SymphonyX, boring?!!!

[Buzz Fledderjon]

Originally posted by Fyhed

But Symphony x adds nothing to the genre and plus its substandard when comparing them to Dream Theater, in musicianship and songwriting. To me they are Dream theater with more power metal moments.

In my unbiased opinion, along with every other musician/friend/prog lover-elite here and beyond, Symphony X is cutting edge music. Yes it's been done before, or at least attempted, but no one ever got even close to what they've done.

Dream Theater cannot be compared to Sym X. Well, they can, but shouldn't be. Difference? Apples to oranges. I adore Dream Theaters music, but it's just not symphonic prog metal. I'll have to end on emphasizing the classical overtones in their music, along with others like them.

 

[Grom Hellscream]

Originally posted by Harp Heaven
A very silly example, but sadly something that could have been a reality, knowing the escapades of modern classical composers. While the above example might be progressive when using my term, you must know that I not in any way imply that more progressive= better. There is plenty of great music out there that add nothing fundamentally different to the world of music.

What I`m trying to say is that progressive is about changing, developing into something new, touching new ground where noone has been before. Whether that is good or not has nothing to do with my definition. Original music can be just as crappy as unoriginal music. While Symphony X`s approach to Power Metal certainly is progressive, I`m a bit reluctant to call V progressive. It is a great album, no doubt about that, but it doesn`t bring anything fundamentally new to the bands music or to the music world at large. It merely perfects what they have done since 1994. However, YMMV, and my definition may not be yours.

Peace,

Harp Heaven

Peace.

But , to change the theme, I see you like Threshold and Shadow Gallery, how do you think , are they progressive?

 

[Pharaoh]

RE: Symphony X is cutting edge music. Yes it's been done before, or at least attempted, but no one ever got even close to what they've done.

I have to throw my opinion in here! I totally agree with this statement, and I think the reason why Symphony X stands as "unique" within this genre is because of the incredible talent of each individual and the creative thread that ties them all together. I truly believe that Mike Romeo is a creative genius. I think he knows his instrument so well and applies an emotional intelligence to his compositions that far surpasses anyone I've ever heard (within this style of music).

RE: 1 Deep. 2 Conceptual 3. Sophisticated 4. Heavy 5. Beautiful ...Progressive!! Sure, this is why they only appeal to a certain group of people. Most can't deal with it, don't want to think, and surely don't want to feel . Most just want to "react". But...those of us who have a desire for this kind of music are greatly rewarded by what we get from it. I appreciate it because it creates a balance for me, and stimulates my senses, my mind, and my emotions.

 

[Paasikivi]

symphony x rulez and album "odyssey"

 

[Grom Hellscream]

Originally posted by Pharoah
RE: Symphony X is cutting edge music. Yes it's been done before, or at least attempted, but no one ever got even close to what they've done.

I have to throw my opinion in here! I totally agree with this statement, and I think the reason why Symphony X stands as "unique" within this genre is because of the incredible talent of each individual and the creative thread that ties them all together. I truly believe that Mike Romeo is a creative genius. I think he knows his instrument so well and applies an emotional intelligence to his compositions that far surpasses anyone I've ever heard (within this style of music).

RE: 1 Deep. 2 Conceptual 3. Sophisticated 4. Heavy 5. Beautiful ...Progressive!! Sure, this is why they only appeal to a certain group of people. Most can't deal with it, don't want to think, and surely don't want to feel . Most just want to "react". But...those of us who have a desire for this kind of music are greatly rewarded by what we get from it. I appreciate it because it creates a balance for me, and stimulates my senses, my mind, and my emotions.

Tonight Darkness will shadow the Light -
Symmetry divine, there's no force greater
Dividing the Fathers of Time

Tonight Darkness will shadow the Light -
Paradise denied - the BALANCE of ages
forever lost in time ....

Not everyone can feel this balance

 

[cosmic weatherdude]

When I first...very first Symphx I did think they were a level or two below Dream Theater. But now that I've gotten into them I think the songwriting is more enjoyable from SymphX than DT. I love both bands and was blown away by a performance I saw of DT in 2001, but I just like Symphx a bit more at the moment. But as for 6 degrees of Inner turb...I love it! Their best yet. Then Awake then metropolis II.

 

[Harp Heaven]

Originally posted by Grom Hellscream
Peace.

But , to change the theme, I see you like Threshold and Shadow Gallery, how do you think , are they progressive?

A difficult question to answer. Both are children of Dream Theaters success with Images and Words, and some of the music of both Threshold and Shadow Gallery bears an uncanny resemblance to DT at times.

Threshold has a more metal edge and a higher frequency of clichèes than Shadow Gallery. While they are labeled as progressive metal, they are not really progressive in terms of breaking new ground, so I will have to answer no. I still love them though.

Shadow Gallerys hybrid of neo-classical, fusion and speed metal is intriguing and unique in the music-world. I dare you to find another band that sounds like them. Their extensive use of big vocal harmonies and a symphonic sounds, certainly sets them apart. My answer is yes.

 

[Grom Hellscream]

Shadow Gallery is good, but they are far from SX, and Threshold is also good , but their three last albums are miserable.

 

[korruption]

Actually I was thinking of eventually buying Threshold - Hypothetical. I'd buy some of their earlier stuff but I absolutely HATE Damian Wilson, he destroyed Star One for me.

EDIT: That's just my opinion though...

 

[blackstaRR]

I recommend Psychedelicatessen, Glynn Morgan is a fucking great singer, much better than Wilson or "Mac". Morgan can also compose, he has composed Threshold's maybe best song, Innocent. That was a great loss, when he left the band. I believe Threshold would do better stuff, if he still was in the band, though Critical Mass isn't bad at all, actually their clearly best release since Psychedelicatessen.
I suppose you know that Ltd. ed of Psych. also includes a live album, with Glynn on vocals. The songs of debut album sound partly even better in that live album than the original ones, because of the better singer.

 

[Grom Hellscream]

Originally posted by korruption
but I absolutely HATE Damian Wilson, he destroyed Star One for me.

EDIT: That's just my opinion though...

And your problem , he's the man!

 

[Asmodeus]

You're all talking like progressive metal is a genre for itself - You're wrong. All bands that are in some way above all the others should be called progressive.
In my opinion Metallica's ...And justice for all is very progressive metal album because it sounds very modern, and we all know when it was recorded.
Jethro Tull is very much progressive rock band.
Helloween's Better than raw is progressive power metal album, Labyrinth's Return to heaven denied also.
So I don't really agree with You that progressive metal only includes bands such as Dream Theater, Spock's Beard, Threshold, Shadow Gallery, etc.
And I think that no one can't say that Symphony X aren't progressive, that is nonsense !

 

[korruption]

Originally posted by Grom Hellscream
And your problem , he's the man!

That's nice. I still hate him though.