New Fan

[anonymousnick2001]

Yeah, uh...my brother dn-loaded Inferno(Unleash The Fire) and Of Sins and Shadows. He's considering getting into the band. What albums should he get(just one) or what songs should he listen to to further develop his opinion? Tell me about the band...I'm not familiar with them.

 

[Yngvai X]

Hmm...well, the best way I could describe SyX is neoclassical/power/progressive metal, but they're much more of a metal band than say, a prog band like Dream theater is (as you could probably tell from listening to Inferno and OSaS). Every member is an outstanding musician, especially their guitarist, Michael Romeo, whos one of the greatest guitarists in metal today, and Russell Allen, the singer, is definately one of the best singers in metal. If you want their heaviest albums, get either Divine Wings of Tragedy or The Odyssey (Inferno is from The Odyssey and OSaS is from Divine Wings). A less heavy and more orchestral album thats also a fan favorite is V. Personally Id reccomend The Odyssey.

 

[theodyssey]

yeah, get either the odyssey, DWoT, V, or Twilight in Olympus

 

[MorphineChild205]

For a new fan, I'd recommend The Odyssey as a starting point.

 

[Pharaoh]

Tell me about the band...I'm not familiar with them.

Yngvai X described the band's style. In my opinion, Symphony X is musical excellence in every way..........talent, songwriting, performing, composing.....they have it all. Every element that proved to contribute to musical greatness from the time progressive music came into the scene is evident in this band's music. I don't think your brother would go wrong with any of their CDs as first purchase, but I would recommend "The Odyssey", as it showcases their musical versatility so well. Now...how about you????

 

[theodyssey]

Pretty much anything but the self titled album

 

[arglebargle]

The self-titled album has its moments, but Rod's voice totally ruins those moments.

 

[theodyssey]

yup. i don't think romeo was very satisfyed with his performance... anyone who has the progpower program knows what i mean (the interview when he's talking about the band's beginnings). Who knows, if i get inspired i may type it up later.

 

[Yngtchie Blacksteen]

The first SymX album I got was The Odyssey, I would suggest that as a starting point.

 

[anonymousnick2001]

Okay, thanks, guys.

You know, from what I've heard of their instrumental stuff, they did ripoff a DT-esque sound, kind of...

 

[Yngvai X]

Okay, thanks, guys.

You know, from what I've heard of their instrumental stuff, they did ripoff a DT-esque sound, kind of...

Well, any similarity to DT is simply the result of sharing some similar influences (such as Kansas and Rush). Unlike DT, they consider themselves a metal band first, not a prog band.

 

[Yngtchie Blacksteen]

Okay, thanks, guys.

You know, from what I've heard of their instrumental stuff, they did ripoff a DT-esque sound, kind of...

I would say a mix between Dream Theater and Malmsteen, with some Power Metal thrown in for good measure.

 

[MorphineChild205]

Well, any similarity to DT is simply the result of sharing some similar influences (such as Kansas and Rush). Unlike DT, they consider themselves a metal band first, not a prog band.

Very true. They're also not arrogant like DT.

 

[anonymousnick2001]

Arrogant?

 

[MorphineChild205]

Arrogant?

Yes.

When I met them, they all had an aura of arrogance surrounding them (Rudess had the least). Every time I've seen them, Petrucci never came out to meet the fans (he either stayed on the bus or in the venue).

 

[TheEdgeOfThorns]

their rising fame is taking hold of em. portnoy has the biggest ego....

 

[MorphineChild205]

their rising fame is taking hold of em. portnoy has the biggest ego....

True.

In my last post, I wasn't saying that the band are assholes. It's just that they appear to be a little arrogant. Portnoy was pretty cool when I met him, as were the rest of them (except Petrucci, who I truly believe is a prick). Even Myung managed to say "thanks" when I told him he was awesome. He spoke...

 

[Yngvai X]

Portnoy's ego is well documented by this point, but Ive also heard stories about Petrucci. Like during the IaW tour he had his tech get on his hands and knees and operate the wah pedal FOR him. And someone was telling me once how he was friends with the guy doing DT's live sound and he got into and argument with Petrucci. It eventually ended with John saying something like "nononono let me make this clear....I'm *JOHN PETRUCCI*". Needless to say, the mixing dude walked at that point. I've also heard that since the G3 tour Petrucci's ego has been inflated a lot more.

On the obverse side tho I hear Rudess and LaBrie are actually really cool.

 

[anonymousnick2001]

They seem like they'd be cool guys.

I think John Myung's the coolest, because he blew Petrucci away at the Kahunaville Summerstage show in Wilmington, DE. Portnoy and Petrucci are both annoying, because they know they're good, and accordingly, with DVD's and random soloing.

What are SymX like?

 

[Mr. Shred-ididle]

from what ive read they're like the nicest,coolest, most dowbn to earth guys on the planet. With barely any ego's between them and no arrogance, and they like the company of their fans