Symphony X

I

n 1994 New Jersey's Symphony X turned heads with their self-titled debut and the double success of their The Damnation Game (1995), and Divine Wings Of Tragedy (1996) albums under the membership of Rod Tyler (vocals), Thomas Miller (bass), Michael Pinnella (keyboards), Russell Allen (vocals) and Michael Romeo (guitar), with Russell Allen replacing Tyler on the second effort. These albums put them in the same league as Dream Theater and Fates Warning atop the mainstream progressive metal field and managing to play it better than most mimicking the style. The act was started in 1994 by guitarist Michael Romeo who had already been receiving a lot of praise and attention for his self produced solo-tape The Dark Chapter, a project that eventually led to the birth of Symphony X.

The Divine Wings of Tragedy proved to be a ground shaker for the act for it showed that the band had come into their own at last. The album also made a huge impression on the European press with tracks like The Accolade and the 20 minute title track.