Composer/Musician Reacts to Symphony X - The Odyssey (REACTION!!!)
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- čas přidán 3. 10. 2020
- Bryan reacts to and talks about his thoughts on The Odyssey
ORIGINAL VIDEO // • The Odyssey
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Ah ! I'm so glad! This video was everything I hoped it would be! Your pronunciation was correct ;)
Also, this is a musical rendition of The Odyssey by Homer, told from Odysseus' point of view (or Ulysses as he's more well known)
That's pretty awesome about the concept. The word Odyssey and the image of the cover certainly evokes the ancient Greeks and Homer. It's a wonder that I didn't make the connection in the moment though.
@@CriticalReactions this song was actually split in "movements" with different credits and times so it can be seen as the merger of 7 smaller songs in a way. The fact that it's a direct reference to Homer's Odyssey is easier to pick up on if you know the names of the places and the global flow of the story. In my first listen, I noticed the name "Ithaca" and the part about the eye made me think of the Cyclops, but I didn't realize until later what it was. Also, considering you were busy analyzing the music, it was a tall order to expect you to know it was not just an Odyssey but The Odyssey haha
@@CriticalReactions That's understandable... Long time SX fans know that they always write around Greek mythology, and other epic books from the farthest history we have.
you don't say
It's not Homer.
It's HOMEROS ( Ὅμηρος). Not Homer. Stop doing that.
TRIUUUMPHAAANT!!! Champion of Ithacaaa 🎵
Michael Romeo writes some of the best if not the best riffs in metal. His riff writing is often overlooked because a lot of people only concentrate on his shredding.
Absolutely! Romeo really shines as a rhythm guitarist on this song. Solos of course are also impressive.
don't forget about songwriting. i don't know who is the main songwriter in SX but whoever it is, mad skills. As guitarist, I figure Romeo is at least participating in the songwriting process so Kudos to him
His riffs hold a candle to his solos, man. Shredding is just about skill, and his solos are often just that, a display of skill, but the riffs show both his skill AND musicality
@@hazardeur He has songwriting credits on all songs on the album, and he's the ONLY one with songwriting credits for The Odyssey!
@@exscape yeah, i would have been shocked if he wouldn't
Next choice by Symphony X should be The Divine Wings Of Tragedy. Another epic masterpiece
Holy cow! If he did that id be above the moon! Its my personal favourite songs from Symphony X.
The "Live on the Edge of Forever" version tho.
I agree
Ulises Hernandez absolutely, that version is much superior than the original one
that's my fave symphony x too
This song makes my top 10 prog metal songs of all time. It has everything, and the storytelling is incredible. You could write a whole theatric play with it.
Not even in my top 5 symphonyX songs but you do you oh and you must chek shards by scardust
The album cover is actually a direct reference to a scene from Homer's classic Odyssey, where Odysseus (the main character) ties himself to the mast of the ship in order to resist the Sirens. Great reaction, and analysis!
And in early Greek vases of that specific scene in from The Odyssey harpies are often shown flying around
Yes I agree with what you said. The orchestral parts in the beginning and the end are truly accentuating the overture of this song. But in between is where the musical magic happens, So many parts, scenes, time signatures, etc. Alot of people say they are mimicking Dream Theater but they are not. They have their own style and yes Michael Romeo has composed all of this.. But he is a virtuoso who can truly bring the same caliber of music as John Petrucci but in a more classical way. Anyway I'm going to stop talking now. Please play more Symphony X.
Their other epic "The Divine Wings of Tragedy" is equally amazing
"Their other epic" as if they only have two =p
As well as "Communion and the Oracle"
@@ScarsUnseen To be fair, those are the only two to run over 20 minutes. But they do have an another bunch of the 10 minute songs.
I hear this song at least once a month for the last 17 years and it still amuses me, It gets better everytime.
Man I know what you’re saying, I haven’t listened to this one in a few months, even though it’s one of my all time favorite songs, and all I’m thinking is “damn, this song has so many interesting parts and ideas” it’s an awesome display of talent from all the band members, and an insane display of creativity from Michael Romeo since he wrote the whole just by himself
a very healthy habit sir.
