News about the CD

[Hiasubi]

I get what you're saying. V is not my favorite SX album, but I do think it is their most complete.

The first SX I ever heard was select tracks from The Odyssey, and to this day I still feel that "Awakenings," "Accolade II," and "The Odyssey" sound more perfect than any other SX songs.

AMEN TO THAT

Regarding the debate of V these to posts summed it up for me:

I must admit, that V was a grower, because with the first listens, I wasn't too impressed and couldn't remember too much of it after listening. It seemed like a bit too weak musically. But after getting into the music and songs on the album it has evolved sooo much for me. I think the main point why I like it so much is its diversity. No one element dominates throughout the album, not the guitars, not the bass, not the keyboard, not the drums and not the vocals. Everything blends in to form a complete musical picture. Every instrument and the vocals have their own parts, where they really shine. Melodies move through the different instruments so naturally that I can only marvel at it, every time I listen. The songs blend into each other (which I am just a sucker for) and there are so many parts that stand out to me as very special and I am touched emotionally in so many ways during that album (during the slow and the hard parts both) that I almost only listen to it when I have the time to listen to it consciously and in one take.

All this is not to say that I don't like their other albums very much, too, but on the whole they're just missing that bit of completeness, wholeness and balance between elements and instruments that V has. In reference to the above posters mentioning the vocals being more back in the mix: this is good in my book, because the vocals blend in with the rest and are one element of many, which only together form the whole picture that is V.

Because of all I have said, I can only count myself to the "more keyboards" and Pinella-involvement movement and I was a bit wary, when reading the "all guitar riffs have been completed" comment from Romeo in an earlier update, because it sounded like the riffs alone were the most important part of the songs, where I personally would disagree, because I see a song as sum of all its parts.

So, as far as I'm concerned, if they every release something that touches me as deep and as long as V does, that would be....... (there are just no fitting words to describe it).

So, I am looking forward to the next album in anticipation and I am quite confident that it will be great, because every album was great somehow (just the first part of the Odyssey album is getting on my nerves sometimes)!
It will just not be as balanced and complete as V is for me

To me, vocals are just another instrument - I don't hold the vocals and guitar on a higher plane than the other instruments like most people do. In my opinion, Symphony X as a whole is 20% each member. One thing I like about the members of Symphony X is that they all know when to hold back and not play anything, as they know their silence will make the song better. I notice this from Romeo in particular, such as the first verse of Through the Looking Glass or Communion and the Oracle - it's unusual for a guitar player to not want to be playing up front the entire song.

No more needs to be said really.

But for me there best album has to be The Odyessy, and regarding the peroson who asked, i listened to V after i had heard there stuff. First full album being Odyessy, that being said the first song was actualy Fallen

Regarding the release of the new CD, id love a summer release, but i highly doubt such a thing would happen and edging more towards Autum/Winter

 

[Lyre's Harmony]

favorite album poll someone! divine wings for me, all you can eat. (the accolade. Period.)

 

[TheRelic]

The band was hoping the same, but it's not working out that way, alas.

waaaaaaaat?

Do we have a new ETA? I wish the band released news more often...

 

[Jax]

No ETA yet; a lot depends on how fast the label runs with it once it's mixed & mastered. Let me see if I can ask around & get an idea of how fast their turnover time usually is.

 

[SymphonyXV]

Wow what is with all the hate for V! It's ok if you dont like the album but dont make it seem like your opinion is a fact. Some of us love that album! And overall I'd say Divine Wings is better than all their albums but that's only cuz I'm a total prog head and it is without question their most prog album.

I cant say the update did much for me. I had originally heard about a year and a half ago that the new album would be released this spring but now I'm guessing we'll have to wait until at least 2011.

 

[razoredge]

I ddnt hear a single person "hate" on The New Mythology Suite. I dont think they get any more or less progressive, Divine Wings is what it is I believe because they had been honing their craft... a difficult one... for three albums and thats where it all came together while they also had all the many benefits of vitality a young band has.

 

[SyXified]

I simply cannot believe how pervasive the belief is on this board that "it's all just a matter of opinion/taste" and "no one is right or wrong". Isn't there someone who will stand up and declare that what he says is true and correct? Doesn't anyone see the implicit results of a purely subjectivist argument? It completely destroys the meaning of art. It makes it so there is no reason to slave over a masterpiece, refining every detail, honing your craft and your ability. Subjectivism has been debunked in so many ways, particularly when it comes to morality, and yet the same people who would assert truth in morality or other fields will contradict themselves with a subjectivist view when it comes to art.

When people starting saying things like "it's just a matter of opinion" or "I'm entitled to my opinion and you are entitled to yours", that is a surefire sign of WIMPING OUT OF YOUR BELIEFS. That's the same garbage you get from religious people who, when faced with overwhelming logic, dig their heels into the ground and say "I'm entitled to my beliefs, it is a free country" and all sorts of other vapid cliches that we hold dear despite reflecting the same attitude as a stubborn two-year-old screaming "MINE!" while clutching some item that certainly is not that.

I never expected to see such a slothfully prepared, hippie-esque argument so frequently on a PROG METAL forum! This is a genre that is formed on the idea of rejecting mainstream pop, etc, as contrived and simple minded; indeed, declaring that public opinion should not influence ones musical taste, but it is the QUALITY of the music that matters. Then to abandon that entire dogmatic foundation and revert to the very same mentality you once struggled against: if you are going to be wrong you could at least be consistent!

