SYMPHONY X — Iconoclast (review)

SYMPHONY X — Iconoclast album cover Album · 2011 · Progressive Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4.5/5 ·
Stephen
'Iconoclast', an album that ignites Symphony X flame again after sleeping in silence for 4 years. Russell Allen was busy with his duet with Jorn Lande last year but eventually return with a mighty blow, delivering a prog/power beast that perhaps could be their masterpiece to date. If you remember how awesome Blackmore and Lord performed a lethal guitar/keys duel back in Deep Purple days, now you can witness how Romeo and Pinella relive that moment, bringing back the enthralling show of two maestros exploiting their instruments to the max, like a fearsome bluster sweeping off everything in front, grand and exquisite.

The first tune, the title track, is a monster, the longest track with megablast intro, the guitar is dominating at first but eventually keyboard part was given an equal share later on. A powerful and majestic song and also my fave. 'The End of Innocence' is driven by keyboard and also another brilliant song. 'Dehumanized' and 'The Lord of Chaos' apparently are the average track here but still quite good.

'Bastards of The Machine' is a traditional American power metal with thrashy groove, showcasing Pinella's keys virtuosity. 'Heretic', on the other hand, is Romeo's piece, the riffs are awesome and the instruments expert handling here is applauding. 'When All Is Lost' is a piano epic ballad, a great one and reminds me to Savatage.

'Electric Messiah' and 'Reign In Madness' are two massive tracks that will entice you to purchase the 2CD limited edition. 'Light Up The Night' is another gem, the riffs are groovy and the whole track is perfectly executed. Allen vocal is furious, ferocious, and absolutely wonderful, and together with the combo of guitar and keys are the highlights of 'Iconoclast'.

An A++ record, simply stunning, and clearly deserved to have a place in everyone's home.
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progshine wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Yeah, maybe you're right, cause looking to the other one I've listened to (4) all of them were ok as far as I remember :P
Stephen wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Yes probably you don't like American power metal style, because it has thrash tendency, and probably will be a resistance to traditional prog metal fans.

But, do you like Symphony X older catalogue or all of them are only okay for you ?
progshine wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Unfortunatelly, what I was afraid was confirmed, an ok album, just that :(
Maybe I'm not the prog/power metal needed here :)
Stephen wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Yeah, lemme know what u think of it later :)
progshine wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I've been a little skeptical about this new X record, was avoiding to listen it for some reason. Maybe I'll give it a try cause of your review :)

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