Thank you. Symphony X needs more recognition. As many has suggested, The divine wings of tragedy is another masterpiece, yes, but it's not like SX specialize in really long songs. They are great though, of course. And almost all of their albums are great, especially their earlier work imo. TDWoT should be a must but there are many "normal" length songs that are great aswell. The eyes of medusa, Unleash the fire, Evolution (the grand design), The witching hour, Out of the ashes, just to name a few. Great reaction! And again, thanks.
i'd recommend 'And Then There Was Silence' by Blind Guardian for another epic about a similar subject matter
Then you could as well go with some serious music. Sieges Even. Straggler from Atlantis. Try it.
I second this so much.
Oh hell yeah! "The Odyssey" is a song I can only dream of playing on guitar. One of THE BEST prog metal guitar tracks of all time. Gotta shout out my boys in BTBAM this has the same EPIC qualities as "Swim To The Moon" off the album "The Great Misdirect.
Now go listen to scardust- addicted
Actually... never... heard... this... song... before. How is that even possible? Know of the band, but yeah...
Congratulations. I remember my first time...😄
I went to go see Symphony X and Devin Townsend in 2002 as a recent fan. Symphony X did Odyssey as their encore, and it was my first time listening.
This is the first video I've seen of yours, and I subscribed immediately because I liked how modest and real you are.
May I suggest another one from Symphony X? Listen to "Egypt" from them. It's not as lengthy (it's around 7 minutes) and it's a lot easier to digest, but complex enough to keep you hooked.
Great video! The Odyssey is one of my favorite stories and one of my favorite songs. I definitely agree, on the first listen it's hard to comprehend and appreciate all that goes into it and it took me a few tries to realize how great of a song it was. Sadly with the orchestra, they've used less and less as time has passed and become just more of a heavy metal band than the neoclassical band they used to be. Michael Romeo is such an amazing writer and guitar player and all of the band members are just as good. Russel Allen's vocals are incredible and I loved your reaction to the harmonies of the last section. This got a little ranty so I'll just say that The Odyssey will always be a masterpiece in my eyes and many others and I'm glad you could appreciate it as much as we do.
Oh this is gonna be a treat! I've always wanted a great reactor to try this one. Given the length of the song I never expected someone to. Thanks Brian!!
Circus Maximus' first album is indeed very similar to old-era Symphony X, though it seems quite odd that you first listened to Circus Maximus and then to Symphony X, given Circus Maximus are newer and were clearly influenced by Symphony X. Myrath's first album is also very similar to old-era Symphony X.
The Odyssey is essentially Homer's "sequel" to his epic poem "The Iliad". In the story, Odysseus was the king of Ithica in ancient Greece, who sided with Agamemnon to fight against Troy. On his way home he got lost at sea and met pretty much every single mythological Greek character and demi-god we al know by name these days. After 10 years of being at war and another 10 of being lost at sea, he returns to see his opposition trying to steal his wife, his kingdom and his throne.
This song is the literal definition of an "epic" :) Michael Romeo the guitarist and composer, is not only a phenomenal guitarist, but an equally impressive composer who takes several bits of inspiration from James Horner (The Star Wars composer). Russel Allen, the singer, is also heavily influenced by mythology and fantasy, going as far as having been the mastery of ceremonies at "Medieval Times" in New Jersey - a dinner banquet and jousting/mock fighting competition roleplayed with a Medieval theme.
Symphony X has been one of my favourites for a while. I'm glad you got to them. They're a band that loves what they do so much they're not afraid to break traditions, rules, or appear cheesey or weird. They just give'er.
Also, I love Russell Allen's vocals. They're very bluesy and I love bluesy vocals.
Please, do their album V:The New Mythology Suite, a true masterpiece
Absolutely masterpiece
My favourite from them, i love old S’x
This band is great, I discovered them back when I was in music college back in 2000. The divine wings of tragedy and twilight in olympus albums are two of the best albums I´ve heard.
