Band:	Symphony X
Album:	Underworld
Style:	Symphonic power metal, Progressive metal
Release date:	July 24, 2015
Guest review by:	Boris_Pembroke

01. Overture
02. Nevermore
03. Underworld
04. Without You
05. Kiss Of Fire
06. Charon
07. To Hell And Back
08. In My Darkest Hour
09. Run With The Devil
10. Swan Song
11. Legend

Fantastic production and instrumental prowess make up for some cheesy song titles & lyrics.

Over the years Symphony X have been a common initiation into progressive metal; though perhaps after listening to the 'gateway' band of the genre, Dream Theater. Since 2002 Symphony X have not been overly prolific, generally taking 4-5 years between album releases. However, they've always made it worth the wait and Underworld is no exception. Their 2015 album is certainly not a radical reinvention of style, but rather a solid continuation of the prog-power metal sound of their last two albums: Paradise Lost and Iconoclast. There are also hints to the more classical elements of their earlier works like V: The New Mythology Suite and even The Divine Wings of Tragedy. For the most part, these classical elements are blended seamlessly with the more modern and accessible sound of their last two albums.

A standout track would definitely be "Without You"; A beautiful ballad in a similar vein to "Paradise Lost" and "When All is Lost". It greatly benefits from Underworld's incredible production, with a particular highlight being the exquisite acoustic guitar and raindrop-like synths in the middle section.

Those familiar with Symphony X will likely be neither surprised nor disappointed with Underworld, as the technical prowess of all the members has certainly not diminished. The tracks aren't overly samey either - a trap Iconoclast fell into in its second half. The nine minute epic "To Hell and Back" has a very catchy chorus, though it is not quite on par with past epics like "The Accolade" and "Revelation (Divus Pennae ex Tragoedia)".

Despite having some rather cliched lyrics and song names, the fantastic instrumentations more than make up for this shortcoming. The closing track "Legend" is a stellar example of this, with a very tasty opening riff which I would consider one of Michael Romeo's best of his career. It's catchy and epic as hell, despite some of the lyrics, and ends Underworld on a very positive note.

In terms of production, Underworld is their most polished album yet, though some fans may prefer the raw sound of their earlier releases. Overall it does not disappoint, with enough memorable moments to ensure it is not a redundant addition to their discography. This cannot be said for the many artists who are twenty plus years into their career. In a time where progressive metal is long past being an innovative new genre, it is impressive that Symphony X can still release one of the most consistent metal albums of 2015.