Symphony X returns with a new release, and a new reason to be called America's premier symphonic metal band.

The Odyssey finds the band reaching within themselves and pulling out a first rate, in your face sound. The orchestration and keyboards are toned down, however, on the first three tracks, making way for a raw, bold, metal vibe. But, the symphonic sounds that have defined Symphony X are certainly not lost on this release. Tracks like Accolade II, Awakenings, The Odyssey, and Masquerade (on the Limited Edition version) certainly live up to the bands namesake.

Immediately upon pushing play, the opening track, Inferno, grabs you by the throat with a speed and arrogance that you may not be expecting. This style continues into track two, Wicked, although also incorporating a groove that sets it apart from the other tracks. Incantations of the Apprentice, the third track, holds a sound that almost seems forced, making it the low point of the disc. But familiar territory is found on track four. Hitting on only a couple of themes from the original The Accolade, Accolade II finds our hero has passed away, and his sword, shield, and mission is being carried on by his son.

Track five, King of Terrors, and track six, The Turning, pick up the same style and sound that were found in the opening tracks, continuin°Ì•Ü the raw, bold sound.

Awakenings, track seven, opens with a feel, and a passion that could only be comparable to Candlelight Fantasia from 1997's The Divine Wings of Tragedy. However, as the song continues on, we find the band throwing a little bit everything into this one, even a moment or two of unmistakable jazz.

Track eight, the cd's title track, takes us straight into the sound that has been synonymous with the name Symphony X. This 24 minute long epic is a retelling of the classic story of the same name by Homer. The track starts out with over 3 minutes of orchestration that would make even the best composers in history stand and take note. It then carries on for another twenty minutes of captivating melodies, mind blowing changes, and time signatures that sound beyond human.

Michael Romeo once again commands respect with this release, proving his song writing capabilities, and symphonic orchestration are seemingly boundless. Mike LePond pulls out riffs that prove he is one of the most under-rated bass players on the scene today. Jason Rullo seems almost inhuman behind the drums, proving that a confidant drummer is the backbone of any band. Michael Pinnella has been called a "one man orchestra" in the past, and this release cements that claim. But it is Russell Allen who takes the award for "Most Outstanding Performer" on this release. He produces a wide variety of vocal styles, from angry growling to angelic tones. From the high ends to the low, and everything in between. The emotion that he sings with is the icing on the proverbial cake that is, in this case, called The Odyssey.