Dont get me wrong, all of their albums are good, but those two got someting really special ^^
As a cohesive work, V is still my favorite album in their discography, but Twilight and Wings do have my favorite individual songs.
Thanks a lot for doing this video. Symphony X is one of my favorite bands ever. I love their riffs, solos, vocals, instrumental parts,... Everything. Michael Romeo and Michael Pinnella are incredible composers. Russell Allen is one of the best metal singers in history. I saw SX live twice. I hope to see them again soon.
I'm so glad you finally did this!!!
One of my favourite songs of all time! It was great to hear your thoughts.
I know I'm late to the party, but this just popped up in my feed, and I'm glad, and impressed that you did a reaction to the entirety of "The Odyssey"! I'm also impressed that you know of Circus Maximus, though a bit mystified that you didn't know Symphony X.
When I saw this song performed live, Michael Romeo played the entire orchestral intro on his electric guitar as a solo. It was dope.
Good Lord, this shit's so old I remember picking it up at Best Buy. Honestly, my musical taste has evolved quite a lot since I first heard it, but I'm glad to hear it still holds up, cheesy midi symphonic elements and all.
This is a band I've only ever experienced piecemeal through guitar covers by virtuosos. Never thought to get into them and I definitely regret it. That being said somehow this felt a little bit long although I can't imagine what I could ever take out except maybe the false end. I'll definitely listen to this again tomorrow because this felt a little short of a masterpiece but it really should be given my tastes.
Edit: special selections maintaining the clean sheet.
From time to time I come back here to enjoy it again and again. February, 18, 2021.
Once again. December, 7, 2021.
And again. July, 6, 2022.
Once more. January, 19, 2023.
Here I am again. April, 29, 2024.
Shared your reaction on facebook now. By the way, do you sometimes hear Freddy Mercury in his half-gritty vocals? And when he is using more grit, it´s more Ronnie James Dio, who he names as his main influence. Arjen Lucasson (Ayreon) worked with him on one of his albums and he says Russell is the best singer in the world at the moment. I personally say he shares the throne with Devin Townsend.
I believe their guitarist composed all the orchestral parts on this song (Michael J. Romeo). I feel like if Yngwie Malmsteen and John Williams had a baby together, you would get Michael Romeo (at least in terms of this song...some of Symphony X's other stuff I feel is a mix of Malmsteen, Williams, Dimebag Darrell/Pantera, Dio, etc...).
It'd be cool to see some reactions to songs off their album "V: The New Mythology Suite". It is a concept album that tells a story throughout its entirety.
I also agree that "The Divine Wings of Tragedy" would be a good song to react to.
I remember seeing Michael Romeo mention John Williams in interviews, and their fan club CD even included a Star Wars suite, so he's definitely a big influence.
Awesome!
Circus Maximus started out as a Dream Theater / Symphony X cover band from what I understand, so your comparison of Symphony X to Circus Maximus isn't wrong :)
Such an excellent and beautiful song. Knowing it musically narrates the story of The Odyssey by ancient Greek author Homer just gives it that important and tremendously cathartic extra layer of enjoyment.
22:15
Great !! i'll tell ya this is the best band ever ahah ! i would recommand all the albums ! ahah or maybe next "on the edge of forever" from them also !
Symphony X are pretty great. I went through their discography probably over 15 years ago. That was the time when The Odyssey was their latest album. I remember really enjoying them at the time and being incredibly wowed by Michael Romeo's guitar work especially. Not sure why I haven't gotten back to them more... maybe because they slowed down so much releasing new albums: only 3 in the last 18 years, and none of the newer ones inspired me to go back through their discography. In any case, this was a fun trip down memory lane. I think what most stands out to me after all these years is how they're still such a cool blend of power and progressive metal, with a vocalist that sounds like he stepped straight out of the 80s! Really great epic too. I guess years of listening to prog epics in general has kinda numbed me to the feeling of being overwhelmed by tracks like this!
