Michael Romeo (Symphony X) Talks with Peter Orullian, Breaking Absolutes Ep. 48

Michael Romeo of Symphony X and his self-named band, talks with me about his new solo album--War of the Worlds Part 2, Symphony X, composing, narrative themes, and more!. More on Michael here: / michaeljromeo
Audio podcast of show available at most podcast outlets. List here: www.orullian.r...
Website: www.orullian.r...
KZbin: / peterorullian ​
Twitch: / peterorullian
Facebook: / orullianofficial
Instagram: / peterorullian
Twitter: / peterorullian
#MichaelRomeo #SymphonyX #WaroftheWorlds
Breaking Absolutes is new a hard rock and heavy metal interview show launching as a premiere partner on Twitch this April. More than simply a platform for artists to share their upcoming release, Breaking Absolutes endeavors to peel back the stereotypes and go deeper on the musicianship, the value, and the innovative and broad-reaching emotional appeal of hard rock and heavy metal. Show creators intend Breaking Absolutes to help lead a revival in the interest and consumption of the genre.
Show host, Peter Orullian, is a music industry veteran, having spent years working with major labels and artists to showcase their music across multiple networks and platforms. Some of this work was done with the Xbox platform and brand, where Orullian drove visibility for artists to the gaming demographic. Orullian has also been an international touring vocalist, in addition to recording efforts as a writer and producer for his own music. This enables Orullian to speak with authenticity to working musicians. Orullian is also a veteran interviewer across multiple artist mediums, and is known for insightful and entertaining discussion that builds desire and interest for those with whom he speaks.

[@Icedsymphony7]

FUCK YEAH THATS THE GUITARIST THAT DESERVES ALL THE ATTENTION

[@peterorullian]

Giant talent!

[@coreyyates3385]

Hey Peter! Met you at Dream Theater in Kent. I've been looking forward to this one since you mentioned it. There isn't enough Romeo interviews out there. This adds so much for Romeo fans! Thanks brotha!!!

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, Corey! Glad to have met you!

[@SyX512]

Holy shit! the fucking maestro!

[@peterorullian]

Indeed!

[@vamos1112]

Humble dude and all business. That what makes him great

[@Easyflux]

Such a humble guy. Love him so much..

[@peterorullian]

Agreed!

[@fredericpetitpas]

My favourite guitar player and composer of all time, he's got it all. He should make some video game soundtracks. But the thing with him, the sound and composition... he paints music.

[@peterorullian]

Agreed!

[@scottbrouse3747]

I’m a gamer and was thinking the same thing.I know Petrucci has done video game music.Romeo does cinematic music just incredible

[@anthonymitchell9743]

An interesting insight into how and why Mike is inspired by all types of music for his production of “ his “ style of music.

[@sucersdungeon]

I love the mention of Accolade from the Divine Wings. Because for me, that style captured something mystical. I wanna hear more songs in that style!

[@peterorullian]

Agreed!

[@sucersdungeon]

Happy to see a longer interview with MJR. My fav guitar player and composer :)

[@peterorullian]

Hope you enjoy!

[@YsAbTones]

MJR is such an inspiration, such underrated musician and composer, can wait to see Symphonyx live again ! thanks for this

[@peterorullian]

Agreed! And I'll be there to see them in Seattle in May.

[@YsAbTones]

Lucky you ! greetings from france ! i'm working on an SX orchestral BTW (its a secret ahah) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZiWpmWhba9si7s&ab_channel=YsWildcat

[@thisguy2755]

Awesome, he is an absolute example to sooo many guitar players around the globe. His influence (for me, especially on his riff work) can not be underestimated.

[@peterorullian]

Agreed!

[@GoodSneakers]

No other guitarist has made me practice more than the great MJR. The best metal guitarist ever and the greatest band in the genre; virtuosity, composition, concept, progressive music, classical music and metal. They have it all.

