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Rating: Reading other reviews written about "Paradise Lost", I cannot help but completely disagree with the ratings given. Why talk about a masterpiece when it really isn't? How can true musical gems (no need to say what I'm referring to...) be compared to mediocre reproductions? The great respect I have for this band always makes me want the best from them, but in recent years Symphony X are showing a severe lack of innovation.
The work starts with "Oculus Ex Inferno", where the singer Russel is set aside to make room for the group's typical prog, which I would describe as "gothic" or "neoclassical" as some of you have written. Electric orchestral parts and a background of choirs open the CD, seeking that grandeur so favored by Romeo, the mastermind of the quintet. The following "Set The World On Fire" has a more pronounced metal component and returns to the usual musical scheme: a sung introduction followed by a chorus and a highly technical and virtuosic instrumental part. It fails to move the listener, predictable and not adequately connected, with instrumental solos that are detached from the central melody. "Domination" starts with a bass riff that accompanies the subsequent entry of Romeo, with very high rhythm and great power in the sung parts. The guitar-keyboard duets are good, precise, and well-synchronized. The next "The Serpent's Kiss" has the same musical themes as the previous tracks, still prog metal, but in the chorus, there's a sound more similar to the subsequent title track, let's say it partially introduces it. In "Paradise Lost", Pinnella's keyboard is at the center of the entire track with its calm melody, Romeo doesn't unleash powerful riffs but almost always limits himself to dictate the rhythm. It is a pleasant pause and an excellent diversion from the monotonous arrogance (allow me this criticism) of power/metal and the self-indulgence of progressivism. In my opinion, the beautiful motif created could have been better used for a longer suite, but it is equally appreciable.
"Eye Of Seduction" brings us back to familiar and widely assimilated sounds, with a chorus that is slightly more harmonious than the previous songs. It is followed by "The Walls Of Babylon": its oriental intro precedes an extensive guitar section accompanied by inevitable choirs, the track flows well, and in my opinion, it is the only piece where Symphony X shows us a hint of innovation in their sound. With "Seven" we return to the usual schemes, but this time the effort made is appreciable: fast and precise in the duets, the keyboard offers excellent solos throughout, and Romeo excites with ample riffs. "The Sacrifice" opens with piano, classical guitar, and vocals at rather slow tempos. Overall melancholic and calm, but also too predictable in melodies. The last track "Revelation" does nothing but reiterate a sound already heard throughout the CD (or for all the years...): prog metal, solos, choral parts, and classical guitar for calmer moments. Nothing else.
If this were the group's first work, it would be excellent, but unfortunately, it's the seventh, and Symphony X has more than 10 years (almost 20) of experience behind them. The reality is therefore different: after the poor "The Odyssey", Romeo and company bring us this "Paradise Lost" which is just a reproduction of sounds and structures already known.
But where are the creativity and the novelty? I know, I'm asking for a lot, but the musical evolution of a band must inevitably include changes; if you always remain in the same patterns and rhythms, you regress and bore those who have known this group for years.
All in all, it is a good album, but the incredible similarity to the previous "Twilight In Olympus" and "The Divine Wings Of Tragedy" weighs heavily (indeed, very heavily) in the evaluation. However, at the end of the day, I can also understand those who gave high ratings, as Symphony X consistently has a great sound... but don't criticize my opinion, you must also admit that their ideas are running out.
They are slowly fading, and "Paradise Lost" confirms it.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
08 Seven (07:01)
Above all - high and mighty - will like a towering
steed - a Web of Conceit that I weave
More...wanting much more - grasping with
Envious Eyes - dark desires lead to words
that cut like knives
Frozen in your tracks... No remorse
Embrace the rack - Twisting down your spine
... 'till the End of Time
It's Fire and Ice - make the Sacrifice
No one there to catch you when you Fall
It's Shadow's and Sin - Enemies Within
You'll be fine, so cross the line and Damn it all
Slip into Shades of Nothing - yesterday's
promises die - More, taking more than I need to
bleed you dry
Cut your throat - Abandon all Hope 'blood-money
lusting' portrayal - Break the trust from dawn
to dusk bring down the curtains on you final
act of betrayal
Empty hands recoil... feel your Blood begin to boil
Tails and Fangs or Doom - violently consumed
It's Fire and Ice - make the Sacrifice
No one there to catch you when you Fall
It's Shadow's and Sin - Enemies Within
You'll be fine, so cross the line and Damn it all
Virtue or vice? Will you pay the price?
When there's no one to catch you when you fall
...so Damn you All...
Give me hot-blooded yearning - infect and pollute
all that's pure - more than my heart can endure
Vengeance and Fury - Screaming
and eye for an eye - lashing out in Anger
I curse the sky
Demon Song is sung - first your ear ... and then
your tongue - Wear this Mask of Fire - and burn
for all you're desired
It's Fire and Ice - make the Sacrifice
No one there to catch you when you Fall
It's Shadow's and Sin - Enemies Within
You'll be fine, so cross the line and Damn it all
09 The Sacrifice (04:49)
Your Eyes singing to me sweet lullabies
While you lie there in submission
Forbidden desire
Alone in the moonlight hearts of fire
Burn away our inhibitions
When the stars lose their fire
And night steals the morning away
Forever and a day
I will stay, I will stay here with you my love
Sacrifice a heart beat away from paradise
All my reasons given way to temptation
Fear and shame
Looking for someone else to blame
We're devoured by these foolish accusations
With every fleeting breath I take
Maybe our love was a mistake
Eternal life I traded for one moment beside you
When the stars lose their fire
And night steals the morning away
Forever and a day
I will stay, I will stay here with you my love
When the stars lose their fire
And night steals the morning away
Forever and a day
When the stars lose their fire
And night takes the morning away
Forever and a day
I will stay, I will stay here with you my love
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Other reviews
By The Guitarist
Allen's voice remains of a superior class compared to all his power colleagues for its ability to incorporate all the nuances of these in their best variant.
Paradise Lost, at least for the moment, is one of the best albums of the year and a cornerstone of modern progressive metal.
By actingout
Michael Romeo’s guitar is absolutely devastating, and the drum sound does justice to the great musician Jason Rullo is.
‘Paradise Lost’ is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard, with a unique delicacy and intensity.
By zambo
This album is simply splendid, characterized by a more aggressive yet technical sound.
Paradise Lost is one of the most beautiful tracks composed by the band in 13 years of honorable career.
By Hellring
Romeo’s guitar, Allen’s voice, Pinnella’s keyboard, Lepond’s bass, and Rullo’s drums are perfect in every section of the album.
Iconoclast returns to us, four years after Paradise Lost, a band in great shape with clear ideas.
