Paradise Lost Review

Release Date: Jun 21, 2007
Label: Inside Out Records
Genres: Progressive metal
Number Of Tracks: 10
Symphony X return with Paradise Lost, darker and more aggressive than ever.

Sound:	9.3
Lyrics:	8
Impression:	8.7
Overall rating:	8.7
Users rating:	9.1
Comments:	35

overall: 7.3

Featured review by: UG Team, on june 27, 2007

Sound: 5 years after the excellent The Odyssey, Michael Romeo & Co return with a new album. They've set the bar high with their last string of releases, and in some places they do reach those highs again.

One thing to note right off the bat: Russell is even angrier and more aggressive than he was on The Odyssey. He sings more in a lower register, and the guitars are even more up front which gives for a pretty heavy assault. The overall production and sound of the album is solid, there's very little complain about. If I had to pick one thing, it's that Romeo's guitar sound isn't as tight and clear as it has been. It's a bit hairy and sounds somewhat undefined (more contour, less gain) to me. But that's really a minor complaint in the grand whole of things.

It's also somewhat heavier than their previous albums, it packs more punch and is more of a full on metal album. However, this also means we have fewer soft/progressive sections. To me, Symphony X are at their best when they mix soft and heavy, but this album is leaning a lot more towards heavy, which is a shame. In turn we lose having another piece in the vein of The Odyssey or Divine Wings of Tragedy. However, the softer sections in the title track and The Sacrifice and definitely droolworthy, the title track being coupled with a great guitar solo by Romeo. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: In terms of lyrics, they are based on topics found in John Milton's Paradise Lost, those being the classic good-and-evil/heaven-and-hell topics. Russell has stated that the lyrics are very general and can relate to virtually anyone in the world. Thus the band opted for having a futuristic angel on the cover, rather than choosing something that would cement the lyrics and themes in a specific age. If I had to choose a Most Valuable Player for this album, it'd definitely be Russell and his vocals, because he sings his ass off. // 7

Impression: Overall, it's a potent and solid release. It's not up to the standard of, say, V: The New Mythology Suite but it's still a good, solid release. Symphony X work best with grand themes and storylines in mind, and this album lacks that (no, taking your lyrical ideas and topics from the book "Paradise Lost" is not a grand theme).

The progressive element is a bit lost, which is a shame, but the riffs, leads and melodies are great. Romeo is as solid as ever, he really delivers in his department and continues to make his case for being one of the best guitarists in metal right now. This album probably will gain them more fans than they will lose, and it's a pretty damn good one, even if it's a slight step down from their previous two albums. // 7

overall: 10

Reviewed by: SvnStringMaster, on june 27, 2007

Sound: The sound of this album screams Symphony X. Michael Romeo keeps his guitar tone, that I would call a signature guitar tone. The keyboards do their usual thing and lets out great leads, and of course do the chords that give them their symphonic sound. Michael Lepond stands out more on this album than in their past, with added bass solos. Russell Allen is at the top of his game right now. Nailing high notes as well as growls from the bowels. The CD starts off with a great instrumental put together by Romeo. Lets say this: All of the songs are fast, heavy, intense, metal, brutal, except the title track which slows things down for a nice calming break. Another break follows a few tracks later on "The Sacrifice." Overall melodic, symphonic, metal. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Evil. The lyrics are totally evil, and tell great stories. Allen does an excellent job at delevering the lyrics. One of the best metal voices, dare I say of all time. Like I commented on earlier, he is at the top of his game, and only going to climb. // 10

Impression: Okay people, this CD package is by far the coolest CD package I ever owned. I was just in awe when I took it out of the factory plastic and opened it. I knew right then and there this would be a great CD. don't judge a book by it's cover? Well the packaging emphasizes the awesomeness of this album. I love everything about this album, including they listed the total runtime as 60:66, rather than 61:06, that's just brutal. I can't think of a thing I don't like about this. Paradise Lost is a must own for every fan of any sort of metal. // 10

Reviewed by: unregistered, on december 04, 2007

Sound: When I first heard of Symphony X, I immediately knew I was going to like their music. Truth be told, I heard them first on this album. I heard the song "Eve of Seduction" in a video and I wanted to check the album out. I bought it very soon, and I was impressed quickly just by the packaging of the album and the artwork, but that's not the point right now. Symphony X is a band that sounds unlike any other. Sure there are other progressive metal bands, but Symphony X not only does bring in a symphonic quality to their work, but all the band members use the utmost of their skill in each and every song. I am reminded of a sort of fusion between the instrumental work of Dream Theater and other progressive bands and the vocals and guitarwork of thrash metal's greatest like Metallica and Megadeth. However, make no mistake that Symphony X has both a unique sound and a sound you will love. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Symphony X doesn't have the greatest lyrics of all time, but the vocalist has a powerful voice perfect for the band's music, and the choruses if nothing else of the songs are always catchy. I am especially reminded of the songs "Set the World on Fire", "Paradise Lost", and "Serpent's Kiss" in the field of songs with great choruses.

