Once in a while, a seemingly random tour will be announced and when it hits, it just blows you away. Symphony X hasn’t released new music in nearly a decade (Underworld in 2015) and spent 2021 and 2022 on the road celebrating its 25 anniversary. This tour, built around their appearance at Milwaukee Metal Fest, could be the best surprise of the year. With original thrash titans Heathen in tow, Symphony X came to the legendary Toad’s Place and blew the roof off. Scroll down for exclusive Symphony X photos and live review!
Heathen was one of the originators of the Bay-area thrash movement. While they didn’t see the success of some of their peers, Heathen has become one of the most influential thrash bands ever. Founding guitarist Lee Altus and singer David White front a new version of the band that is as ferocious as ever. Heathen played a set that touched on each of its 4 releases and proved they belong in the same sentence as bands like Exodus, Testament, and others that grew out of that scene.
Symphony X took the stage bathed in flashing lights and fog while launching into the title cut from 2011’s Iconoclast. If you had never seen the band before, it was immediately clear what you were in for. Guitarist Michael Romeo, keyboardist Michael Pinnella, drummer Jason Rullo, and bassist Michael LePond are masters of their instruments and make the complicated seem effortless. Frontman Russell Allen, also known for his work with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, owns the stage. Allen doesn’t simply sing a song, he becomes the song. His movements, expressions, and voice evolve to match the lyrics and emotion of the song perfectly.
It’s always interesting when a band with a rich catalog tours without releasing new music, it opens the setlist to endless possibilities. Symphony X touched on six of their nine records during the 12-song set. From classics like “Sea of Lies” and “Inferno” to later material such as “Nevermore” and “Without You” nearly every era of the band was represented and played flawlessly.
One thing that really stood out in the show was how well the sound was mixed. It was loud without being distorted, each instrument was audible in the mix, and Allen’s vocals were crystal clear and soared above the progressive cacophony behind him. It’s not often that a metal band with such complicated music sounds this good in a somewhat small space.
While the entire set was fantastic, a few songs really stood out for me. “To Hell and Back” from Underworld felt like it took on a new life. It grew from a good song to a centerpiece of the set. In my opinion, the highlight of the night came with the first song of the encore, a truly epic version of 2007’s “Paradise Lost”. If you are a fan of progressive metal, this song is everything you love about the genre. Hearing it live was an amazing experience. Russ Allen has branched out into a lot of other music in his career, but songs like this are his wheelhouse. His voice and Romeo’s guitar define this genre and there is no better proof than hearing “Paradise Lost” live.
Over the course of 30 years and 9 studio albums, Symphony X has proven they are one of the great bands of the genre. However, the success and notoriety of bands like Dream Theater, Fates Warning, and Queensryche have eluded them. One can only hope that we get new music from these world-class musicians soon, but until then, do not miss a chance to see them on the road.
