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Symphony X have been consistently captivating metal fans around the world since the mid nineties when they emerged with a debut album full of intricate arrangements and raw energy. Founded by ex-Gemini guitarist Michael Romeo, the band released their self titled debut in Japan in August 1994 to considerable acclaim.

Eight months later, the band surfaced with a follow up entitled The Damnation Game. Russell Allen had stepped into the fray to replace former vocalist Rod Tyler, thus rounding out a lineup that included guitarist Romeo, bassist Thomas Miller, Keyboard player Michael Pinnella and drummer Jason Rullo. With their majestic vocal harmonies and classical overtones, the band pushed the boundaries of progressive music and helped to spearhead a new direction in the genre.

By Autumn 1996, the New Jersey five piece had released their third studio album The Divine Wings Of Tragedy and it hit the progressive metal world like a storm! While the previous two albums had still showcased a lot of obvious influences, “Divine Wings…” really showed the band had come into their own at last and was quickly regarded as their magnum opus. It garnered tremendous enthusiasm from fans around the world but particularly in Europe, where it was showered with glowing reviews by the press.

Twilight In Olympus followed in March 1998 and soon proved to be yet another milestone in the band’s evolving career. It soon became the band’s strongest selling release to date and reviews in the metal press were outstanding. The band’s fourth album was also the final stepping stone to transferring their songs to the stage. Their live debut took place in Japan in front of ecstatic crowds before they traveled to Europe for a successful three week tour.

The beginning of 2000, saw a change in the ranks with the addition of bassist Michael Lepond, bringing about a renewed sense of enthusiasm and energy. This preceded one of the most anticipated releases of the year. A grandiose new epic, V – The New Mythology Suite was finally unleashed in the Autumn and most certainly did not disappoint! Expanding further on their trademark sound to incorporate an even more lavish orchestration and symphonic approach, Symphony X had once again superceded fan’s expectations with a dynamic and powerful collection of tracks. Several jaunts across the Atlantic saw the band playing to ever increasing audiences as word had quickly spread of their incomparable live performances.

Proof that Symphony X are not just a mere studio phenomenon but are a formidable live band where documented with the release of their first ever live album. “Live On The Edge Of Forever is a double album reflecting where the band was on the then current European tour. Recorded at shows in France and Germany, the album chronicles much of their most recent studio release along with a good selection of “Divine Wings” and “Twilight”.

The band jumped back into the studio and emerged with 2002's The Odyssey. This album is the bands heaviest and straightforward to date, pleasing many fans with its overriding power, yet disappointing others due to the reduction of all out Symphony X prog elements. The band embarked on a European tour opening up for Stratovarius to support the album.