In the past, New Jersey’s Symphony X’s brand of progressive/power metal lacked a certain something. Iced Earth on the other hand, seemed to possess something that most within their genre fell short on. That is all about to change, as Symphony X has finally released something to match Iced Earth’s unchallenged reign on the top of the heap.

With their sixth album ‘The Odyssey’, Symphony X have gone for an overall heavier sound, with guitarist Michael Romeo providing some edgier riffs, and vocalist Russell Allen keen to compete with a Dio like range and emphasis on phrasing.

The opening shower of riffs in ‘Inferno (Unleash The Fire)’ makes way for some well timed keyboard and drum stop/starts, before Michael comes back in with an irresistible hook. The riffs seem to be never ending, and Russell certainly puts as much gruff into his voice as possible, with winning results. ‘Wicked’ follows along the same lines as the opener, while ‘Incantations Of The Apprentice’ pulls the pace back a couple of steps, and allows Russell to try something a little more range wise on the vocals.

‘Accolade II’ is by far one of the most melodic moments on the album, but also features the most amazing chorus throughout the whole album. This ballad of sort’s features some fine orchestral keyboards, only adding the majestic feel of the whole number. Both ‘King Of Terrors’ and ‘The Turning’ are straight out power metal numbers with the guitars turned up and the kick drums going fast, but provide enough riff variations and rhythm changes to keep the listened interested. The gentle beginnings of ‘Awakenings’ makes way for some heavier sounds around the half way mark, while the cornerstone twenty-four minute title track piece of the album gives mastermind Michael the opportunity to flex his operatic progressive leanings.

The Odyssey is a seven-part extravaganza of epic proportions, with symphonic highs and metallic aggression worthy of its source material: The story of Ulysses. While there’s an obvious power metal slant that distances Symphony X from Dream Theater, there’s no denying that this track certainly matches anything Dream Theater have done of late.

The limited edition version of The Odyssey comes with the bonus track ‘Masquerade’, which is as good as anything else on the album. The track resembles some of the heavier moments on the album, with some orchestration thrown in for dramatic effect.

Symphony X's music is complex, challenging, but still retains the simple creed of riffs and choruses will never go out of fashion. Quite simply, this is their best release to date.