Not many bands come out with an already fantastic album like say V: The New Mythology Suite, promise to make the next one a lot heavier and actually deliver on that promise. That's what Symphony X has done here. They have delivered on their promise and I dare say more.

The Odyssey features fantastic performances all round. The musicianship is top notch. First off, Michael Romeo has come up with some of the best riffs I have ever heard. Its just balls out heavy riffing with his trademark guitar tone and technique. His solos are exquisite featuring his neo classical as well as his melodic rock aproach.The keyboards by Michael Pinnela with its numerous voices are excellent, always siiting in perfectly with the rest of the instruments. The bass lines by Mike LePond are fantastic, at times matching note for note Michal Romeo's riffing. Jason Rullo's drum tracks display a playing style that complements the whole band while holla,g down the rhythm section with LePond. Last but not least is vocalist Russel Allen who turns in one of his best performances yet, who displays diversity and expression, who on this album matches Romeo's riffing with some really heavy vocal lines. The first track alone Inferno(Unleash the Fire) is a great example of this.

The track Accolade II, a sequel to the Accolade from the Divine Wings of Tragedy album represents to me what Symphony X is all about in the most perfect way. Here the layering of instruments and melodies are what its all about. This is top notch song writing without letting their individual musicianship run amok. Every instrument in its right place at the right time. Every note is in the right place at the right time. The keyboard melodies intertwine with the Russel's vocal melodies resulting in truly sweet music. I dare say its almost perfect. This brings me to what I like best about Symphony X, the ability to mesh heaw.chss, progressiveness, good old fashioned neo-classical guitarwork with some very good old fashioned rock and lace it all with exquisite technicality.

The production on the as/ti is also fantastic with Michael Romeo himself having produced, engineered and even shares credits for mixing duties for the album.The album is well balanced except for maybe at certain points where for the first time I actually wished the vocals were more up front. Another testament to Russel's great performance.The album also features Romeo's already distinctive guitar tone, it could be just me but it sure as hell sounds a lot bigger here than on V, very up front. The drums also sound fantastic with of course what seems the obligatory layered-with-triggered kick sound giving it a really big snap. ( I realise I might be fighting a losing battle in terms of wanting good old fashioned big real life kick drums, hehehe)

It seems to me that Symphony X has surpassed V: The New Mythology Suite with The Odyssey. Something I thought that could not happen, cause V was truly an excellent piece of work. Symphony X is testament to the fact what the gathering of truly fine musicians can deliver and whats more deliver it consistently. This is music created for the listeners who will appreciate the multi-leveled craftmanship that is evident here, and still at the end of the day be able to enjoy the music for what it is. I urge every metalhead to take a listen to this album. I guarrantee that there will be something that you will like, interest you or even learn from, be it the guitars, the vocals, song arrangement or even the sheer technicality of the musicianship. Trust me when I say that not many bands make albums like this nowadays. This is truly a work of art for all to appreciate. I did and I hope you will too.