

[keeper of the flame]

I was in front of the stage somewhere in the middle. I thought the bass was a bit too loud compared to the rest and the bassdrum was fuzzy. But they definately were the best act. Although I gotta say that Stratovarius made quite an impression with the lights, the fireworks, the screen, and their sound. Never thought that a drummer could play like that live. It went on for two hours, while S.X. only got 45 minutes. That's a shame.

W.

 

[SaTriaNi]

What shirts where there? Did they have odyssey shirts?

 

[Sherval]

OK this is sort of a review.
This is my first time to Symphony X.
The first band on the stage was Thunderstone, didn't know 'em, I thought they were cheesy powermetal, but they played it decent enough. Then Symphony X. I thought YES now we're gonna get it.. but the sound was SO horrible (WHO's behind the soundboard?) that I couldn't hear MJR's solo's and Pinella's. Also I could barely hear Russel. The thing I DID hear was that they were just fuckin' awesome, especially Russel, his singing was, just like others say, out of this world. The setlist was something like this:

Inferno
Wicked
Accolade II
Evolution
Communiun and the Oracle (this one was really amazing)
Smoke and Mirrors
Of Sins and Shadows.

I can't wait for SyX to be headlining, 'cause this set was WAY to short.
After that, Stratovarius came on stage, I don't really have something to say about them, I only think they are the cheesiest band you can imagine, BUT damn they play their music well. Also the show with the pyrotechnics and stuff was cool. And the strange thing was, that Stratovarius' sound was very good. Does Stratovarius have better equipment than Symphony X or something?

Yo,

I was there too last night, I think they kicked some serious ass, they owned the crowd, they were by far better and more energetic than Stratovarius. You're right about that the set was way to short, especially since Strato had a set wich lasted like two freaking hours, it made me sick. The strato show was awesome, cool lighteffects, pyrotechnics and all, but the music sucked, true, it's perfectly performed but it just isn't my band. I need to see Symph X in a headlinig performance real bad, a gig that lasts like 45 minutes just doesn't do the trick ... *cry*

Symph X forever, with the best vocalist and guitarist in todays metal scene, spread the word to your mother, your uncle and whoever the hell wants to listen to ya

 

[Rosie]

Yep, Russell was awesome and right, they didn't get to play long enough at all. They have said they are coming back in the fall. When does this mean? Anyone know?
The t-shirts, Odyssey ones were sold out by the time I got there but there should be a new supply in Cologne. You lucky Germans!
Great concert though and now I am heading off to London to catch them at the Electric Ballroom tomorrow night.

 

[Bengeance]

Kill the fucking soundman!!!!! But the band kicked ass last night next time they'll be the HEADLINERS!!! Fuck Yeah!!! and they will get the sound they deserve !!!

 

[Evil]

I'd Kill to see Thunderstone....i love those guys..but i doubt i ever will unless they play PPUSA

 

[Phoenix77]

Hey, Sorry the sound was not up to par last night, but at least you got to experience the "great Ones" in person with their amazing energy and presence. Unforgetable.
It would be cool if Sympony X could travel with their own sound person...Someone who gives a damn about sound quality, and knows the music. They desrve to be heard clearly in all their greatness!
Deb

 

[neonknight]

Just wanted to comment on the sound....

the thing is that Symphony X should have been the main band, i.e. they should be headlining this tour, but for whatever reason it's not the case...anyway, I have some experience with live shows, I've played a number of them myself, and I can tell you that the rule is: a support act MUST sound like shit (in most of the cases), in order to make a clear distinction between the main band and the supporting band...we'll all agree, I believe, that had it not been for the sound, Stratovarius would have looked as a bunch of untalented morons...(and yes, I do know who Jens Johansson is, and I know he's great)...
however, Symphony X did their best, and it was not that bad....
One other point that I would like make here...is there anyone out there who thinks they are playing their songs too fast?

 

[Phoenix77]

Just wanted to comment on the sound....

the thing is that Symphony X should have been the main band, i.e. they should be headlining this tour, but for whatever reason it's not the case...anyway, I have some experience with live shows, I've played a number of them myself, and I can tell you that the rule is: a support act MUST sound like shit (in most of the cases), in order to make a clear distinction between the main band and the supporting band...we'll all agree, I believe, that had it not been for the sound, Stratovarius would have looked as a bunch of untalented morons...(and yes, I do know who Jens Johansson is, and I know he's great)...
however, Symphony X did their best, and it was not that bad....
One other point that I would like make here...is there anyone out there who thinks they are playing their songs too fast?

