Band Website
  Company Website
  Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Symphony X
Title
Underworld
Type
LP/EP
Company
Nuclear Blast
YOR
2015
Style
Power
Popular Reviews
8/20/2015 - Review by: Greg Watson
Symphony X
Underworld




Company: Nuclear Blast
Release: 2015
Genre: Power, prog
Reviewer: Greg Watson
  • A trip back in time



    • New Jersey power metallers Symphony X are back with their ninth studio album, "Underworld". Taking a step back to older albums, "Underworld" brings back some of the speed, technicality and aggression that had been sorely lacking from their last two releases.

    Vocalist Russell Allen seems to be missing his typical range a bit on this and it makes one wonder if his work in Level 10 and Adrenaline Mob are beginning to take a toll on his vocals. Despite the missing soaring vocals, his performance is still spot on. Guitarist Michael Romeo is featured heavily as the band and albums are his work and creation. If you're a fan of Neo-Classical ripping a la Yngwie Malmsteen, you already know that this guy can play a guitar. At times, the guitars and keyboards become a bit tedious and overwhelming but still provide some needed groove and atmosphere. The focus was clearly back on writing quality songs with this album as tracks like "Charon", "Nevermore" and "To Hell And Back" really focus on the lyrics and the story of the song. While not being a conceptual album through and through, this one deals with the mythological Greek Underworld, hence the album title, and provides some pretty cool moments song wise.

    This one will delight fans who were looking for a trip back in time for the band and is sure to pick up a few new listeners along the way.


    • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
      3.5 :AVE RATING

    ALL REVIEWS FOR: SYMPHONY X
    TITLE
    DOR
    COMPANY
    		 REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
    Underworld
    2015
    Nuclear Blast
    		Greg Watson8/20/2015
    3.5

    ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: SYMPHONY X
    INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


    << back >>
    © Maximum Metal 2003-2022. All Rights Reserved. Metal Never Dies