Symphony X

Symphony X is a North American progressive metal band from New Jersey founded in 1994 by guitarist Michael Romeo. Their 1997 album The Divine Wings of Tragedy and their 2000 release V: The New Mythology Suite brought the band atop the mainstream progressive metal field. Musically Symphony X is similar although heavier than most other progressive metal bands to which they are commonly compared to: Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Machinae Supremacy, and Pain of Salvation. They play in a style similar to that of power metal acts DragonForce? and Rhapsody Of Fire, however in a very syncopated, progressive fashion, also incorporating elements of symphonic metal into their sound. Their music contains strong neo-classical elements in line with the music of Yngwie Malmsteen, Randy Rhoads and other influential neo-classical metal artists.

In early 1994 Michael Romeo (ex-Gemini) recorded a demo tape entitled The Dark Chapter, which featured himself and keyboard player Michael Pinnella. The tape attracted a fair share of attention. He then recruited bassist Thomas Miller, drummer Jason Rullo, vocalist R...