One of the most popular acts in the progressive metal world is the band
Symphony X. Comprised of five, this is an outfit that reshaped my view of contemporary music in the 90's and 00's through their unique brand of powerful, melodic and insightful music that toys with most of the senses.
When I listen to The Divine Wings of Tragedy, I see the lyrical images set alight in my mind, I feel my skin revolt against me as it morphs into goose flesh that wages war along the battlefield of my spine, and I quiver wildly as the notes pound in my ears and play rhythmic, odd timed beats on my ear drums.
Yes, it is The Divine Wings of Tragedy that appeases all of the musical senses and instils a confidence within the listener that allows them to find solace in this marvellously talented musical outfit.
This album is the third from
Symphony X, which finally settled them into a comfortable niche and provided them with the direction for future metal masterpieces. The Divine Wings of Tragedy combines an appropriate combination of raw sounding, hard-edged metal and poignant, romantic music. This would be seen when contrasting the opening track
"Of Sins and Shadows", which introduces the listener to a head banging feast with it's downstroke rhythm guitar playing and shrill toned keyboard riffs. However, in contrast to the slower, ballad-like romantic fantasy called
"Candlelight Fantasia," which closes the album, the responder would no-doubt actualise that this band is more than just five long haired virtuoso's who think that life is about wars between wizards and demons.
"The Divine Wings of Tragedy" generally conveys a tone of pain and anguish, suffering and turmoil - what one will certainly not find on this album is a song written for the vocalist's girlfriend, apparently, there are more important things to discuss.
So I apologise to all you budding nu-metal fanatics who were hoping to find another album that is shorter than your haircuts and dealing with the paradigms normal teenage love problems.
With that said, what one
would find on "The Divine Wings of Tragedy" are outstanding guitar solos and a fantastic relationship between all the instruments. An example of such a relationship would be in track three, entitled
"Out of the Ashes", which showcases awe-inspiring melodic lines not heard since Mozart or Beethoven. In this particular instance, all the tracks seem to have merged as one, creating a unified sound that typifies the majesty of
Symphony X and illustrates the potential of technical wonderment that they scale beyond.
As a guitarist I can identify with the techniques used by Michael Romeo, who has a neoclassical/metal sound that can only be forged using drop D tuning. His solos have a unique tapping style that seem to wax-stamp the name 'Michael Romeo' throughout them, not merely through the guitar's tone - but through the particular scales he uses and the legato techniques that he chooses to manipulate.
What is encouraging about the album is that no player is lacking in ability. All five members of this band play on the same level of virtuosity and are the master's of their domain.
Jason Rullo's drumming is tantalising, with every beat being optimal for the listener's experience. His work does not seem out of place and he is not overly technical, which is a quality that I applaud. His feel and precision in sections that may have called for a drum roll that was more involved simply proves that the best sound doesn't always come from the most established players.
His drumming style aids in defining the band's sound and his contributions in all of the songs are of a high standard.
The vocals are another facet of
Symphony X's remarkable authority and flair. Russell Allen was the answer to
Symphony X's problems when he stepped in to replace Rod Tyler who recorded
Symphony X's self-titled debut album. This move was obviously for the better after the next two recordings, "The Damnation Game" and "The Divine Wings of Tragedy" established
Symphony X as serious, dedicated musicians that had plenty to offer in terms of their fresh metal style.
The vocals are superbly balanced for each song on the album with soul-snatching verses and soaring choruses; the lyrics on the album entice you to read on and listen closer.
In addition, the album comes fully equipped with an entourage of lengthy tracks, including the 20:41s epic entitled
"The Divine Wing of Tragedy" and
"The Accolade" 9:51s, which guide the listener through music of commanding brilliance that shatter the concrete boundaries of modern metal music. How often can we listen to an album and honestly tell ourselves that we enjoy it on our very first listen? With the Divine Wings of Tragedy, I certainly felt that within the first 10 seconds I had found what I had long since been searching for. Integrity. It binds the album in the musical sense through the proficiency, accuracy and sheer brilliance that this band projects. Simply put, the effort shows.
To wind this review down, I think this album was the changing point not only in the history of
Symphony X, but in the course of modern metal music. What we have is pure, unhampered genius that was assembled by five very talented musicians with a common dream. I think the biggest compliment a musician can receive is hearing that his/her music inspires.
Considering this, I believe that
Symphony X have created something profound that goes beyond three dimensions. The Divine Wings of Tragedy should be inspiration to all the people in the world with a dream, and the persistence to achieve that dream.
Enjoy this album the way you would enjoy a satisfying meal.
Slowly, appreciatively and with ample room for more.
Written by
Yoni Monday, June 2, 2003
Show all reviews by YoniRatingsYoni: 9.5/10Members: 9.66/10 - Average of 3 ratings.
Member ratings
 | Tommy
Rating: 9.5/10
Yes, this surely is a magical release. The guitars are simply stunning, twisting and turni... · Read more · |
 | ProfessorShred
Rating: 9.5/10
Totally agree with your thoughts here,fantastic memorable album that stands the test of ti... · Read more · |
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