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      <P align=justify>  <a href="http://www.nuclearblastusa.com" target="new"><IMG SRC="img/symphonyx.jpg" ALIGN="justify" border="0" ALT="Buy Now!"><br>Buy Now</a>
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      <P><B>Symphony X</B></P></B>
      <P><I>Iconoclast</I></P>
      <P>Nuclear Blast</P></FONT><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">New Jersey Progressive Metaller's <B>Symphony X</B> sure know how to build anticipation among their fans, it has taken them four years to offer up their latest project, but the waiting is over and <I>Iconclast</I> </>has arrived! It is not surprising really that they have taken their time to perfect their craft after the astonishing <I>Paradise Lost</I> was unleashed in 2007. Where the aforementioned certainly opened a myriad of new doors for these now seasoned vets of the Prog genre,<I> Iconclast</I> is about to prove once again that<B>Symphony X</B> are a band not to be underestimated. <BR><BR>
Speculation has waned high for this release in that many skeptics foresaw the band not being able to top themselves from their works past but these guys are always full of surprises and <I> Iconclast</I> is sure to turn the Metal realms upside down upon its release. Combining elements from much of their past incursions, ,<I> Iconclast</I> is as heavy as <I>Paradise Lost</I> , as epic as<I> Divine Wings of Tragedy</I> and as brutally powerful as <I>The Odyssey</I>. Guitar virtuoso Michael Romeo redefines his shredder status pulling out all the stops and offering up new and innovative ways in which to wield his mastery. The same can also be said for vocalist Russell Allen whose Dio-esque attacks are right on par with anything the legendary vocalist could dish out in his lucrative career. It is great to hear the magic carried on in this manner. <BR><BR>
Opening with the incredibly strong eleven minute title track, an opus that paves the way of the albums general theme it is evident early on that the guys have silenced their critics and subsequently left them with their jaws on the floor. While not necessarily a new concept (A.I. machines take over the world) it is one that is fast becoming more of a reality in our current technological age. Additional tracks which warrant special attention include the searingly potent "Prometheus (I Am Alive)", The emotional outpouring of "Children Of A Faceless God" as well as the highly provocative "The End Of Innocence", "Bastards Of The Machine" and the beautifully arranged album conclusion "When All Is Lost". Metalheads rejoice <B>the X</B> are back and,<I> Iconclast</I> is definitely an early consideration for album of the year.
　



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