The Odyssey is the perfect place for anyone new to Symphony X, or even progressive metal, to start. With a heavy dose of crunchy metal riffing and finger bleeding solos, The Odyssey blends the technical skill and mastership of prog with the hard edged attitude of metal seamlessly. With vocal work that never soars into the stratosphere but does stay as gritty and dirty as the guitar riffs, it's a win-win situation for those who are afraid of music that is smarter and more sophisticated then they are.

From the opening guitar blaze of "Inferno", Michael Romeo and his axe set the stage for what each following song will be akin to. Sir Russell Allen belts out a vocal performance that will leave you nothing short of awestruck. As impossible as it seems, Russell continues to improve his vocal control and emotional delivery. Never doing anything small, Symphony X marks each track with their unique and illustrious progressive style and sound. Diehard fans should have no problem with falling for the charm that The Odyssey seduces its new listeners with.

There is no song on The Odyssey that falls short of any expectation, but some do need a little extra attention here. My favorite off The Odyssey is the dark and sinister "King Of Terrors". Based off the classic Edgar Allen Poe story "The Pit and The Pendulum" Symphony X weave a twisted tale of horror that is both befitting and respectful to Poe. Chills will run down your spine as Russell verses over a spoken word part that is eerie enough to be mistaken for Vincent Price (which literally doubles the horror value).

Last but not least is the massive and impressive 24-minute title track that closes the album. Based off the classic literature epic poem The Odyssey, Symphony X tempts fate and tries to tackle The Odyssey musically. While not being able to fit the whole story within a mere 24 minutes, Symphony X took their favorite pieces of the story and then wove them all together as one. The out come is notckgr but simply amazing and is an absolute must hear for all. Filled with emotional highs and lows, Symphony X magically transports you into the epic tale and brings The Odyssey to a new and powerful life.

It's high time that you join the growing sea of loyal Symphony X fans. With searing guitar work and some mean riffs, constructive and persuasive bass lines, relaxed and atmospheric keyboards, heart pounding and time changing drumming, and vocals that are second to none, Symphony X are climbing their way to th'× Ð top of the progressive mountain.

Rating: 4/5: The Odyssey is pure progressive goodness, and who better to pass out such a piece of prog power than Symphony X? There is no denying the power that The Odyssey contains.