Live | Symphony X – 013-Tilburg [NL]

16 September 2024

Finally, New Jersey’s progressive power metal institution Symphony X is back. This iconic band, consisting of Michael Romeo (guitars), Russell Allen (vocals), Mike LePond (bass guitar), Michael Pinnella (keys) and Jason Rullo on drums, is touring again. The band’s last album ‘Underworld’ already dates from 2015, so there is no new material to play. However the band was in top notch shape and the show of these prog metal veterans was truly sensational, the sound was pitch perfect, the energy on stage was impressive and the crowd loved it.

CLASSIC TRACKS

The setlist contained twelve almost classic Symphony X tracks, featuring four of their last album ‘Underworld’, but this amazing gig kicked off with the title track of their eight studio album ‘Iconoclast’ setting the 013 venue on fire right from the first power guitar chords of Romeo. ,,Nevermore” from the band’s last album followed and here you could really enjoy the formidable vocals of mister Russell Allen. What a throat and his vocal power is really enormous; James LaBrie eat your heart out.

CENTREPIECE

Next, the audience was treated to SX classics like ,,Inferno (Unleash the Fire)” from ‘The Odessey’ album and ,,Serpent’s Kiss” from the ‘Paradise Lost’ album, being one of my favourite songs to play in the flesh. The entire set, way too short of course, was a blast, however a couple of songs really stood out – at least for me. ,,To Hell And Back” (from the ‘Underworld’ album), which turned out to be the true centrepiece of the gig, and the first encore ,,Paradise Lost”. Tonight’s epic version of this fabulous track features everything that makes up a classic prog metal track. Romeo’s guitar riffs, hooks, melodies, solos, and Allen’s vocal performance are really second to none here, turning this song into a 100% pure melodic prog metal track.

PURE MADNESS

The other encores – ,,Out Of The Ashes” and ,,Sea Of Lies” – were songs from the magnificent album ‘The Divine Wings Of Tragedy’, released way back in 1996 and it felt really good to hear these older songs again. After 30 years in the music business and nine studio albums Symphony X truly belongs to the great bands in the prog metal genre and live these guys kick ass like no other, as they clearly stated this tonight here in Tilburg. The show was pure madness, leaving the crowd, and yours truly in awe and eager for more in the near future.

Hopefully, there will be a new album soon. Michael Romeo “promised” me in an interview before the show that he already has a lot of new material, and a new album should be out in 2026.

All photos by Martien Koolen