[@yukarishima2435]

Thank you so much to both of you for doing this! I love music and literature, so when both of them are combined it's so thrilling for me! Michael Romeo does it, and so you do! (your novels collaborated with Dream Theater's album The Astonishing, Jordan Rudess's album Wired For Madness, and the fact that you are a novelist and a musician!) So it was exciting to see you 2 great musicians & literature lovers discuss this topic! It was so great to know his starting point as an artist who always takes people to journeys by telling stories through music. After the mighty "Seven" with Russell Allen, this is another treasure for a fan of Symphony X like me! It will be awesome if you will complete Symphony X members at this show! Michael Pinnella is of course one of the huge elements of Symphony X! Also I love his amazing keyboards-oriented solo albums, 2 releases so far. He did some guest appearances as well. Plays the piano sometimes at the concerts of his nephew, a great singer Chris Pinnella (ex-TSO) - Chris's KZbin has lots of videos with uncle Michael on the piano! It will be awesome if I can see him talk about his art with you! Mike LePond has killer metal/folklore and bass-featuring (very unique!) solo albums with the lead singer Allan Tecchio and other guest players including Michael Romeo and Michael Pinnella, 3 releases so far. And like Symphony X and Romeo solo, LePond solo songs are based on stories such as Edgar Allan Poe, H. P. Lovecraft, the King Arthur legend, Shakespeare, and more! I'd love to see him and you talk about that! Jason Rullo has debuted with the super cool instrumental trio 3 Rules with the album "Rule of 3" in 2020. His Facebook shows that he did only 1 audio interview talking about the trio, which was great! I'd love to see him talk about the trio and more stuff with you!

[@peterorullian]

Thanks for the thoughtful reply! I’ll look into the others! Cheers!

[@chespinoza1]

What a humble guy, his work in the first SymphonyX albums are for me the best of progressive metal stuff ever. The accolade and the divine wings of tragedy are proper hymns.

[@peterorullian]

He’s definitely humble and gifted!

[@Booker775]

I've been a fan of MR from the time I heard the inception of Symphony X & I was off & running from that point onward. It's amazing that I share some of the similar influences as he & his scoring is outstanding. I've both War Of The Worlds Pt. 1 & 2 & I listen to Part 1 daily, it's truly awe inspiring to me & the musicianship is 2nd to none for me & I'll be a fan of Michael's work because like many I've the influences such as Rush (who I was fortunate to see at the PNC Art center in New Jersey) & some of the other progressive bands as well & I like many will be looking forward to more great albums to come in the not to distant future. Thanks for the absolutely informative interview. I can't say enough how great Michael's music is even though I still have to catch up on the 1st & 2nd of his albums. Great interview along with his insight.👍😀

[@_xentropy]

This has me so hyped for the new album! Thanks for the great interview with the master, MJR. Next, can you document his BBQ technique? Thanks!

[@peterorullian]

Thanks! And, ahaha!

[@edgarpena4101]

Great interview, I was looking like crazy for Michael Romeo Interviews but couldn't find recent and decent material, thanks for hosting him, you nailed it and Michael is a class act! Awesome musician and person.

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, Edgar!

[@supermahmoud]

18:20 RIP Vitalij Kuprij, the man left us so young, one of my beloved idols, like Michael Romeo, one of those artists that influenced me and my musical journey I hope he and the band SX, do get more recognition and be more on the international Metal stage, they deserve to be so much bigger ♥

[@mortisnoctu]

New Michael Romeo album next month?!?!?! War of the Worlds Pt. 2?!?!?!?! That's fantastic news. He's my all time favorite guitarist and songwriter. Hopefully someday he and Symphony X will get the recognition they truly deserve. I like to describe SX as "music thousands of years in the making", combining ancient tales and myths and archetypes with modern technology and music production. Best ever! Thanks for the great and timely interview. Just getting started and am looking forward to the rest of it.

[@peterorullian]

Thanks! And this album is really amazing!

[@mortisnoctu]

@@peterorullian Can't wait! Just subbed

[@peterorullian]

@@mortisnoctu Thanks, brother!

[@JPBotero717]

Michael Romeo is the best guitar player out there. Michael and Randy Rhoads are the GOAT 🐐

[@peterorullian]

Both are amazing!

