Wicked--RealAudio

Symphony X has been one of metal's most consistent bands over the past near-decade, and when you add in the fact that they are also one of the most intricate and talented, they certainly deserve the critical acclaim which is often placed upon them. They are one of few U.S. bands which can stack up with the multitude of class European power/skill acts.
With 'The Odyssey' we are given the riff-and-stutter moves that have become par for the course. There is the usual razor-edged distortion, and Russell Allen's power vocals may be at his career's best. When all is said and done, this release is likely the band's most well-rounded from top to bottom; they remain at the apex of the power/symphonic genre.
"Inferno" is a solid opening track, and the aptly-named "Wicked" is just that, with a crawling strut that moves through the song like a fanged snake.
More solid axe cutters show up in the form of "King of Terrors" and the evil "The Turning," with "Incantations of the Apprentice" and "Awakenings" being strong as well.
The disc-closing title track clocks in at just over 24 minutes, recounting the heroic epic in excellent fashion. Good story, better music.
If (for some strange reason) you've held out thus far in grabbing something by Symphony X, it may be time to break down and give them a try...

TRACK LIST: Inferno (Unleash the Fire)/Wicked/Incantations of the Apprentice/Accolade II/King of Terrors/The Turning/Awakenings/The Odyssey