Does anyone else think that Michael Pinella's keyboard parts could really stand to be brought up in the overall Symphony X mix? They create so much movement and really provide the essential tensions and resolve that make a song 3 dimensional. I was listening to Wicked the other day, and I had barely ever heard what he did over the verses, but paying attention to what he does gives that part so much more character and atmosphere. I know that X was trying to be more guitar oriented as of recently and I'm sure there are a ton of quasi-Symphony X, moreso genre fans that wouldn't be able to relate to the music if the guitar was not the prevailing force, but for those of us who really appreciate inside and out everything that is going on in a Symphony X song, the keyboard parts play such an important role and to be so far back in the mix is really a shame for the overall quality of the songs. The keyboard is a bit more present than on most of the albums on V, and that one has always been my favorite mix. Even though the guitars are not crammed down your throat, you can hear them clearly, as well as everything going on which gives V that wonderful identifiable atmosphere and mood that makes the concept of the album so strong. Thoughts?
