Awakenings (Symphony X) (LP 4046 - 4047)

Symphony X  The Odyssey (CD, InsideOut Records, 2002) ***  

Symphony X  Iconoclast (CD, Nuclear Blast Records, 2011) *****

Genre: Prog metal

Places I remember: Fopp

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Heretic (Iconoclast)

Gear costume: Iconoclast

They loom large in his legend (The Album Collection playlists): Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4; Part 5; Part 6

Active compensatory factors: I've previously written about Russell Allen's solo album, now we've finally come to the main event - American prog metal band Symphony X (Russell is their brilliant lead vocalist, Michael Romeo is their axe hero).

The Odyssey was the band's sixth album. The title track is a 7-part suite weighing in at 24 minutes. It's a wonder this subject matter hasn't been covered before - it's perfect for prog. Symphony X are an old school fantasy metal band who love showcasing the story of Odysseus with pummeling guitars. I love it!

According to Russell Allen, Iconoclast's theme is based on "The idea of machines taking over everything, and all this technology we put our society into pretty much being our demise." Very apropos in 2025 as AI is poised to TAKE OVER THE WORLD!!!! Ahem.

Anyway - this is the pinnacle of Symphony X - churning guitars, great vocals, pounding bass and speedy drums. What are you waiting for??? Go to it.

Where do they all belong? Allow Iconoclast to rip your head off!

That's it for the epic S category. Next up the equally epic T category.

We will fly (Russell Allen) (LP 391)

Russell Allen Russell Allen's Atomic Soul (CD, Inside Out, 2005) ****

Genre: Progressive rock 

Places I remember: Virgin Megastore Abu Dhabi

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Unjustified




Gear costume:  Voodoo Hand, Saucey Jack

Active compensatory factors: This is Allen's first solo album (his day job is vocalist for the prog band, Symphony X).

The prog rock tag is a bit of a stretch here - Allen admits this being more like a hard rock sound but his affiliation with Symphony X means I lodge this in the prog section of the collection.

I was in Abu Dhabi, looking to broaden into some new sounds when the shop assistant suggested this album. I listened on headphones to the start of the first three tracks and was instantly hooked.


Where do they all belong? If you grew up with Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Rory Gallagher et al as I did, you'll figure out where Atomic Soul belongs for yourself.

I feel like letting my freak flag fly (CSNY)

Leading on from that weird Placibo cover - Sleeping With Ghosts - the next cover theme features similar freakily surreal worlds.

Pink Floyd - Division Bell

ELP - Brain Salad Surgery

Led Zeppelin - 4th album

Pink Floyd - Meddle

Pink Floyd - Piper At The Gates Of Dawn

Led Zeppelin - Houses Of The Holy

Paul McCartney