Haha, this song reminds you of Circus Maximus because that band should be reminding you of Symphony X.
SX has been around a lot longer, and this album in particular also came out a few years before Circus’s the 1st chapter :)
I am trying to get some of the vocal coaches here on youtube to react on this song, even though I am not on Patreon. People need to hear this band!
oh my god i'm so ready to strap in for this song! I used to love Symphony X and I've lost interest for the most part, aside from this song/album.
Definitely gonna check out Circus Maximus if it's like this song in particular!
Ty the 1st chapter..... sounds similar!!!!
Not a big fan but thus might be the best I've heard from them. Great stuff!
Circus Maximus was actually inspired by Dream Theater and Symphony X. 😊
Dude! What a song to wrap up with. This band saved me from a boring life of listening to formulaic pop-punk and one hit wonders. This was also the very first prog album I bought. I have a feeling you'd really appreciate their album V: The New Mythology Suite.
Great review. I think part of the reason why they keep the symphonic elements to the background in the middle of the song is that this is something they regularly play live (it has been a big part of FOUR tours since its release - I saw them play it once, in Montreal in July, 2007), and they're from a bit more of the old school, wherein they want the music in their live shows to be almost entirely played by the band on stage - if there's a backing track, it's relegated to a supportive role (and most of their non-epic songs don't use a backing track at all). In the case of the Odyssey, they usually play the Overture (which is the only part of the song that is REALLY orchestral, though it does contain the entire band as well, minus the singer) without the band on stage at all (i.e. they just pipe in the studio version of the Overture through the venue's speakers), so the first few minutes of the song are just a way to hype up the audience for when the band comes on stage for their encore (the live music starts with the acoustic guitar).
As for their name, I think it's meant to evoke the complexity and texture of the symphonic style of music, rather than its traditional, orchestral nature (they're called Symphony X and not Orchestra X). Make no mistake, they're a prog metal band with power, neoclassical, and symphonic metal elements - they are *not* like Nightwish or Turisas (bands which have always utilized prominent backing tracks in their performances, something I've had to get used to...I'm a bit more of the old school as well, and feel that if you're writing a piece of music that you intend to perform live, you should also intend to reproduce the bulk of that music with a live band*). Any places in their normal-length songs (
Well said. Although I understand that some bands sort of just have to use backing tracks to produce their sound live, they lose something that the fully live bands have in the process.
For what it's worth they were able to pull this off live as well. Peak Russell Allen performance.
Saw them touring on this album with Devin Townsend as the opening act at the Bluebird in Denver.
Love this band. Definitely my favourite when it comes to the infusion of classical elements into metal.
For the uninitiated, this beautiful song is a direct interpretation of Homer's ancient Greek epic by the same title. In much the same way as the Virgin Steele three disc, two album interpretation of Aeschylus' , "The House of Atreus", these pieces, in my humble opinion, represent the absolute pinnacle of progressive metal in the late 90s/early 2000s. "The House of Atreus" Act I and Act II in particular has an undeniable mirror in today's "cancel culture" epidemic that we see happening all around us.
really appreciated this reaction mate
3:53 great band
My favorite song of all time, well tied with Octivarium by DT. Little fact for you since you identified the Circus maximus similarities right away, Circus Maximus actually started as a Dream Theater/Symphony X cover band and The First Chapter is their own homage or take of The Odyssey. Good ear.
Def check out more Symphony X, they don't always use the symphony elements but when they do its fantastic, Michael Romeo is their guitarist and main songwriting and he also writes and programs all the symphony elements. Dig in, they have a lot to unpack as a band. All their albums are different as well.
That's some excellent context that really helps place these bands in metal's history. It's kinda wild that Circus Maximus captured so much of The Odyssey's essence for The 1st Chapter without straight up ripping them off.
@@CriticalReactions On another note I think it was highly appreciated by Symphony X since Circus Maximus opened for them on an european tour back in 2008.