[@PASHKULI]

Perfect! Exactly what I needed this evening! Thank you, Peter! At last the guitar and music maestro Michael Romeo!

[@peterorullian]

You're welcome!

[@hmtp177]

YESSSSSSSSS

[@spooty75]

I can't wait for this record - I absolutely love Part 1. Great interview, I haven't heard MJR talk for so long and in depth before. He's a musical icon of mine and I would love to see some of his solo records live some day!

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, man!

[@georgew.penguin1154]

Wow, this is the greatest interview there is. I have tried to find some a month ago, and luckily I got this because I searched for one of micheal romeo's playthroughs. The questions asked where questions i wanted to know the answers to, and it was entertaining to watch. Micheal romeo, moreover, is my top guitarist. I listened to technical players, and none can play as emotionally as him, or pick the same dark styled teeming that are had in many of symphony x songs. Waiting for the concert in ny. Im 15, micheal has been a great influence to my playing; hope I will be able to come. Although what I'm hoping for is, maybe, meeting micheal romeo in person and having my ibanez signed by him. Would be quite nice. Well, in any case, thank you for this interview, it was pleasant to watch.

[@peterorullian]

Thank you, George! Michael is a fantastic writer and player!

[@TD_Romeo]

thank you for this. MR is a huge influence of mine. getting some insight makes all the music even that much better. looking forward to some new symphony x hopefully

[@erikrevier4053]

What a great interview! In a world where conversations and dialogues with the great Mr. Romeo are few and far between this is exactly what I was hoping for. You checked all the boxes from his solo work, to Symphony X, how it all started, a moment for each and every record and what the future holds! Can't wait for War of the Worlds Pt.2 (i'm hoping my preorder *accidently* ships early, though with supply chains being what they are currently i'm sure it will be the opposite). Pt. 1 was a fantastic record and the two singles so far and your detailed track discussion of the others has me very excited. Will be catching the SX/Haken tour on May 21st here in MN and I can't wait! Two of my favorite bands of all time on the stage, it doesn't get any better.

[@peterorullian]

Thank you! It was my pleasure! You’re going to love the record!

[@erikrevier4053]

@@peterorullian You were absolutely right! Absolutely in love with the new record!

[@MrMowzy]

Hearing that michael romeo also loves BBQing just made my day!!

[@peterorullian]

Ahaha, me too!

[@TheProgSchool]

One of my absolute favorites!! Great interview as always.

[@peterorullian]

Thanks man! Yeah, me too.

[@shen1658]

Micheal romeo and Greg howe are my two favorites guitarist since 1997 when i discovered them, and i think it will be the same in 20 years.. they are so many awesome guitarist like Nuno bettencourt, Vai, kiko loureiro, Simone mularoni, govan etc..but Romeo and howe are the pillars of their style.

[@peterorullian]

Great picks!

[@michaelsavage752]

Excellent work. Thank you for this. Been a fan since the debut CD/Album 🤘🤘🤘

[@peterorullian]

You’re welcome!

[@scottbrouse3747]

Awesome interview skills dude.I enjoyed this and Russell’s stuff very much

[@peterorullian]

Awesome, thank you!

[@plexidust5101]

Great Exchange Peter. I've known Mike since childhood and Love him dearly. Tommy Miller as well. Some of the nicest people, super funny and genuine. We've all missed the touring!

[@peterorullian]

Thank you! I got to talk to Mike in person when they came through Seattle a few weeks ago. He and the guys were all so great!

[@SebastianSalinasOficial]

Great interview Peter! Michael is one of my all time favourite player and composer

[@peterorullian]

Thank you, sir!

[@Bellathor]

Legend, nuff said. :)

[@Briandk1702]

Peter, this is the kind of interview that I have always wanted to see performed to Michael. He is my favourite guitar player and I just wanted to thank you for this. I just subscribed to your channel, because I found out your job is pure gold!! Thanks broo!

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, Brian! That means a lot!

