====== 24.MAY.04 ======
SYMPHONY X ENTERS THE STUDIO
The band is now entering the studio to write their next cd, and will be giving bi-monthly (or so) studio reports with news and pictures as the writing process progresses.
====== 01.AUG.04 ======
STUDIO REPORT
The band is currently splitting time between writing material for the new cd, and some solo project work. Mike Pinnella's solo cd is just about complete, and Russell Allen's solo cd is currently being recorded. A more comprehensive studio report will be posted once they are able to focus solely on the writing.
====== 13.SEP.04 ======
STUDIO UPDATE
The band is still splitting time between writing the new Symphony X cd, and recording Russ' solo cd (which is being recorded entirely in 'The Dungeon'). Russ' cd should be recorded and mixed by October, at which time they'll concentrate on writing, and then recording the new Symphony X cd.
At this time they anticipate the new cd to be ready for release sometime next spring.
====== 20.DEC.04 ======
STUDIO UPDATE
As Russ' solo cd was taking quite a bit longer than anticipated, & Mike Romeo was anxious to get going full force on the new Symphony X cd, they both agreed that Russ would take his solo effort to another studio to complete the mixing. Russ is looking for a certain sound & said that Mike "made the music sound too good"; Russ should be finishing up the final mix in the following week or so. In the meantime, MJR has begun working in earnest on the new Symphony X cd with help from the other band members; we'll have more information here as it becomes available.
STUDIO UPDATE
Due to unforeseen delays, Russ' solo cd is just now in the mixing process; once it's done (2 weeks max), the band will go from part time writing to full time writing of the new cd. They're still anticipating a release date somewhere around spring of 2005; the release date of Russ' solo cd is currently up in the air.
As for the new material, they're trying to decide what the overall tone for the cd will be, & are contemplating a darker theme, while staying true to the SymX sound.
====== 12.FEB.05 ======
STUDIO UPDATE
They're working at a good pace on writing the new cd, they have parts of songs put together at this point that are equal to about half of the new cd, & have lots of ideas that they're working with. They're being very critical with this cd, wanting to kick it up a notch from The Odyssey & make it the best stuff yet; thus far they're working with material from MJR, Pinnella & LePond. Mike sounded really intent on cranking out some excellent music; he's in 'the writing zone', & only good things come of it when he's in that mindset.
When informed that some fans feared that Mike's comment in an earlier studio report about the new cd being 'darker' than The Odyssey would result in Russ doing death metal growls or the like, Mike said that wasn't going to happen.
Also, 'the dungeon' (the band's studio) has recently been gutted and totally revamped & is at its best ever acoustically, which should help contribute to some excellent sound on the new cd.
More news as it becomes available...
====== 29.APR.05 ======
STUDIO UPDATE
MJR has written almost 2 hours worth of music, & is now taking the time to find the right song title and lyrical content for each song. Each song has a certain feel to it, so it's important to make sure the lyrics reflect that feel. The 'darker' tone that they're aiming for which has been mentioned in previous studio reports will apply more to the orchestration and the lyrical content than the vocals, for those who continue to muse over the likelihood of Russell doing death metal growls. Much of that dark tone would lend itself to ghostly or horror themes (they're tossing around such ideas as Paradise Lost, and the works of Edgar Allan Poe, for example), but MJR says nothing is definite as far as lyrics go. He's also working on fine tuning the orchestration for the 'longer song', which also has a darker feel to it; that said, he wants it to be clear that it will not be 'an epic' like The Odyssey. One major aim throughout the writing process is making sure that the cd remains true to the Symphony X style, and kick things up a notch as well, without it sounding just like music they've done before; "I want to be excited about the music, so I know the fans will be excited about it" he said.
More info as it becomes available.
====== 16.NOV.05 ======
STUDIO UPDATE FROM MJR
Here is an update as to how things are going...
Well, it's November and we have most of the music written, and about half the lyrics finished. Over the next month, we'll work out the arrangements and start putting it all together. This one is taking a bit longer than we expected. There was a lot of 'starting and stopping' with the writing, (between the tours and other unexpected things happening... like flooded studios, that kinda crap). So there have been some monkey-wrenches thrown into our usual way of working.
In the past, it was like this: we'd spend a few weeks talking about some basic ideas and direction for the music / lyrics - then spend eight months to a year writing and putting it all together. Things happen faster that way - you have a goal and direction and you just dedicate your time to make it happen. This time things were a bit different; writing for a while - then on the road - then back to writing - and so on... and inspiration isn't something that you can 'turn on and off', it comes when it comes. You might work on something one day - and like where it is heading - but then stop for a month, come back, and find it difficult to get your mind-set back to the point where you left off. And, although it sounded like a good idea at the time, the phrase "we can write songs on the bus" wasn't happening - too many distractions and other crap going on.
