This is my fourth attempt at writing this review. On the previous three occasions, I've typed a few paragraphs, erased everything I had just typed, and begun again in an attempt to do this release justice. All three previous attempts fell woefully short of conveying this discs brilliance, as Im sure this fourth and final attempt will most certainly do.
To my mind, I think "The Odyssey" can best be described with a sports analogy. Some pitchers rely on a fastball, some on a curve, others on a knuckle-change, and some constantly change speeds to get batters out. On past releases, Symphony X has mixed up their pitches, trying to keep the batter/listener off guard and never knowing what to expect. However, on "The Odyssey", they've decided to rely heavily on the high heat. Dont get me wrong, they still break out the off-speed stuff, and still occasionally use their big sweeping curve, but "The Odyssey" clearly highlights the power and movement on Symphony X's fastball.
Needless to say, the band is flawless. Where Romeo and Pinnella use to dual for time and space, Romeo is clearly showcased on this CD. As one would expect, he doesnt wilt in the added heat of a brighter spotlight. Also given more room to shine is Jason Rullo, whose drums match Romeos guitar in the mix. Unfortunately, Mike LePond gets lost in a mix that affords Romeo and Rullo as much volume as this one does. However, when all is said and done, it is Russell Allen who shines the brightest. He has clearly spent the time since the recording of V: The New Mythology Suite fine tuning his already amazing pipes. Whether hes flashing his throaty side along side one of Romeos run-away-train-like riffs, showing off his soulful side on one of the discs more subtle moments, or teasing you with his ever expanding range, as he does during a jaw-dropping moment in Wicked, Sir Russell has taken his rightful place near the pinnacle of Rock and Metals vocal hierarchy.
While there isnt a flawed track on this disc, I would be remiss if I failed to specifically write about this CDs title track. Many bands get lost when they go over the six or seven minute mark. However, Symphony X is one of those few, special bands that can make 24 minutes and 7 seconds pass in what seems like 8 or 9 minutes. The Odyssey is simply phenomenal. While some may call it heresy to suggest that the title track of this disc outshines the title track of The Divine Wings of Tragedy, to my ears it does just that.
Suffice it to say, that The Odyssey has just overtaken my #1 spot of calendar year 2002. And short of Opeth's "Deliverance" topping it, there it shall remain.
GZ
To my mind, I think "The Odyssey" can best be described with a sports analogy. Some pitchers rely on a fastball, some on a curve, others on a knuckle-change, and some constantly change speeds to get batters out. On past releases, Symphony X has mixed up their pitches, trying to keep the batter/listener off guard and never knowing what to expect. However, on "The Odyssey", they've decided to rely heavily on the high heat. Dont get me wrong, they still break out the off-speed stuff, and still occasionally use their big sweeping curve, but "The Odyssey" clearly highlights the power and movement on Symphony X's fastball.
Needless to say, the band is flawless. Where Romeo and Pinnella use to dual for time and space, Romeo is clearly showcased on this CD. As one would expect, he doesnt wilt in the added heat of a brighter spotlight. Also given more room to shine is Jason Rullo, whose drums match Romeos guitar in the mix. Unfortunately, Mike LePond gets lost in a mix that affords Romeo and Rullo as much volume as this one does. However, when all is said and done, it is Russell Allen who shines the brightest. He has clearly spent the time since the recording of V: The New Mythology Suite fine tuning his already amazing pipes. Whether hes flashing his throaty side along side one of Romeos run-away-train-like riffs, showing off his soulful side on one of the discs more subtle moments, or teasing you with his ever expanding range, as he does during a jaw-dropping moment in Wicked, Sir Russell has taken his rightful place near the pinnacle of Rock and Metals vocal hierarchy.
While there isnt a flawed track on this disc, I would be remiss if I failed to specifically write about this CDs title track. Many bands get lost when they go over the six or seven minute mark. However, Symphony X is one of those few, special bands that can make 24 minutes and 7 seconds pass in what seems like 8 or 9 minutes. The Odyssey is simply phenomenal. While some may call it heresy to suggest that the title track of this disc outshines the title track of The Divine Wings of Tragedy, to my ears it does just that.
Suffice it to say, that The Odyssey has just overtaken my #1 spot of calendar year 2002. And short of Opeth's "Deliverance" topping it, there it shall remain.
GZ
Definetly this album is gonna be the BEST release of the year 2002 and i bet it will stay in my top position also for all the next year!!! 
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