Iconoclast

Okay, finally time to review the new Symphony X album.

Say what you will about Symphony X, but they definitely aim high. Their past albums have been epic compositions based on Greek mythology and Milton; their latest release, Iconoclast, is a semi-concept album about a Matrix-esque war between humans and machines. I'll be reviewing the two-disc special edition.

Right at the start, this album hits you with what is by far its standout track: the epic (in every sense of the word) title track, "Iconoclast". From an ambient/symphonic/electronic intro we suddenly launch into a swirling, crazy-sounding riff, then heavy metallic chugging over strings and a choir chanting in Latin. It is at this point that you get an idea of what to expect from Iconoclast. (The song and the album) Finally, at two minutes in, the choral intro gives way to the song's main riff, which is most satisfyingly technically advanced and catchy. Finally, at 2:40, Russell Allen's vocals begin. It has a nearly-four-minute instrumental section beginning at 5:00 including more epic choral vocals, one of the album's best solos, and in general enough awesome instrumental shredding and vamping to satisfy a Dream Theater fan. All told, this song is a showcase of everything I love about non-extreme metal and one of my favorite metal songs of all time. Its only real weakness is the chorus which, while anthemic, is still just "We are strong! We will stand and fight!" repeated over and over.

From there, "The End of Innocence" sounds almost like a mortal-sized version of "Iconoclast", or "Set the World on Fire (Lie of Lies)" from Paradise Lost,  combining heavy, chugging rhythm with electronica-sounding keyboards. "Dehumanized" is slower and darker in both atmosphere and lyrics, one of the less remarkable tracks on the album. "Bastards of the Machine" turns the intensity back up, again with great, precise, and enjoyable riffing and more techno-type keyboards providing accentuation. It manages to pack an excellent instrumental/solo break in despite being the shortest song on the album at just under 5 minutes.

"Heretic" is one of the more power metallic songs of the album, and has some of the best drumming, with plenty of aggressive blast beats and double-bass breaks. Also another great, shredful guitar solo. The second epic, "When All is Lost", begins as a piano ballad that counterpoints quiet and intense sections quite well before going completely crazy in the end. It's worth noting that this song was the end of the normal album, and finishes off the first disc on the digipak version.

On the second disc, "Electric Messiah" is a great faster song whose main riff is as fast as some solos, though the chorus is considerably slower. "Light Up The Night" is even faster, the most power metal song on the album. The dissonant riffing on "The Lords of Chaos" reaches groove metal, almost Meshuggah levels. Finally, the closing epic, "Reign in Madness" would be a fine musical summary of the album if the title track weren't better. It seamlessly merges an electronic atmosphere with the usual heaviness, and has a quiet piano midsection calling back to "When All Is Lost".

This album picks a style and relentlessly pursues it to no small success. Its focus on riffs and rhythm over melody gives it a distinctly modern, American sound; it stays consistently aggressive and intellectually dense, as a Symphony X album should. The man-versus-machine concept is cool to explore and well-represented in the music and lyrics. Russell Allen's vocals go from fairly melodic singing to more of a snarl; overall, it seems a bit darker and more punch-you-in-the-face heavy than Paradise Lost, but still very much in the same vein. And, of course, the title track is beyond amazing.

And that brings me to the album's weaknesses. If you couldn't tell from above, this album is very riff-focused, almost to the point where the only differences between some songs is their riffs. It's pretty homogeneous; some songs stand out, but besides "Iconoclast", only just. If you looked at a track listing you'd also notice I just skipped two of the songs entirely as they really don't give us anything we haven't already heard.

Conclusion: 4/5. If you liked Paradise Lost, you'll love this album, but it won't be anything new. Certainly give the title track a listen, at least, as well as "Heretic", "When All Is Lost", and "Light Up the Night".