Composer/Musician Reacts to SYMPHONY X - Nevermore (REACTION!!!)

Bryan reacts to and talks about his thoughts on SYMPHONY X - Nevermore (OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO)
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[@EvilForgemaster]

You can't imagine how happy I am to see people react to Symphony X. Thanks for that. I have a PhD on Symphony X since they are my favorite band. I would love to see more of your reaction because you are incredibly articulated and know your stuff. Let me give you a general idea of the band's different phases The clearly prog-neoclassical period was from their 1st album "Masquerade" and then went on for their 2nd "The Damnation Game", their 3rd one "The Divine Wings of Tragedy" (a beast of an album I might add" and their 4th one "Twilight in Olympus". Their weird prog-neoclassical-electronic and kinda heavier phase came with "V: The New Mythology Suite" (regarded by most of the fanbase (and me) as their magnum opus) and lasted up until "The Odyssey" Then, their latest period with their killer riffs and licks and headbang stuff began with "Paradise Lost" (AMAZING album) and kept on with "Iconoclast" and "The Underworld" (which Nevermore belongs to) What I believe is that V: The New Mythology Suite will blow you away. I would explode from happiness if you reacted to a song among those: "The Bird-Serpent War", "Egypt", "Fallen", "Fool's Paradise", and last but not least, their "epic" "Rediscovery (Part II) - The New Mythology" (it's 12 min long, and it's not stuffed to death with a million different segments. It won't tire you) Sorry for the essay, but this band is my fountain of youth hahaha, so I wanted to share the love. Keep on doing amazing reactions.

[@theaterofsouls]

hahahaha same haha

[@frances7945]

It's always interesting to listen to what you have to say!! I agree with you, I enjoy Nevermore a lot, but it's not their most interesting song, composition-wise. Symphony X are one of my favourite bands, and yes, they have changed a lot in the course of their career. In the last 3 albums they have mostly abandoned their proggy, neoclassical influences in favour of a more straightforward, thrashy vibe. This has, understandably, divided the fanbase. Personally, I enjoy all their stuff (except Iconoclast...not a big fan of that album, although the title track and When All Is Lost are killer tracks). So, if you want to check out more of their proggy, neoclassical side, pick something from The Divine Wings of Tragedy (1996), Twilight in Olympus (1998),V: The New Mythology Suite (2000) or The Odyssey (2002). When you are in the mood for something more kick-ass and mainstream, go for the later albums (Paradise Lost (2007), Iconoclast (2011), Underworld (2015) ) Just some song suggestions: The Accolade, The Divine Wings of Tragedy, Candlelight Fantasia, Communion and the Oracle, Egypt, A Fool's Paradise, Rediscovery, Accolade II, Awakenings, Serpent's Kiss, Paradise Lost, Eve of Seduction, The Sacrifice, Revelation, Iconoclast, When All Is Lost, Kiss of Fire, To Hell and Back, Swan Song.. and many more LOL I hope you react to more Symphony X songs, because so few reactors do. I feel this band is totally overlooked. And if you have read this far, sorry for that, and thanks! Take care! :)

[@CriticalReactions]

Never apologies for being the smartest person in the room :)

[@saschakamm9416]

Great comment👍

[@remembertomorrow6737]

Totally agree, but don't forget The Damnation Game, their second album is a, masterpiece and very neoclassical

[@lohankarachay476]

Oh, this reminds me Nevermore. Very nice band. I recommend The River Dragon Has Come and Born.

[@gialandon]

haven't listened to them in years, that's the only song I that comes to mind now.

[@GrizzlyAt0ms]

First thing I thought of when I saw the song title. Good call on the song choices there too.

[@TheJohannes44]

This Godless Endeavour is where it's at.

[@randomstuffzofdoom]

Awww, I saw Nevermore and though "YES". still Symphony X is always great! Gonna redump my suggestion for Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor Edit: Old Symphony X is way more fun of a listen imo.

[@deminybs]

Lol when he called Megadeath metaldeath 😂😂😂 I think he's shorting out fellas!!! oh yeah and pretty good song 🤟

[@dampersand]

I had to rewind and make sure he really said Megadeth the first time and wasn't talking about some other band I'd never heard of.

[@deminybs]

@@dampersand haha right, I guess I could add timestamp...not exact for anyone else but between 14:00-15:00

[@jarunia17]

Yeah I lost it when he went, after a pause: "I LOVE Metaldeath"😂

[@mytholictim]

If you are ever up to a long epic again, Divine Wings of Tragedy by Symphony X would indeed be great. If only to fi d out how much you like/hate Queen :-p

[@danieldbor]

Nice one Brian! I loved the energy of this song, just a fast paced lil banger!