Anyway…to sum it all up, the initial writing process took a little longer than usual - aside from all that, everything else is cool. Things are moving at a good pace now and I'm thinking we can start the actual recording in a month or two.
Once we get to the point where we are tracking – we can get some updates happening (studio reports, some pics, etc.). I know the ‘natives are getting restless’ - but for now, there isn’t a whole lot to say… just tell everyone to hang in there!
MJR
Well now, I took the liberty of going into the archives and pulling out all the news-updates on the new album... So lets piece to gether what we know so far...
-No death metal growls from Russell Allen
-Their new album is aiming at a darker genre (ghostly/horror)
-The production of the Album is being done in a updated MJR dungeon
-As of november (according to MJR) most of the written is done, and the lyrics are about haly way done.
-Their will be a 'long' track...but do not expect an Epic such as 'The Odyssey'
-Aiming for a 'Spring' Release (March/April)
... Well thats about all we know, their new album is going to be dark,heavy and passionate according to Russell Allen (if i'm not mistaken) It bothers me slightly that way back in May-04, in the Studio Updates they said we'd get some news on the album Bi-Monthly (or so)... I believe the last Update from Romeo himself was not even following the bi-montly rules...According to my math skills we should of had another updat on january-16th! But since the 'OR SO' is in their and I'm not a big ass lol...I'm going to assume they meant approximately...
The more I look at it, MJR's Update, allthough refreshing really told us nothing differ from what we allready knew... All MJR did was assure us the Album was almost complete and would soon start visiting the studio. "Recording in a month or two" "Send some pics ect once we begin tracking"
I know everyone is as excited and ancy as I am...and I'm not trying to rush the progress...I just noticed that everything they've said in these so called 'Studio Updates' are worthless...since three quarters of them are repetative now becomming redundant, and the 1 quarter that is otherwise is false... The way I see it their should be another update before the end of January, probably tellling us nothing! (although I could be wrong) all I know is we where told a bi-monthly (approx) update...and the last update from MJR was November-16th...in his update he said in a month or two they will start recording... meaning at this point they should be in the middle of the recording process...
All this being said...where are the updates? the pics... maybe an album name?
Probably asking for to much at this point in time! But if everything they have said here is true...This new album is comming out in a month or two, and we know absolutely nothing about it! (other than the fact that it will probably kick loads of ass) + I would just love to see some pics of the band in the studio...(which we should have allready recieved or be recieving very soon)... (sigh..Or their better be anyway...) Well now that I got all that off more shoulders, what does everyone expect to see on the new album? (or hear)
SYMPHONY X ENTERS THE STUDIO
The band is now entering the studio to write their next cd, and will be giving bi-monthly (or so) studio reports with news and pictures as the writing process progresses.
====== 01.AUG.04 ======
STUDIO REPORT
The band is currently splitting time between writing material for the new cd, and some solo project work. Mike Pinnella's solo cd is just about complete, and Russell Allen's solo cd is currently being recorded. A more comprehensive studio report will be posted once they are able to focus solely on the writing.
====== 13.SEP.04 ======
STUDIO UPDATE
The band is still splitting time between writing the new Symphony X cd, and recording Russ' solo cd (which is being recorded entirely in 'The Dungeon'). Russ' cd should be recorded and mixed by October, at which time they'll concentrate on writing, and then recording the new Symphony X cd.
At this time they anticipate the new cd to be ready for release sometime next spring.
====== 20.DEC.04 ======
STUDIO UPDATE
As Russ' solo cd was taking quite a bit longer than anticipated, & Mike Romeo was anxious to get going full force on the new Symphony X cd, they both agreed that Russ would take his solo effort to another studio to complete the mixing. Russ is looking for a certain sound & said that Mike "made the music sound too good"; Russ should be finishing up the final mix in the following week or so. In the meantime, MJR has begun working in earnest on the new Symphony X cd with help from the other band members; we'll have more information here as it becomes available.
STUDIO UPDATE
Due to unforeseen delays, Russ' solo cd is just now in the mixing process; once it's done (2 weeks max), the band will go from part time writing to full time writing of the new cd. They're still anticipating a release date somewhere around spring of 2005; the release date of Russ' solo cd is currently up in the air.
As for the new material, they're trying to decide what the overall tone for the cd will be, & are contemplating a darker theme, while staying true to the SymX sound.
====== 12.FEB.05 ======
STUDIO UPDATE
They're working at a good pace on writing the new cd, they have parts of songs put together at this point that are equal to about half of the new cd, & have lots of ideas that they're working with. They're being very critical with this cd, wanting to kick it up a notch from The Odyssey & make it the best stuff yet; thus far they're working with material from MJR, Pinnella & LePond. Mike sounded really intent on cranking out some excellent music; he's in 'the writing zone', & only good things come of it when he's in that mindset.
When informed that some fans feared that Mike's comment in an earlier studio report about the new cd being 'darker' than The Odyssey would result in Russ doing death metal growls or the like, Mike said that wasn't going to happen.