Как, оказывается, может быть приятно от факта, что где-то далеко за океаном волосатый ютубер в наушниках кивает головой в такт прекраснейшей музыке, masterpiec`у, как на мой взгляд. Это заставляет меня так же нацепить "уши" и, закрыв глаза, кивать в унисон вместе с ним. И пусть я не понимаю и четверти слов песни: мне хватает одного только названия композиции и душещипательных звуков Симфониксов. Сама музыка рисует в моём воображении морские просторы и смертельные трудности, которые конечно же преодолеет Одиссей и его команда. Многие пишут, что SX very unranked, недооценена и это правда. Как по мне SX одна из лучших представителей прогметалла, а Миша Ромео - Моцарт современности. Dear Bryan, please make reacts on Michael Romeo solo album - War of the Worlds, Pt. 1\ Believe
Respect и уважуха
Holly, Symphony X has amazing songs. The more ''Yes'' oriented, more i like ahahah. This is some Gates Of Delirium mentality, but with poping out Dream Theater (i don't like much DT, tbh... And i already listened to all his albums).
Do anyone know about "Ulysse Odyssey"? This song is about this history.
These guys are amazing. If you want to check out more of their stuff, I recommend literally anything off their Paradise Lost album.
Symphony X is freaking amazing, try divine wings of tragedy or literally any song from the album V
What a fantastic review! How in the world did you find the time to listen to the lyrics? You should start with that on your fifth listen or so.
Michael Romeo is the Genius behind this song and I agree it's a lot to take in, but give it another 100 listens or so, and you'll see.
Funny you shouted out Circus Maximus - I saw both bands perform in Stockholm, Sweden, and they were both great, but at the last one, Symphony X actually played this song, and that was the greatest moment of my Metal life so far. Circus Maximus is a bit too schlager for me at times, whereas Symphony X always deliver Metal!
You should react to Master of Darkness off of Arjen Anthony Lucassen’s Star One. Huge project with some of the best vocalists in metal.
If they make a Demon/Dark Souls type movie, get Symphony X to do the score
If that kinda thing interest you, there is a condensed version of this song played by an orchestra. Its not super professional but they sound really good. It has to sound good anyways because the arrangement were made by Ben Mathot, the go to violinist for Ayreon, the Arjen Lucassen project. Check out Ricciotti ensemble for the video :)
Precious Tip: it is a very different and much more rich experience if you've read the Odyssey by Homer or, at least, seen The Odyssey, the movie from 1997. It is up to you to pursue it or not : )
Michael Romeo, the guitarist, programs all the orchestral stuff on his computer. He composed this whole piece.
4:25 I thought the same.
It sounds quite playful , happy in a way.
If you want another band that is great at incorporating orchestral elements into their music, check out Virgin Black. They are more downbeat than Symphony X, incorporating a doom metal feel instead of prog. In the last trilogy of albums (collectively titled "Requiem") they made use of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, with the last of the trilogy, "Pianissimo"(the previous two being titled "Mezzo Forte" and "Fortissimo" respectively), being entirely orchestra and singing. Highly recommended.
I clicked like before the ad shows up
Nice review. Circus Maximus from Norway are awesome
symphony has to be my 2nd fav band behind Dream theater i fkn love these guys. id also like to add that whoever decided that this would not be the pirates of the carribean soundtrack is absolutely crazy
Finally Symphony X ^^ underrated God's!
This my favourite song, my favourite band and my favourite singer
The orchestral elements are very rare in Symphony X. Their classical influences are mostly some parts of classical pieces turned into metal. Or were because they turned into a more metal band with less prog and classical influences but they still are great
The orchestral parts are written by the guitarist Michael Romeo
Loved your reaction and analysis. I have absolutely no knowledge about music and I'm not a native speaker but was able to follow easily
I would suggest the other 20 minute song they made "The Divine Wings of Tragedy". It's nearly as epic as this one
I will check out Circus Maximus for sure. I have heard of them but never listened to them
You have a new sub😉
The first chapter is their best song- album .... (circus maximus...)
The 1st Chapter by CIrcus Maximus definitely gave me vibes of this song when I first heard it.