[@tunakunuralp3115]

Michael Romeo is a genius🎸🤘

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

Symphony X is always welcome and TBH your two reactions are making me want to make a run through their discography again. I'm not as familiar with this track as The Odyssey, so this was a good refresher on their newer material. Michael Romeo (guitarist) is awesome as always. FWIW, Symphony X are basically a blend of prog and power metal, and power metal was originally a combination of classic melodic metal (ala Priest and Maiden) with thrash/speed metal, which is probably where the Megadeth vibes came from. Lots of bands in the late 80s/early 90s were blending these genres pretty freely. Also, song title is a good reminder that you should check out the band Nevermore. They're another thrash/prog/power metal hybrid band with a phenomenal guitarist. This Godless Endeavor is probably the obligatory first listen.

[@xalugamer4377]

That's an energy song to bring some boost to live concerts

[@Isaiah_McIntosh]

So I was somewhat disappointed that this wasn't another epic given how much I liked the first symphony x song but those guitars were every manner of raunchy expletive and everything was catchy as hell. Super solid with some really inspirational playing.

[@jarunia17]

So this is the opener of their 2015 record which as a whole is conceptual (Greek mythogical underworld) but the tracks work on their own as thrashy-prog/power stuff. Not as ambitious as The Oddysey, still kicks ass😜 Great video, hope you react to another song by them in the future😊

[@Mantis.Sartinoli]

Latest Symphony X I would say is a mix of Power metal, Neoclassical, Prog, and some thrashy and symphonic elements...

[@SirKoltran]

I’ve seen Symphony X live maybe five times, and is always is exiting me. High levels of Energy and vibes trough the whole show. Rusell Allen ‘s vocals are insanely powerful (without growls) and those guitar liks of Michael Romeo ... just over the top. Their lasts albums are less intricated and more streight forward, but super enjoyable

[@AlvaroReyesVallejos]

I love Symphony X, since forever, but yeah, boring recommendation xD The album V has better/interesting songs, and the new stuff too.

[@Peanutfiendsblog]

V is my favorite album by them. Communion and the Oracle is my favorite track on it.

[@tinplatedave]

Paradise Lost is their transitional album from prog metal to power metal. Their first fully power metal album is Iconoclast. Their latest "Underworld" is kind of a mix of both. Although I think the best of the three i goes in order. Paradise, Iconoclast, Underworld.

[@Krapvag]

I got into symphony x after they changed so I can see why old time fans would be more displeased as it drops a lot of that style, but for me their new stuff I loved straight away

[@fouter81]

The Eyes of Medusa is an awesome Symphony X song too, check it out!

[@pascalg16]

Dude! you need to check out Mastodon! They have amazing layering, groovy riffs, and Definetely know how to set the atmosphere.Few metal bands after the 00s have Achieved commercial success while making "good" music. Check out their epics : The Czar, The Last Baron.

[@NoDustNPN]

Capillarian Crest!

[@pascalg16]

@@NoDustNPN Nah man.Theres much better songs, and he hasn't reacted to any yet.

[@NoDustNPN]

@@pascalg16 That instrumental part in the middle of Capillarian Crest is literally my favourite part of the Mastodon discography, but I understand that not everybody is into that stuff.

[@pascalg16]

@@NoDustNPN Im suggesting things that will make Bryan want to react to more than one song.

[@thewhorocks515]

Technical power metal is what I'd call this. I remember checking out their Iconoclast album and getting similar vibes to this. Fine to jam to but nothing spectacular. Also, clutch way to close out to the video!

[@Odysseus2415]

One of these days I hope you check out the and shokran. They do some very good stuff with egyptian melodies in there stuff. I recommend creatures of the mud by them

[@chiefonesie428]

You should check out some stuff by Animal Drive or Dirty Shirley. The singer’s mix is incredible. Had Enough and Here Comes the King are some great tunes.

[@killerspin19]

Have you checked Angra? Another band that went through a difference in sound thought the years. Their album Temple of Shadows is a masterpiece, would recommend "the shadow hunter" from there.

[@killerspin19]

By the way, Megadeth's new lead guitarist was previously in Angra :)

[@CesarGonzalesF]

We need some Amaseffer - Birth of Deliverance

[@liliIiliIilil]

Symphony X is a legendary power metal band. I don't even like power metal that much, but I still really like Symphony X (Rhapsody of Fire is a 2nd favorite power metal band). Their instrumentals are insane. Wouldn't mind hearing some Poema Arcanus. I doubt anyone else knows that band, so it won't happen, haha.

