SYMPHONY X: The Divine Wings Of Tragedy (PROGRESSIVE METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

"The Divine Wings Of Tragedy" is the third album of Symphony X. The previous one, "The Damnation Game", had only known a success of esteem among the fans, at a time when the progressive metal was only at its stammering. "The Divine Wings Of Tragedy" is therefore the occasion for the band to show everyone that they aim higher, and that they have the talent.

From the very first track, "Of Sins And Shadows", Symphony X's music seems to emerge naturally. Everything is in place. Michael Romeo carries the song at his fingertips, from powerful riffs to incredible soli. On vocals, Russel Allen develops a warmth that we didn't know him and that is one of the highlights of the album.

The following track, "Sea Of Lies", starts with a twirling bass line, before the other musicians join in and Russel's fabulous voice takes off to reach a rare power; it should also be noted that he asserts himself on this record as an inspired lyricist, which allows him to sing his own lyrics with fervor. Once again, Romeo is omnipresent, alternating frenetic riffs and acoustic sounds with a disconcerting ease, not to mention his solo, which is still a model of its kind.

With its 9'50, "The Accolade" is the first epic track of the album, and finally bring some calm in this surge of notes. Starting on an acoustic and melodic atmosphere, the tone hardens with a riff in the Dimebag, the rhythmic work of Romeo and Miller is exceptional and an absolutely incredible break, all in lightness, allows Russel to show all the extent of his capacities. The resumption is done by the means of crystalline sounds, and by a soft and warm bass line of Miller followed by a final, dynamic which manages to conclude with grandiloquence .

Even if all the tracks would deserve to be evoked, we will mention "The Eyes of Medusa", the composition that best sums up Symphony X with its absolutely brilliant riffs, a possessed vocal and perfect arrangements... Powerful, terrifying, dark and virtuoso, the track is a demonstration and a hit in the genre. And finally the eponymous track, an epic monster of 20 minutes that allows Romeo to fulfill his classical fantasies. Featuring some incredible arrangements, but without putting aside the more muscular aspects of Symphony X's music, it oscillates between the various facets of the band.

More than ten years after its release, "The Divine Wings Of Tragedy" remains a monument of progressive metal. Vibrant, inspired, Symphony X's music is at its peak, and none of their following albums (although all very successful) will find this perfect balance between melody, technique and power. A masterpiece. - Official website

SYMPHONY X

THE DIVINE WINGS OF TRAGEDY

INSIDEOUT MUSIC

PROGRESSIVE METAL