Like a cross between Yngwie Malmsteen and Dream Theater, Symphony X’s second album The Damnation Game is the epitomy of what progressive metal was all about in the 1990’s.
This album was the portent of what was to come. It combines all of those elements that make the genre what it is.
It’s interesting to note that having already heard the full catalogue of Symphony X albums, how their style changes as they move along. Here they combine great songs and riffs with the technical intertwining of guitars and keyboards and drums that sometimes gets in the way of the passage of the song. The influence of both Yngwie and Dream Thaeter is obvious, especially in the early phases of the album.
In its entirety, this is a terrific album. Taken piece by piece, it does have moments where you lose interest. As much as I love “The Edge Of Forever”, it really does go on about two minutes too long. A little bit of verbal diarrhea to be sure, but still good.
Faves for me include “The Damnation Game”, “The Edge Of Forever” and “A Winters Dream”.
Rating: Well worth a listen, but better was to come. 4/5.
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