[@falao85]

Arch Echo has a new content out. The live sessions from «Machine shop» is definitely worth a look!

[@markototev]

Symphony X I divide in 2 "eras". Classical, heavily inspired by actual classical music, even including passages of that music in the song, combined with distinct progressive style that was unique to them. Perhaps with some nods to Malmsteen as Michael Romeo has similar influences and style (although I believe is a much better composer and more versatile guitar player). This period ended with their album V: The New Mythology Suite but there was still a lot of that in The Odyssey, the latter I consider a transitional album. The second "era" is where they turned around and mostly ditched the above style and turned into a modern, metal band. Wouldn't quite call it prog, they are heavier, keyboards are less prelevant, they are on the more metal side of things. Which they do a fantastic job of, however, for me they lost part of their identity. Now the best way to identify them is by their amazing vocalist. Without him, it would be hard to recognize them immediatelly if you don't know they're playing. But a lot of the fanbase considered their first era a bit "cringy" and welcomed the change. To each their own. From their first era I'd suggest some of these songs: Church of the Machine - you'll be hearing me praising the keyboard work in SX quite a bit. It adds so much, I can't explain it. The Edge Of Forever - one of their earliest albums, first one with their still current vocalist iirc. Production is not great, but that is 1995. Eyes of Medusa - closer in sound to their current style but other than the brutal vocal delivery, the song is rhythmically super interesting, I think you'd enjoy that (intro has 11/8, 5/8+6/8 and so on). A Fool's Paradise - (includes passage of Verdi's DIes Irae. Really amazing song, but it's more balls to the wall type of thing again. Also including a piece by Bach. The Accolade I - this song is just beauty. I don't much like the Second Accolade compared to this, but it's just an amazing song. It's just an amazing showcase of what a great progsong is. Through The Looking Glass I, II, III - another 13 minute "epic" with an excellent showcase of melodies, musicianship, time changes. King of Errors - another blasting heavy song off of the Odyssey which is more "straight forward" sounding and more metal, but again as Eyes of Medusa - once you go into it you see there's nothing straight-forward about it lol - metric modulations heaven. Perfect song for going to the gym or if you just want to punch someone in the face. Nice Pantera-vibes too. Egypt - Have you heard of Pyramid Prog? This is just an amazing song, I don't know how they come up with that shit. The riffs and guitarwork are insane but the keys for me play an incredible part in this and the whole "V" album. Fallen - Another song off of V which features interesting and great, heavy guitars covered with light, almost festive keyboard work supplemented by a brooding vocal melodies. Again, rhythm and time changes, sublime. If you focus on the vocals it sounds straight forward, look under the hood - there's so much there. Rediscovery (Part II): The New Mythology - the crown jewel of the album V. It's like an album overview and adding the cherry on top. Orion - the Hunter - this may not be agreed upon by most fans, but I just love Twilight in Olympus. Not a fan-favourite album but it is so "clear" and stands out - each song you absolutely know it's from that album. Great harmonies too sprinkled in. Candlelight Fantasia - Beautiful song about an artist who isn't appreciated for their music. At some point you have to listen to it, there aren't others like that in their catalogue, not much anyway. Thomas Miller who is credited as the main writer is no longer with the band. Thomas Miller(bass) and Thomas Walling (drums), both no longer with the band since 1998, had amazing input into those songs. SX usually start some of their album with "orchestral" intro, much like the song The Odyssey starts. It would be cool if you sample those together on SPotify or something and react to each. Those intros are: 1. Prelude (from V album) 2. Oculus ex Inferni (Paradise Lost album) 3. Overture (Underworld album) 4. Introduction (Michal Romeo's solo album - War of the Worlds, I include that in because he is responsible for all the orchestration in SX too). There's much to be said about the greatness of SX. I hope you explore them over time, even if on your own as there's plenty of things to love, especially coming from your perspective.

[@TFOLLT]

Not a suggestion I would've chosen but still a great reaction. To Hell and Back and the Swan Song from this same album are the real gems. Iconoclast(the song), When all is Lost, Reign in Madness, Paradise Lost and Revelation are all great examples of the modern Symphony X too. For the older SX, go with Divine Wings of Tragedy. I think all of the songs I've mentioned would interest you way more then this particular song.

[@Qyngali]

This song sounds more like an Adrenaline Mob song with a slight prog edge mixed with a bit of power metal... this album actually went under the radar for me so I have to check out the rest of the songs.

