"The Odyssey" (2002) is the sixth album by progressive metal band Symphony X. It has an epic, symphonic feel, and features a 24-minute track based on Homer's "The Odyssey".

Michael Romeo's guitar is fantastic as always, and Russell Allen shows an outstanding vocal range. With a running time of over an hour, "The Odyssey" has enough variety to keep the listener's interest, even if it is a little inconsistent overall.

All told, this is a solid progressive metal album from one of the best prog metal bands out there.

You almost have to look at Symphony X's 2002 epic the Odyssey as two separate albums. At the very least, it might make you wish for the days of vinyl, where each side of a record had its own character.

In this case, side A would consist of the first 7 tracks. Call it "the Heavy Side". These tracks build upon the same style the band displayed on previous albums, but they are just that much heavier on this album. Michael Romeo's Malmsteen-like shredding takes a back seat to more bludgeoning riffs, and while Russell Allen makes full use of his amazing vocal range, he's much more growly and aggressive on this album. This is Symphony X after a Pantera binge, and while it may be heavier than this kind of music usually gets, it's nice to see Symphony X emphasizing the "metal" in progressive metal.

The B-side - let's call it "the Epic Side" would boast just one song (2 if you have the limited edition), the 24-minute title track based on Homer's epic saga of Odysseus. This is the Symphony X we all know and love. This isn't the band's first attempt at a lengthy epic song, but it is by far their best. The Odyssey is an extremely well structured song, with each chapter in the story having its own distinct musical style. The whole band is in top form on this one. Michael Romeo in particular shines, and while he has plenty of opportunities to demonstrate his considerable guitar skills, it never veers into self-indulgence. Michael Pinnella's keyboards are strong as well, and help tie the song's individual parts into a cohesive whole. Russell Allen's powerful voice works wonders as well, finding the perfect emotions for each stage of the hero's odyssey.

This is a shining example of what progressive metal can accomplish. Symphony X builds on progressive rock foundations and adds metal's heaviness and aggression. Listen to this song after the Kansas songs "the Pinnacle" and "Icarus: Born on Wings of Steel" from the Masque album, and you get a very good idea of where Symphony X's influences lie. In fact, there are moments on the Odyssey (particularly Odysseus's return to Ithaca) where you'll swear you're listening to a vintage Kansas epic. Combine those influences with Romeo's obvious appreciation for Yngwie Malmsteen, and the result is a 24-minute epic that demonstrates the band members' talents and despite its length never gets boring. The title track alone makes the Odyssey one of the best progressive metal releases of the past five years.

NOTE: The track listing Amazon provides is incomplete. You actually get 8 songs on this album.

NOTE 2: There is a limited edition version of the Odyssey featuring get a bonus track called Masquerade. This is a remake of a song from Symphony X's debut album, which sadly did not feature Russell Allen on vocals. It's a nice addition, though it makes me wish the band would go ahead and redo that album with the current lineup.

Ok . yea to those of you who care soo much about lyrics and melody . you need to take a step back and REALLY listen to the album.THe riffage on this album made me appreciate riffs again . and as far as lyrics. who gives a damn what people sing about. is that what grabs you when you listen to symphony x . or is it the rediculous work of the band as a group . everyone who writes things like " oh i think romeo hogged up the whole song " or " pinnella didnt shine in this song/album . " or " millers bass sounds very tinny" whatever it may be . songs are written the way they are . that is why its their music . Ok back to lyrics discussion. music like this and other bands like rhapsody try to take you away from reality . if that means they sing aobut dungeons and dragons , so be it. im sure some of you have read sci fi books about dragons and demons and things of that nature. so whats the big deal with writing songs based on that . ??????.

This is my first symphony x album it seems like this is the only album of them they they have on the CD shelves. What I did not like about this album though is that the keyboarders excellent and it seems like they did not give him enough chances to shine. The opening track wich is Inferno is a great opening for the cd and immediately invites you to listen to more. It does not change from there, but my favorite track on the CD is King Of Terrors. Once you hit track number eight The Odyssey you hear a great 24 minute track. This CD is worth every penny you spend on it and after you buy this CD you want to see what else symphony x has out. Two Thumbs Up

This is my first Sympohny X album and it certainly won't be my last.

Being a big Dream Theater fan, I decided to check these guys out after being compared to DT tons of times. After checking out all their album on the web, I decided to make this my first. After buying it, I'm very impressed. I still like DT more, but these guys aren't too far behind either. This is possibly SX's heaviest and best album to date. Russell Allen is a great singer, and Mike Romeo is an amazing guitarist. Everyone else is this band is great, too (too lazy to remember their names). The epic title track alone is worth this album. Overall, a 5 star masterpiece, and a great introduction to this great band. Oh yeah, before Iforget, be sure to see these guys live since they rule live!

The songs (this is the full track-list, Amazon merely has a part of it):

1. Inferno (Unleash the Fire) 5/5 A great heavy song, great riff.
2. Wicked 5/5 Also great, has an even better riff.
3. Incantations of the Apprentice 5/5
4. Accolade II 5/5
5. King of Terrors 5/5 Very heavy.
6. Turning 5/5
7. Awakenings 5/5
8. Oddyssey 6/5 Holy crap. What needs to be said this song that hasn't been said before? The best song on the album, and definitely one of their best. This song ALONE is enough to buy this album, enough to justify the cheesy, power metal-esque cover.

So, if you like metal, this is an album that belongs in your collection. I also reccomend this to those new to Symphony X.