After waiting an eternity for a new Symphony X album, the band delivers the goods. I’m sure there will be lots of controversy among the faithful over Russell Allen’s gritty, malevolent vocals on this one, but I dig ‘em. Allen has the best voice in progressive metal, and he whoops the tar out of all the candy-a$$ pseudo opera-boy wailers in most other prog metal bands. The band shows killer chops and a great ability to groove in odd time. (The track Paradise Lost starts out in 25/8!!!) In spite of this, they serve up great melodies and the musicianship always serves the song. No pointless noodling here. These guys should be AT LEAST as big as Dream Theater. After the upcoming tour, they will be.