[@chaddowns901]

Dude, Car Bomb. You should check out Gratitude by Car Bomb.

[@lordvaldomero7694]

Michael romeo is a under rated guitar player

[@yotambraunshtein9786]

Try scardust- gone (just a super crazy song)

[@billybob728]

to be fair most of their singles are pretty straightforward. other songs on the album such as "underworld" and "charon" are more on the proggy side.

[@Dilly137]

I'm still waiting you to listen illumination theory by dream theater, since you have checked their 2 songs in portnoy era and I want to see your reaction to mangini era, and I think the best song is illumination theory

[@tatsuono9823]

Next Symphony X song should be Iconoclast. Great mix of complex and metal.

[@floydgtr]

Symphony X‘s sound changed quite a bit. They used to be very neoclassical and proggy. They still are very proggy (not this song tho). Symphony X just write what they want to at the moment.

[@Cynips]

Reminds me somewhat of Unleash the Archers with a slightly different singer :D

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

Probably because it's all power metal. Bryan should go back to the roots of the genre and check out Helloween, then maybe some Iced Earth.

[@tullivinicci]

Who recommended this song? So much amazing songs with surprising structures and someone recommend a standard metal song (great song but not on the top 50 SymX stunning songs). Y'all just lost a SymX slot on his queue! Congratulations! =)

[@Easyflux]

The new symx is fine.. but the old is where it's at.. Like Egypt, accolade II etc.. oof, can't beat it.

[@treeduck3705]

The Quentin Tarantino of reaction videos?

[@CriticalReactions]

Too much talking? 😂

[@treeduck3705]

Well at least you didn't interrupt the song!

[@JamesRussoMillas]

If you ever think you're a good guitar player, just remember Michael Romeo double tracks his solos...

[@Dhai-bakk]

Wait, really? How do you know that?

[@swapticsounds]

Underworld is not their best album, still better than the one before. Take any song from The Divine Wings of Tragedy, The New Mythology Suite or The Oddyssey. Twilight in Olympus and Paradise Lost are good as well. So actually everything from Album number 3 - 7 is all killer no filler.

[@cakennedy2009]

Parts of this song are really giving me some Jinjer vibes

[@rasmusskovsted8934]

Im so sad you choose their second song to be from the new album. Definently 1 of their worse records sadly. I mean there a few good tracks here and there, but it doesent represent Symphony X in the best way possible. I really reccommend giving them a 3rd try, tho i know you dont do offend. Symphony x - Rediscovery Symphony x - Through the looking glass or Divine wings of tragedy

[@CriticalReactions]

I've seen a few people tell me was the wrong song but honestly I like looking at everything a band does or can do. I understand Symphony X makes epics and they do that very well. But what is their depth we musicians and songwriters? That's what interests me.

[@SyX512]

Not a very good choice to react... they have so much more to offer! This is an album opener, normally they start all albums with a more straight forward song.

[@paravarium]

This...over Egypt or some other real classics?! That's disgraceful

[@yotambraunshtein9786]

Now this is one of the better symphonyX songs they really aren't good with songs that are over 10 mins

[@Wyhylili]

Bryan, mute your Discord. It triggers me every time! :D

[@CriticalReactions]

Haha yeah it snuck in to a couple videos this week. I set up a bit of automation to ensure that doesn't happen again :)

[@azschrreff]

I REALLY ADORE UR LONG REACTIONS, BUT M CURIOUS IF U WOULD TO SHARE THE SAME LOVE BY REACTING TO MY FAV BAND'S MOST RECENT ALBUM "WE ARE CHAOS" BY MARILYN MANSON! I'D LOVVEE TO HEAR FROM U.

[@CriticalReactions]

I'll see what I can do. I've never really been a fan of his works but I'm always up for exploring new music.

[@azschrreff]

@@CriticalReactions THANKS 4 REPLYING ❤️, U WON'T REGRET HIS LATEST MASTERPIECE, IT'S A CONCEPT ALBUM, SO I THINK U NEED 2 GIVE IT A FULL LISTEN, BUT OFC I KNOW THAT U CAN FOCUS ONLY ON HIM, HENCE I'LL LEAD U TO THE HEAVIEST TWO TRACKS (INFINITE DARKNESS, RED BLACK AND BLUE) ND THE MOST INTERESTING PART OF THE ALBUM IS THE LAST 5 TRACKS 💙🖤❤️

[@jamiethomas3122]

PLEASE give The divine wings of tragedy a chance!