What can I possibly say about Symphony X's 6th and latest studio album? Buy it! But that would be a very short review. Since this is the first time I review an album, I would like to make an effort to say a bit more. I have had the privilege to meet Russell Allen during the Star One featuring Ayreon tour. At that occasion he already treated us with a few songs from the new album.

Musically The Odyssey is much heavier and crunchier than the previous albums and this already shows in the first track 'Inferno (Unleash the Fire)'. Even though being a rock solid song, it still misses a sparkle soundwise. It sounds like the band is playing the songs in a room. But after comparing it to the sound of their second album The Damnation Game (1995), it sounds almost the same, so I guess it's just the way it is meant to sound. Russell Allen proves his voice has an incredible range and really goes over the top. Although most songs are dominated by Russell's powerful voice and Michael Romeo's guitar, there is room for some orchestration, like in the songs 'Accolade II' and 'Awakenings'. And then there is this fantastic epic of a little over 24 minutes: 'The Odyssey', which consists of 7 parts. This once?1À#in shows the bands' interest in mythology, as predecessor V dealt with the legend of Atlantis and this album the 'The Iliad' by the Greek writer Homerus. This epic song is worth the purchase of the album alone!! Not to mention the great artwork…

In closing: The Odyssey truly is a masterpiece. It really shows the progression the band has made. It is a rawer, crunchier and heavier album, which after a few spins has become one of my favorite albums. I'm certain it will be one of yours too…