People who listen to Symphony X are supposed to CARE about music and take pride in it. Have some self respect--take the time to think about philosophy on art and what your beliefs logically imply rather than just accepting PC ideals that are spoon fed to idiots, by idiots, and are so superficial that if most were asked the simplest of questions (i.e. why?) in regards to their belief that taste is just a matter of opinion, few would find anything beneath the surface to defend the position (or even to cite how they came to the belief in the first place).

 

[Neva Kee]

okay - up until now it was all fun and games, it seems....
The only thing I have to say about the above posting is:

For me it's all about the LOVE and CARE for music (at least in this point we are of one opinion), not about the hate of other music/styles/opinions...

oh - but to show you what I disagree most in your arguments: I think you are entitled to your opinion about this matter, but I strongly disagree in many points

 

[Phanto]

Jax posted an update today for those who missed it:

Just got off the phone with MJR, & have a brief update to share.

Things are moving right along with the new cd! The music is all finished, and Jason arrived in New Jersey this week; they're starting drum tracks today. Mike has promised to get photos of the recording sessions, so we should have the first of those to share next week; stay tuned.

Thanks for taking the time Jax, and the news sound great. Photos will be fun see

 

[razoredge]

alrighty then... and... alrighty then

 

[_Gentleman of_the Snow_]

I simply cannot believe how pervasive the belief is on this board that "it's all just a matter of opinion/taste" and "no one is right or wrong". Isn't there someone who will stand up and declare that what he says is true and correct? Doesn't anyone see the implicit results of a purely subjectivist argument? It completely destroys the meaning of art. It makes it so there is no reason to slave over a masterpiece, refining every detail, honing your craft and your ability. Subjectivism has been debunked in so many ways, particularly when it comes to morality, and yet the same people who would assert truth in morality or other fields will contradict themselves with a subjectivist view when it comes to art.

When people starting saying things like "it's just a matter of opinion" or "I'm entitled to my opinion and you are entitled to yours", that is a surefire sign of WIMPING OUT OF YOUR BELIEFS. That's the same garbage you get from religious people who, when faced with overwhelming logic, dig their heels into the ground and say "I'm entitled to my beliefs, it is a free country" and all sorts of other vapid cliches that we hold dear despite reflecting the same attitude as a stubborn two-year-old screaming "MINE!" while clutching some item that certainly is not that.

I never expected to see such a slothfully prepared, hippie-esque argument so frequently on a PROG METAL forum! This is a genre that is formed on the idea of rejecting mainstream pop, etc, as contrived and simple minded; indeed, declaring that public opinion should not influence ones musical taste, but it is the QUALITY of the music that matters. Then to abandon that entire dogmatic foundation and revert to the very same mentality you once struggled against: if you are going to be wrong you could at least be consistent!

People who listen to Symphony X are supposed to CARE about music and take pride in it. Have some self respect--take the time to think about philosophy on art and what your beliefs logically imply rather than just accepting PC ideals that are spoon fed to idiots, by idiots, and are so superficial that if most were asked the simplest of questions (i.e. why?) in regards to their belief that taste is just a matter of opinion, few would find anything beneath the surface to defend the position (or even to cite how they came to the belief in the first place).

This opinion is correct.

 

[ElvenShadow]

good to know the music is all written

are they still working on the lyrics or has that been finished as well?

 

[Jax]

Lyrics are still in progress.

 

[Detective Clarence Beauregard]

Lyrics are still in progress.

I hope some lyrics based on H.P. Lovecraft's tales will make it on there - I recall Lepond mentioning that a while back (prior to Paradise Lost). Also, Poe-based lyrics are always welcomed with open arms!

 

[Postulate]

"Have we not a perpetual inclination to violate that which is law, merely because we know it to be?"

=D

Edit: I was sure that line was inspired by a Poe story, but now I can't fond the original...curses

 

[razoredge]

" only a fool toils over that which shall melt "

=}:-O

 

[batera]

So Jason doesn't live in NJ anymore? Nice to see the band still functions even long-distance and can keep it together over long periods of time. Maintaining this much integrity in the line-up for this long is a sign of high professionalism, which Symphony X has always had.

Anyway, just wanted to say that it's a huge plus that they're going to give a look into the recording process by releasing some photos; it's always a cool experience to listen to an album and see the images of when it was being created, to get a sense of the work that went into it. It really means a lot to the fans, so it's great that they're doing it.

It's one thing when you have some teeny-bopper band release yet another reel of backstage footage where they just mess around, but seeing how the Symphony X guys go about their craft "behind the scenes" is something I'd definitely pay for. Just wanted to start that train if anyone wants to get on it too...

 

[prman]

Why be enthusiastic about SX´s forthcoming album when you can still complain about DT´s latest album?

 

[proulxski]

V is a musical masterpiece. Doesn't mean I rant and rave it as my favorite masterpiece. I think its nice to get along and to avoid all the CAPS LOCK typing, and childish internet banter.

@ JAX: I know its alot to ask, but do you think with the photo update we can get a hint of theme/album title or something? I'm sure they are not that far along...but you never know. Something about knowing the title/theme gets me all worked up about the possibilities lol!

 

[EyeballKid]

@ JAX: Also, it would be great if we could get a glimpse of MJR's Social Security Card, some extreme closeups of Russell's child in a Kansas beanie, Lepond cooking dinner with gluten-free pasta, and Rullo and P fighting for who gets first dibs on the shower in The Dungeon! Thanks for helping us fans feel more involved!!!







(I'm just funnin', prouls)