[@nassj6593]

Aww another cool interview. Still listening to the first section, but gotta say I love it when you and your guest geek/nerd out on literature and music. It gives us all perspective that there are so much aspects to you all amazing musicians than just music and shows. I'll continue listening. Probably comment more later 😬

[@peterorullian]

Thank you! Kind of hard not to ... :)

[@kamikazekrush3758]

Thanks for posting this, Symphony X is my all time favorite band!!!

[@kamikazekrush3758]

And Michael, F**king Robots is F**king Awesome!!!!

[@peterorullian]

Hope you dig!

[@IcedEarthMinion]

Peter, great interview! I don’t think I’ve ever heard an extensive interview with Michael Romeo. Appreciate you bringing this to the fans ✌🏻🤘🏻👊🏻

[@peterorullian]

Was a pleasure to talk to him!

[@erikrevier4053]

I have been waiting for this!!!!!! AWESOME that you got Romeo in here! Can't wait to listen to this!

[@peterorullian]

Hope you enjoy!

[@sandyferati6625]

War of the Worlds is a great!...album! Going to my first Symphony X concert with a "fellow" gal rocker I met at a Dream Theater preshow meet up!.

[@peterorullian]

Agreed! And excellent!

[@MichaelARothman]

Great stuff, Peter. First interview of yours I've seen... cool stuff.

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, man!

[@RyanSmithGuitar]

Recently got into Micheal Romeo’s work with Symphony X his playing is literally mind blowing how great he is! So glad I found this interview great work man! Subscribed!

[@peterorullian]

Thank you!

[@nassj6593]

What a cool interview. What an interesting person is Michael and it's hard to see how the pandemic keeps hitting us all and hard. Guess all we can do if possible, is buy the tickets to concerts and buy the music when the albums are out. And hope for concerts to not get canceled. I don't mind if they are reschedule, I'll patiently await. Or as patient as possible 😅 Great job, and again I commend you for the preparation and time you take prior to the interview, they make your interview so much fluid.

[@peterorullian]

Thank you! I do prepare! Ahaha

[@sirwilliam7431]

Awesome interview bro. Can’t wait for War of the Worlds 2 and especially can’t wait for the new SymX album!!! \m/

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, man! You’re going to love it!

[@ashleyb3741]

The Star One album is called “Revel in Time” and the track Michael Romeo contributed to is “Fate of Man”. Killer song.

[@peterorullian]

Thank you!

[@dominikrusec4829]

Damn, Awesome interview!!! Great content man! Keep up!

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, Dominik!

[@ondellonoya]

Thank you for doing this!

[@peterorullian]

My pleasure!

[@malawigw]

Michael Romeo Batio!

[@TheMadComposer]

Bro, you’ve got a great podcast/show here man. You’ve earned a fan!

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, man! Glad you’re digging it!

[@martine3293]

Hey Peter, I enjoyed watching this new episode of Breaking Absolutes. It made me curious about the upcoming album. I will give it a listen for sure. Can I ask if you are still considering doing a review of Nightwish's 'Human:ll:Nature album? Take care, regards from the Netherlands!

[@peterorullian]

Thank you! And yes, just a question of finding the time. :)

[@quasipseudo1]

MR / SX Rules!!!!

[@peterorullian]

Agreed!

[@Metalton95]

THIS is the interview I've been longing for! Gonna enjoy this! 38:50-39:24 your mic makes some BIG increases and dips in volume at time this time, though :/

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, and sorry.

[@Metalton95]

@@peterorullian I’m holding one hand on my speaker’s volume knob so I don’t disturb my neighbours 😂 But it’s great to hear Romeo so laid back - there’s so few interviews of him, and they’re mostly the same. Again, thank you for this, Peter!

[@barretres]

Great interview! Thanks for that… I just was waiting for the question: “why SX haven’t released a live video DVD/Bluray yet?”, “would you do some in the future”?? 🙁

[@SyX512]

He asnwered that question in every single interview he done in his life

[@peterorullian]

Thanks!

[@kaos5555]

@@SyX512 If I remember correctly Romeo has said in interviews that they are waiting for the right moment to release the live material. However, I wonder when that time will come? He has even said that in interviews at least 10 years ago.

[@blackwood4090]

The title was "Fate of a Man" i think