Hi Neonknight,
I have experienced what you explained about the best sound mix is saved for the headliner, but I didn't realize it was deliberate. Thankfully, I have also experienced exceptions to this... The sound for Symphony X in LosAngeles at the Key Club, was phoenomenal, and I think it was due to the reputation and the integrity of the sound guys, and the venue, which is known for its great ecoustics.
I did notice in LA they did play very fast, with great energy, and enthusiasm, but I believe they were trying to pack as much music in to the 45 minute set as they could. When the guys have more time, they definetly aren't as rushed, and even talk a bit between songs.
Either way, I'll go many miles to hear them no matter how long or short the gig.

Deb

 

[Macy]

And the strange thing was, that Stratovarius' sound was very good. Does Stratovarius have better equipment than Symphony X or something?

Hmm, just wondered what a band like Stratovarius thinks of being outplayed by their opening act. Maybe there is a conspiracy here.
Probably not, but I can't help but wonder.

 

[Sherval]

Why, in the name of sweet Christ aren't Symph X headlining??? I've waited two years to catch these guys live and it lasted only 45 minutes, it was worth every second of it, but I just couldn't stand watching Strato give away a two hour show, it makes me sick, they sucked, they played to loud and their vocalist sounds like a muppet compared to Sir Russel ( you know I've seen this guy leave the building with two women, ghehe) Let's kill the Strato-imbeciles, for they are not worthy, maybe we can somehow manage to make Synph X headliners by somehow making Strato to dissapear

Michael Romeo is better and faster than Yngwie, come on peeps, let's all repeat after me, Michael Romeo is better and faster than Yngwie!!!

 

[Wooks]

I saw the show at Tilburg and Antwerp last night and both were killer, although last night's edge it. Sound was great and the guys seemed to have a blast, even inviting 2 young kids that were down in the "photo pit" on stage for an impromptu headbanging session!!
As for the sound in Tilburg, it can be a bit "strange" there. But it wasn't the worst I've heard for a support band.
I managed to get a T-shirt, but they seemed to sell out of both long and short sleeved ones pretty early and they didn't have either for sale last night in Antwerp.
On to Koln on Tues. to see them AGAIN!!
Here's the set-list for Antwerp:
Inferno
Wicked
King of Terrors
Communion and the Oracle
Out of Ashes
Evolution
Sea of Lies
Sins and Shadows

 

[IbaneZ RuleZ]

Hello guys, first post

I was at the Tilburg show as well. Man they kicked major ass. It is the first time I saw em live, and I was stunned. Russell has been my fav. singer for a while but after saturdaynight... man . Anyway, I am dying to see em play for an hour or 2.

I saw about half a song of Stratovarius, but you had to scrape them from the wall: Sy X blew them away! Anyway, got a nice reminder as well: (like the most ) a shirt.

Harrald

 

[Medusa's eyes]

Hey all,

I'm new here, just wanted to let you know...

Anyway, I also went to the show in Holland in Tilburg with my 2 brothers and Symphony X proved they are really the best. I made many pictures of them. Russell watched a couple of times into the camera so it was awesome. We stand right before Micheal Romeo. After the show I got a longsleeve and a cd (those SyX cd's are hard to get so I had the chance to buy another one) and my bro bought 2 cd's as well.

I thought Thunderstone wouldn't be so great. They played very well I think .
Stratovarius was good as well. I didn't see the whole show because I was a bit of exhausted. The show was awesome though.
It was for me the first time I to see them all live. And it won't be the last time .

 

[karelrulez]

Hello guys, first post

I was at the Tilburg show as well. Man they kicked major ass. It is the first time I saw em live, and I was stunned. Russell has been my fav. singer for a while but after saturdaynight... man ! . Anyway, I am dying to see em play for an hour or 2.

I saw about half a song of Stratovarius, but you had to scrape them from the wall: Sy X blew them away! Anyway, got a nice reminder as well: (like the most ) a shirt.

Harrald

Hey! I'm that little guy who bought almost all SyX's cd's in once, remember? I met you right after Symphony X's performance! funny to speak to people who were actually there at that *magical* night . Yes, after that show I could only come up with one conclusion: Symphony X owns all your asses, especially those of Stratovarius . I still hate it they played so short, and Stratovarius for almost 2 hours..

 

[IbaneZ RuleZ]

hey, I was not aware of the fact you posted here. As a matter of fact, I signed up this afternoon, so it is more or less "luck". Anyway, how do they sound (the CD's I mean)? I especially love V.

Harrald