Come to find out, Circus Maximus made The 1st Chapter as a homage to The Odyssey.
Communion and the Oracle
You really can't help throwing down and just enjoying this.
Looove this song
Excellent review. You've got to see the Odyssey movie and then you'll understand and appreciate the song much more.
Please just react to this entire album....lol
Ooh, you mentioned Circus Maximus! I reckon they were heavily inspired by Symphony X. How many songs of theirs have you listened to? Don't want to be recommending ones you've already heard :P
I've only heard their first album, I think it was called The First Chapter.
@@CriticalReactions that's my favoured one. To be honest their sound changed after that one - the got a new keyboardist and the general feel changed.
Was gonna suggest Glory of the Empire to listen to but I'm guessing you heard that one since it's from that album!
So glad to know that Jon Snow really enjoyed this Masterpiece
"Looks like I do know something, Ygritte. I know Symphony X is great!"
@Critical Reactions Just some days ago, I asked one of the reacting guy at youtube, if he could react to The Odyssey. I don't think he has seen my comment yet. But I'm glad I find your reaction. The Odyssey is one of my favourite prog metal song. I think this is a masterpiece. Listen also to Accolade II from the same album, that's a bit similar to Odyssey, very nice music.
michael romeo!!!!
I recommend the more shorter symphonyX songs they are better to me and have a more focused structure I really love the song a paradise of fools
Every symphonyX fan especially of those guitar solos y'all must listen the band scardust especially the songs tantibus & shards & tantibus 2
In my prog opinion, being a long-standing fan of rush, dream theater, etc., I think this single prog behemoth is the best composition of them all. Each segment fits perfectly to Homer's Odyssey, and the music captures the journey of the epic story. The way Romeo and Symphony-X interweave the complex time signatures and melodies is masterful and done perfectly.
Symphony x - Tryy Ooooveeeerrrr
Every one - YEEEEESSSS
Happy to hear your Circus Maximus recommendation! You should check out their song Architect of Fortune.
Sadly I only ever checked out their debut album but I would love to revisit them by checking out their newer stuff. I'll definitely be having them in the channel soon.
@@CriticalReactions first and second albums are very similar to Symphony X, but the newer ones have more these "modern prog" vibe.
I've been enjoying some of the more modern prog stuff as well so I'm even more stoked to check out their newer stuff and see how they've evolved.
Damn, what a fun piece!
only one word to describe russell allen's voice.. EPIC
Symphony X the best band in the world 🇬🇧🤘
I'd highly recommend "The Sixth Extinction" by "Ayreon".
I love Symphony X. They're such a talented band whose virtuocity is in pursuit of the songs, not to show off unnecesarily. Thank you!
I flipped out when the thrash riff came in at 17:07 haha. This is my first reaction and it was a pleasant surprise.
An iconic part of my early 20s. (36)
btw, what is that outro music on all your videos? That's amazing, I need it!
It's currently titled "melancholy_riff_2" lol. One day it'll be expanded to a full idea but right now it's just a single phrase.
If you liked this, check out "The Dark Chapter" (1994) by Micheal Romeo. It's what lead to this band. Honestly, I prefer Symphony X to Dream Theater.
russen allen reacts to russen allen
Michael Romeo is simply out of this world. I love his works in Symphony X.
Please... Please... PLEASE!!!! Make a reaction of Ayreon: the day that the world breaks down
Dude, you have GOT to listen to their song The Divine Wings of Tragedy. Another epic clocking in at 21 minutes long!
21 minutes without bullshit
Pretty sure they all met at a music university. I saw a vote for Divine Wings of Tragedy for the next view, I love the song but I think the updated version of Masquerade might be a more easily digestible chunk of badass.
Oh man, you should do the reaction to the last piece of Apple Sauce, Polybius!
The first 5mins remind me of the first 5mins of Six Degrees by DT.
Anyone else?
Despite the name, they often have more of a chamber music feel.
Ahuevo ésas si son colaboraciones