SYMPHONY X — Iconoclast (review)

SYMPHONY X — Iconoclast album cover Album · 2011 · Progressive Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4.5/5 ·
Stephen
'Iconoclast', an album that ignites Symphony X flame again after sleeping in silence for 4 years. Russell Allen was busy with his duet with Jorn Lande last year but eventually return with a mighty blow, delivering a prog/power beast that perhaps could be their masterpiece to date. If you remember how awesome Blackmore and Lord performed a lethal guitar/keys duel back in Deep Purple days, now you can witness how Romeo and Pinella relive that moment, bringing back the enthralling show of two maestros exploiting their instruments to the max, like a fearsome bluster sweeping off everything in front, grand and exquisite.

The first tune, the title track, is a monster, the longest track with megablast intro, the guitar is dominating at first but eventually keyboard part was given an equal share later on. A powerful and majestic song and also my fave. 'The End of Innocence' is driven by keyboard and also another brilliant song. 'Dehumanized' and 'The Lord of Chaos' apparently are the average track here but still quite good.

'Bastards of The Machine' is a traditional American power metal with thrashy groove, showcasing Pinella's keys virtuosity. 'Heretic', on the other hand, is Romeo's piece, the riffs are awesome and the instruments expert handling here is applauding. 'When All Is Lost' is a piano epic ballad, a great one and reminds me to Savatage.

'Electric Messiah' and 'Reign In Madness' are two massive tracks that will entice you to purchase the 2CD limited edition. 'Light Up The Night' is another gem, the riffs are groovy and the whole track is perfectly executed. Allen vocal is furious, ferocious, and absolutely wonderful, and together with the combo of guitar and keys are the highlights of 'Iconoclast'.

An A++ record, simply stunning, and clearly deserved to have a place in everyone's home.
Share this review
more

Review Comments

Post a public comment below | Send private message to the reviewer
Please login to post a shout
progshine wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Yeah, maybe you're right, cause looking to the other one I've listened to (4) all of them were ok as far as I remember :P
Stephen wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Yes probably you don't like American power metal style, because it has thrash tendency, and probably will be a resistance to traditional prog metal fans.

But, do you like Symphony X older catalogue or all of them are only okay for you ?
progshine wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Unfortunatelly, what I was afraid was confirmed, an ok album, just that :(
Maybe I'm not the prog/power metal needed here :)
Stephen wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Yeah, lemme know what u think of it later :)
progshine wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I've been a little skeptical about this new X record, was avoiding to listen it for some reason. Maybe I'll give it a try cause of your review :)

Review Index

Member Zone

Username:
Password:
Stay signed in

Metal Subgenres

Artists Alpha-index

MMA TOP 5 Metal ALBUMS

Rating by members, ranked by custom algorithm
Albums with 30 ratings and more
Master of Puppets Thrash Metal
METALLICA
Buy this album from our partners
Paranoid Heavy Metal
BLACK SABBATH
Buy this album from our partners
Moving Pictures Hard Rock
RUSH
Buy this album from our partners
Powerslave NWoBHM
IRON MAIDEN
Buy this album from our partners
Rising Heavy Metal
RAINBOW
Buy this album from our partners

New Metal Artists

New Metal Releases

Oud Zeer Atmospheric Sludge Metal
ONTAARD
Buy this album from MMA partners
Oud Zeer Sludge Metal
THROWING BRICKS
Buy this album from MMA partners
War. Metal Related
WHORES.
Buy this album from MMA partners
The First Breath Is The Beginning Of Death Sludge Metal
IDIOT CHILD
Buy this album from MMA partners
Morbid Curiosities Sludge Metal
LUURCH
Buy this album from MMA partners
More new releases

New Metal Online Videos

Agremorta - Adrocitas (Official Lyric Video)
AGREMORTA
Bosh66· 1 day ago
Agremorta - Ploratus Umbra (Official Lyric Video)
AGREMORTA
Bosh66· 1 day ago
Agremorta - Vertex Membrana (Official Lyric Video)
AGREMORTA
Bosh66· 1 day ago
HAIL SPIRIT NOIR - The Temple Of Curved Space (Official Track Stream)
HAIL SPIRIT NOIR
adg211288· 2 days ago
In Sulfur - The Gate (OFFICIAL VIDEO) 2022
IN SULFUR
Bosh66· 2 days ago
More videos

New MMA Metal Forum Topics

More in the forums

New Site interactions

More...

Latest Metal News

members-submitted

More in the forums

Social Media

Follow us
Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook fan RSS Feed