Release length: 10:55
Review posted on May 3rd, 2011
-
Overall Score:8.5/10
Discography
Discography covers all information available up to day of review and is updated if future albums are reviewed.
Full-Length(s):
Symphony X (1994) • The Damnation Game (1995) • The Divine Wings of Tragedy (1997) • Twilight in Olympus (1998)
V: The New Mythology Suite (2000) • The Odyssey (2002) • Paradise Lost (2007) • Iconoclast (2011)
Behind the Mask (1998) • Prelude to the Millennium (1998) • Rarities and Demos (2005)
Live CD(s):
Live on the Edge of Forever (2001)
-
Review
Symphony X has a new album due out at the time of this review entitled Iconoclast. So, in an effort to better promote this upcoming opus, Nuclear Blast Records has issued the first lead single off the album to be purchased through digital marketplaces. "The End of Innocence" braces the listener for the coming release not just with the track itself, but also an instrumental version of the song. But, what should the fan expect, and just how strong is this song anyhow?
Well, what is there to say? Anyone who has heard a Symphony X song, whether recently or from years ago, will know what to expect at this point. "The End of Innocence" is a strong song that feels epic in it's right thanks to the fantastic vocal performance that ranges between strong harsher harmonized vocals that pack plenty of power to fantastic cleaner singing that is highly impressive, all placed atop a strong Power Metal foundation with a strong Progressive influence to add to the overall epic vibe of the song. The atmosphere is typical for the group, feeding that aforementioned epic atmosphere, but with a slightly dark and commanding vibe to it. The song does change up the music throughout, sometimes a little too dramatically such as around three minutes thirty seconds when the song suddenly goes into a slower pace without warning. Granted, it's not that bad a shift and it does work for the song on some levels, but it does just happen to feel a little more abrupt for the flow of the song, as well as a little too long to get to the following guitar solo.
Included with the song is the instrumental version of the track. The music to the song is great, but not the strongest as far as Symphony X goes. It's great to have handy, especially for the devout fan who plans to learn the words and wants to sing along while hearing only his or her voice, such as a Youtube video cover of the song. It makes for a nice bonus track, but if you're not one that cares much about hearing the same song again minus the vocals, then there's no reason to spend the extra dollar. A bonus song that wasn't an instrumental would have been nicer for a digital CD single, as that would please everyone.
But despite your views on the instrumental, "The End of Innocence" is still a solid song by the band. There's nothing really new introduced into the single, as it's literally what one would expect from the group. It's nothing jaw dropping or awe-inspiring, but it will definitely leave you playing it time and time again due to it's solid and greatly enjoyable performance, as well as amp up the anticipation for Iconoclast nicely. If you have a spare dollar or two, it's worth checking out to wet your appetite, as well as show your support for the group.
