"Paradise Lost" is the seventh full-length studio album by progressive/power metal act Symphony X. The album was released through Inside Out in June 2007. It´s the successor to "The Odyssey" from November 2002. The album was recorded over a longer period in 2006 and the release was delayed several times due to various issues (their studio was damaged by water, touring activities...etc.).
"Paradise Lost" is a concept release loosely based on John Milton's 1667 epic poem "Paradise Lost". It´s an epic poem which in large strokes tell the story of the war in heaven, Lucifer´s fall and banishment to hell, and how he as a serpent snake lured Adam and Eve into eating the forbidden fruit the from tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Stylistically the material on the 10 tracks, 61:03 minutes long album continues the darker, harder edged, and more heavy music style of "The Odyssey". The riffs are sharp, groove laden, and heavy, although guitarist Michael Romeo of course also plays more regular heavy/power metal riffs, and both neo-classical themes and blistering leads. In that respect Symphony X haven´t changed that much since the last album, and the listener is also treated to the occasional symphonic section, the neo-classical influenced keyboard playing of Michael Pinella, the strong playing rhyhtm section of drummer Jason Rullo and bassist Michael Lepond, and the worldclass vocal delivery of Russell Allen. In other words you don´t have to fear that there is a decrease in high level musicianship. These guys are as well playing/singing as ever.
"Paradise Lost" is produced by Romeo and the sound production further emphasize the heaviness of the tracks. This is certainly one of the most dark and heavy albums in the band´s discography (listen to "Set The World On Fire", "Seven", and "Domination" for proof of that). When that is said there are also many melodic moments, epic atmospheres, and other details which pull the music in a less heavy direction (which includes the power ballad title track and "The Sacrifice"), so upon conclusion "Paradise Lost" is overall not quite as heavy as it´s reputation and it´s still fans of progressive/power metal who are the main target group. I even heard a couple of hard/heavy rock vocal moments from Russel here and there (the vocals on tracks like "Serpent's Kiss" and "Eve Of Seduction" occasionally point in that direction), and it just speaks volumes of the skills of Symphony X the and the clever use of various musical elements which make up the album.
Symphony X found even more fame and recognition with the release of "Paradise Lost" and their upward curve just continued, and it´s easy to hear why that is. "Paradise Lost" is simply a high quality release through and through. High level musicianship, a powerful, heavy, and detailed sound production, and some memorable, varied, and effectful songwriting. A 4 - 4.5 star (85%) rating is deserved.