// 7

Impression: Paradise Lost is a great album by a great band. I've heard a little of their other work, and I must say that the songs on this CD are still amongst the greatest of what I've heard. I only hesitate at the threshold of ignorance to say that this is the greatest album ever issued by Symphony X. If the album were stolen from me or lost, I believe I would buy another copy of it, though I have the album on my mp3 player. It's truly a cool album just to own. The packaging is unique and is full of great art, so it's definitely a good idea to physically own. I think what I love most about this album, though, is that in a time of mainly generic and pointless mainstream music (in the honest opinion of this reviewer), Symphony X, though under the radar, is producing amazing music. // 9

Comments

[Slayer224]

This is indeed a very good album.

Still won't top The Divine Wings of Tragedy for me though.

[Diamond Dave]

Slayer224 wrote:

This is indeed a very good album.

Still won't top The Divine Wings of Tragedy for me though.

divine wings is my favourite album as well, this is really good but id put the odyssey infront of it with divine wings

[666metalmark]

This album is great, Symphony X are my favorite band!

[Eshan]

Best album of the year. Every song is killer.. I got my ass kicked from the first song to the last. DWoT is better but I think this one is on a tied second place with The Odyssey. Check out the new Allen/Lande album!

[eueueu]

I reaaly liked this album, it is their best one so far and the best of the year so far (lets wait for Iced Earth =] ) Very heavy songs, technically complex songs with great harmony between the instruments, just like their last album, but with a heavier touch. The only thing I regret is that I misses the show here last month =(. recommended to everyone!

[SynGates7X]

Anybody want to upload it to Albumbase for me? Just to hold me over until I can get out and buy it of course.

[Noxkid457]

Fuck yeah symphony x

[YourMessiah666]

I just check out these guys on youtube. And i just read the review for this album, and I am a fan. I am buying the CD today.

[BR00TAL]

this album is my favourite. 10/10 no doubt.

[Eshan]

@YourMessiah666: Cool, great choice. I think you should get The Odyssey next as it is a quite heavy album too. Then The Divine Wings of Tragedy - their masterpiece. ^^

[JimmyPage2247]

love syx, kick ass album...its everything i wanted, and an impressive follow up to the odyssey

[ScreamingCheeto]

One of the best albums of the year for sure. BUT, Dream Theater's Systematic Chaos is better in my opinion.

[Saintsatan]

This album is top bollocks. Just downloaded it and loved it to bits.

Is it just me or does Serpent's Kiss sound like a Tool song?

[Kris_man]

Paradise Lost not a grand theme? It's only one of the classic literary epics. And it's not a book, you knob jockey, it's a poem.

[gsoldi]

great album

[the spiker]

This album is OK.... I'll give it a 6/10, still think the Odessy album was far superior.

[mrrman]

where these guys from...never heard of them...

[Ledsabbath165]

This Album is a Masterpiece. Its sure to be popular with any Real metal head with exceptions of those Nu Metalheads.

[Goblumich07]

Ledsabbath165 wrote:

This Album is a Masterpiece. Its sure to be popular with any Real metal head with exceptions of those Nu Metalheads.

this one may even be popular with them.

This album is just pure epic. A fast and heavy Speed/Prog metal assault

[Silky Smooth]

Best album of the year IMO

Simply AMAZING work on this, everything about it just kills!!

[SaTaNsSuN36]

WEll first off this album is great.But another thing is it is diffrent from there other stuff, yes more aggressive but if they repeated what they did in the odyssey then that cd wouldn't be what it is so it lets that cd and v and divine and all there others stand alone as this one walks its own path and has its own sound.The one thing everyone can admit is that no matter what they may have got more aggressive but they still have there own sound and each member is still showing what they have to the fullest.If you don't like it as much as the other ones give it a couple more chances and i guarantee you that you will enjoy it on a diffrent level then the others.It is diffrent and thats all you must remember.If you cant except change then well your out of luck.If you are open minded then dig in and enjoy your self because this album is gold.Victory for the greats again.Killer album buy it if you dont have it, even if you already have the mp3's buy it theres nothing like having the cd in your hands.Also the artwork is great.So hopefully you will cough up the money to get it.Enjoy.

