Symphony X hail from New Jersey, USA and were founded there in April 1994. Guitarist, Michael Romeo had been receiving a lot of praise and attention for his self produced solo-tape “The Dark Chapter” Which eventually led to the birth of Symphony X. Joining Michael was bass player Thomas Miller, who had Played with Michael on numerous occasions in the past. Soon after that, vocalist Rod Taylor and drummer Jason Rullo were recruited and with the arrival of Michael Pinnella, the Symphony X line up was complete.
Their first self titled offering was recorded in Autumn 1994 and was subsequently released in Japan in December of the same year. Although the album immediately made a big impression on fans of the progressive metal scene all over the world and achieved excellent reviews in Japan, the band still considers it a “demo” and thus, went back into the studio to refine their songwriting abilities and production ideas. Only 8 months after the release of their debut album, Symphony X recorded and released their second album, “The Damnation Game”. The beginning of 1995 saw the band part ways with vocalist Rod Taylor and Russell Allen was soon chosen as his replacement. With their majestic vocal harmonies and classical overtones, the band pushed the boundaries of progressive music spearheaded a new direction in the genre. The reactions of both fans and press alike to the album was very enthusiastic and the band were beginning to generate a world-wide positive awareness.
Towards the end of 1996 Symphony X began work on their magnum opus “The Divine Wings Of Tragedy”. Whilst the previous album had still shown a lot of obvious influences, “Divine Wings…” really Showed the band had come into their own at last. The album also made a huge impression on the European press with tracks like The Accolade and the 20 minute title track poised to become classics of their genre. In readers polls of all the major rock magazines throughout Europe and Japan, Symphony X scored high with the album and the press showered the band with praise. “Divine Wings…” was soon regarded as one the best albums of its genre for 1997. The band had by now eclipsed many of the other acts on the scene achieving sales in excess of 100,000 in Japan alone.
Not content to sit back and bask in their glories, the band set off to write and record a follow up that came in early1998. Entitled ” Twilight In Olympus” , the album soon proved to be yet another milestone in the band’s ever evolving career. Sales were incredibly strong along with the usual excellent reviews in the rock press and the call for Japanese and European tours beckoned. Symphony X toured Japan that summer, and in the fall, set out to Europe with English band Mindfeed as support. The tour proved to be quite a success with sell out performances in Japan, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Italy and France strengthening the band’s already growing legion of fans.
After the tour, a new member was brought into the band, bassist – Michael Lepond, and the band began discussing ideas for their upcoming studio album. It was to be a concept CD, a creation based on a blend of ancient tales of Atlantis, Egypt and mythology, and – musically – a mix of progressive metal and the orchestra. The idea was to have over one hour of continuous music reoccurring themes, based on characters within the storyline, similar to a movie score, yet having definite ‘song’ structures within. Symphony X – “V” was released in Japan in July and immediately reached number 46 on the national charts. The CD will be released in Europe and the US in October and touring plans for Japan and Europe are already being planned for the fall and winter months.