Also, 'the dungeon' (the band's studio) has recently been gutted and totally revamped & is at its best ever acoustically, which should help contribute to some excellent sound on the new cd.
More news as it becomes available...
====== 29.APR.05 ======
STUDIO UPDATE
MJR has written almost 2 hours worth of music, & is now taking the time to find the right song title and lyrical content for each song. Each song has a certain feel to it, so it's important to make sure the lyrics reflect that feel. The 'darker' tone that they're aiming for which has been mentioned in previous studio reports will apply more to the orchestration and the lyrical content than the vocals, for those who continue to muse over the likelihood of Russell doing death metal growls. Much of that dark tone would lend itself to ghostly or horror themes (they're tossing around such ideas as Paradise Lost, and the works of Edgar Allan Poe, for example), but MJR says nothing is definite as far as lyrics go. He's also working on fine tuning the orchestration for the 'longer song', which also has a darker feel to it; that said, he wants it to be clear that it will not be 'an epic' like The Odyssey. One major aim throughout the writing process is making sure that the cd remains true to the Symphony X style, and kick things up a notch as well, without it sounding just like music they've done before; "I want to be excited about the music, so I know the fans will be excited about it" he said.
More info as it becomes available.
====== 16.NOV.05 ======
STUDIO UPDATE FROM MJR
Here is an update as to how things are going...
Well, it's November and we have most of the music written, and about half the lyrics finished. Over the next month, we'll work out the arrangements and start putting it all together. This one is taking a bit longer than we expected. There was a lot of 'starting and stopping' with the writing, (between the tours and other unexpected things happening... like flooded studios, that kinda crap). So there have been some monkey-wrenches thrown into our usual way of working.
In the past, it was like this: we'd spend a few weeks talking about some basic ideas and direction for the music / lyrics - then spend eight months to a year writing and putting it all together. Things happen faster that way - you have a goal and direction and you just dedicate your time to make it happen. This time things were a bit different; writing for a while - then on the road - then back to writing - and so on... and inspiration isn't something that you can 'turn on and off', it comes when it comes. You might work on something one day - and like where it is heading - but then stop for a month, come back, and find it difficult to get your mind-set back to the point where you left off. And, although it sounded like a good idea at the time, the phrase "we can write songs on the bus" wasn't happening - too many distractions and other crap going on.
Anyway…to sum it all up, the initial writing process took a little longer than usual - aside from all that, everything else is cool. Things are moving at a good pace now and I'm thinking we can start the actual recording in a month or two.
Once we get to the point where we are tracking – we can get some updates happening (studio reports, some pics, etc.). I know the ‘natives are getting restless’ - but for now, there isn’t a whole lot to say… just tell everyone to hang in there!
MJR
Well now, I took the liberty of going into the archives and pulling out all the news-updates on the new album... So lets piece to gether what we know so far...
-No death metal growls from Russell Allen
-Their new album is aiming at a darker genre (ghostly/horror)
-The production of the Album is being done in a updated MJR dungeon
-As of november (according to MJR) most of the written is done, and the lyrics are about haly way done.
-Their will be a 'long' track...but do not expect an Epic such as 'The Odyssey'
-Aiming for a 'Spring' Release (March/April)
... Well thats about all we know, their new album is going to be dark,heavy and passionate according to Russell Allen (if i'm not mistaken) It bothers me slightly that way back in May-04, in the Studio Updates they said we'd get some news on the album Bi-Monthly (or so)... I believe the last Update from Romeo himself was not even following the bi-montly rules...According to my math skills we should of had another updat on january-16th! But since the 'OR SO' is in their and I'm not a big ass lol...I'm going to assume they meant approximately...
The more I look at it, MJR's Update, allthough refreshing really told us nothing differ from what we allready knew... All MJR did was assure us the Album was almost complete and would soon start visiting the studio. "Recording in a month or two" "Send some pics ect once we begin tracking"
I know everyone is as excited and ancy as I am...and I'm not trying to rush the progress...I just noticed that everything they've said in these so called 'Studio Updates' are worthless...since three quarters of them are repetative now becomming redundant, and the 1 quarter that is otherwise is false... The way I see it their should be another update before the end of January, probably tellling us nothing! (although I could be wrong) all I know is we where told a bi-monthly (approx) update...and the last update from MJR was November-16th...in his update he said in a month or two they will start recording... meaning at this point they should be in the middle of the recording process...
All this being said...where are the updates? the pics... maybe an album name?
Probably asking for to much at this point in time! But if everything they have said here is true...This new album is comming out in a month or two, and we know absolutely nothing about it! (other than the fact that it will probably kick loads of ass) + I would just love to see some pics of the band in the studio...(which we should have allready recieved or be recieving very soon)... (sigh..Or their better be anyway...) Well now that I got all that off more shoulders, what does everyone expect to see on the new album? (or hear)