[Reviewer Pete]

Kris_man wrote:

Paradise Lost not a grand theme? It's only one of the classic literary epics. And it's not a book, you knob jockey, it's a poem.

You're right, it's a poem, although it was split up into twelve books.

And I'm afraid it's not what you've got, it's what you do with it. And while I *do* appreciate the lyrics and the themes chosen, they're not of a grand scale(a grand scale would be one such as "The Wall", "Scenes From A Memory" or "Light of Day, Day of Darkness"). Of course Paradise Lost(the poem) in itself is a grand theme, but they(SX) don't use it as one.

Don't get me wrong though, it's a very good album and will surely rank as one of the best when we sum up 2007.

[Spiritweaver]

This was the first material I've heard of these guys, and I was very impressed. I was hooked from that opening instrumental, kinda reminded me of the opening of Trivium's Ascendancy album, very nice.

[Golem29]

This band is essential for every metal fan, and this album is arguably the perfect place to start.

[SvnStringMaster]

[quote=spiritweaver]This was the first material I've heard of these guys, and I was very impressed. I was hooked from that opening instrumental, kinda reminded me of the opening of Trivium's Ascendancy album, very nice.[/quote]

oh dear god, don't you dare compare trivium to symphony x

[SeventhGun]

Fuck you! Your review sucks!

[bigal09]

this is true metal....love it\m/

[thynerobby]

I just bought this album yesterday & I havent stopped air guitaring at work/school/home/church. I mean, seriously, this has to be by-far, the greatest guitar album of the year!(havent heard the new Iced Earth yet, though) Michael Romeo is such an innovative guitarist. I am in awe at every single track, but my personal favorite was Set the World on Fire. Ofcourse I dont repeat the song without first hearing the instrumental album intro. Actually, I dont repeat the song at all. I just play the entire album every single time. Its just that good...

[FVD]

Paradise Lost is indeed a very powerful album. The guys have raised the bar a step further. And Allen is just vicious with his vocals. Very cool indeed.

Won't top Divine Wings yet I do think that album is due for a remastering. The production of that album wasn't the best. Others would also agree.

[JRock589]

Paradise lost is an awesome album, and personally..an awesome theme.

For any who have actually read the epic poem (It isnt a book), you'll understand where the lyrics come from, and the meaning behind the story. For instance the song "Paradise Lost", as far as I can tell from the lyrics is actually about Lucifers banishment from heaven as he holds his hands to the sky in anguish.

Powerful shit, awesome theme, awesome album.

[BlisteringDDj]

For me, this is the album of the year... Simply amazing!

[Drool_Mouse]

although i do like their progressive side a lot, i absolutely loved this album. the darker feel is a big step, but it cost them some keyboard solos. but no one can argue with michael romeo's composition skills. every song is amazing.

For me, this is the album of the year... Simply amazing!

i concur. it is my favorite, although i dont listen to it as often just because ive had it since june, and im getting newer music. but it still is the album of the year

[Surveyor]

All reviews I have read praise Allen's vocals on this album, and on songs like "Set the world on Fire" and "Seven" they are very appropriate. but to abandon his distinctive 'swoon-worthy' song in favor of the almost generic 'metal' voice on a song like "Sacrifice" just doesn't seem right. And in the few parts on the album where he does, well, sing, they pile on an extra layer of...digital crap, and the authenticity found on DWoT is lost, without even mentioning the almost soulless delivery of the chourus of "Paradise Lost". Remember "Candlelight Fantasia"? That's Russell.

[.mem-brane.]

that first review i think was right about the guitar tone.. listen to the solo's in revelation. its a little blurred less clea\r than it could be, and id rather pin that down to bad tone than bad playing, simply because i wouldnt like to believe it of romeo!

[Symphonicmind]

My favourite symphonyx's album! 10/10 At first, I was a bit disappointed at how they made the sound more aggressive. But someone here is right, they still keep their own sound. each day I listen to this album, I love it more. Thanks Symphony X, Thanks Romeo!!!