recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Sea of Lies

**Sea of Lies** is a song by progressive power metal band **Symphony X** from their 1996 third studio album **The Divine Wings of Tragedy**.

## Lyrics

[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1]

Today I've seen the shallow face I wear

Inside this shell a living hell endures

I'm held captive by my fear

Decaying hope and wasted years

The knife of time carves another line around these eyes

[Chorus]

Good and evil

Lust primeval

Dragging me into a sea of lies

Lies

[Verse 2]

Losing faith in who I am, oh

Never changing, just rearranging my life again

Through eternal abyss I fall

Silent screams through paper walls

I pray someday the sun will shine on me again

Shine on me again

[Chorus]

Good and evil

Lust primeval

Dragging me into a sea of lies

Lies

[Instrumental Break/Solos]

[Outro]

Lies

Lies
Steve Evetts

**Steve Evetts** is an American record producer who has produced music for Alesana, Poison the Well, A Static Lullaby, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Sepultura, Symphony X, Saves the Day, Lifetime, Kid Dynamite, Hightower, Story of the Year, Every Time I Die, Earth Crisis, Still Remains, Our Last Night, and The Wonder Years. Steve Evetts has been an active producer since 1992, producing mostly metal albums, as well as indie, and emo bands. He worked with Symphony X on the albums The Damnation Game, The Divine Wings of Tragedy, Twilight in Olympus, and The Odyssey.
Inferno (Unleash the Fire)

**Inferno (Unleash the Fire)** is a song by progressive symphonic neoclassical power metal band **Symphony X** from their 2002 sixth studio album **The Odyssey**.

## Lyrics

[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1]

Welcome to the Anarchy

Enigmatic entity

The grand illusion destitution

Infecting one and all

Forces they're oppressing me

Lords of mediocrity

An iron will shall break the still

Some will rise and some will fall

Oh, yes, we ride

Through stormy skies

Of fire

[Verse 2]

Evil lies that mesmerize

From the dragons' tongue they slide

A fury lashes from the ashes

Never losing sight

Pounding down the wicked ones

Tyrants now are overcome

A final yell from hounds of Hell

Rising we unite

Oh, yes, we ride

Through stormy skies

[Chorus]

The endless nights

In the moonlight, we do gather

We curse uncertainty and false desires

We lift the mask

And stand together one and all

And when the flames grow dim, look within

Unleash the fire

[Bridge]

A time will come when all will see

In the end - it's just a game

Time will tell when all these things that have come to pass

Still remain

[Instrumental Break]

[Chorus]

The endless nights

In the moonlight, we do gather

We curse uncertainty and false desires

We lift the mask

And stand together one and all

And when the flames grow dim, look within

Unleash the fire
Absinthe and Rue

**Absinthe and Rue** is a song by the progressive metal band **Symphony X** from their 1994 debut album **Symphony X**.

## Lyrics

In your time of dying don't call my name

So you see me as evil it's just the same

Through the windows in my mind

Now you're cast in flames

Absinthe and Rue

Twisted wings of paranoia

Twilight runs through eyes of ignorance

Afflicted, addicted, and wicked

You'll loom in fear

Severed, endeavored in trial

Time closes near

Obsessing, possessing, confessing consumed by sin

Injected, infected by venom that's searing your skin

Through the windows in my mind

Now you're cast in flames

Absinthe and Rue

Twisted wings of paranoia

Twilight runs through eyes of ignorance

Absinthe and Rue

Twisted wings of paranoia

Twilight runs through eyes of ignorance

Absinthe and Rue

Twisted wings of paranoia

Twilight runs through eyes of ignorance

Absinthe and Rue

Twisted wings of paranoia

Twilight runs through eyes of ignorance
The Haunting

**The Haunting** is a song by progressive power metal band **Symphony X** from their 1995 studio album **The Damnation Game**.

## Lyrics

Lightning flashes across the sky

The hands of time keep falling like the pouring rain

Soft voice call my name; I've seen this place before

This whole thing is mad and still I can see

That he awaits for me

As the knife cuts to the vein

Am I going insane? Have I lost my mind?

Ten years gone by, my friend, haunting me

Scars will fade but never die

Prisoner waiting out my time

Looking back through years gone by

My mind is always wondering what can I do

To seal a different fate

Can I undo the things I've done?

I lie on the ground without making a sound

And cry for my life

Again

As the knife cuts to the vein

Am I going insane? Have I lost my mind?

Ten years gone by, my friend, haunting me

Scars will fade but never die

Staring down at me

Through my eyes I can see

Al the terror and pain still live on

I can't leave

Silver strand is pulling me back to mortality

(Solo)

As the knife cuts to the vein

Am I going insane? Have I lost my mind?

Ten years gone by, my friend, haunting me

Scars will fade but never die
The Witching Hour

**The Witching Hour** is a song by American progressive symphonic neoclassical power metal band **Symphony X** from their 1996 third studio album **The** **Divine Wings of Tragedy**.

## Lyrics

[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1]

It was seven score and sixteen more

A dreadful scene to behold

Marble silhouettes, white statuettes

Forever gaze into time

(Caught in a web between life and death)

[Chorus]

Visions dance throughout the night

In the pale moon light

In the witching hour

[Verse 2]

Haunting minuet, immortal duet

Dance to the waltz of the souls

Stillness falls upon the aging hall

The fading chimes echo midnight

(Caught in a web between life and death, life and death)

[Chorus]

Visions dance throughout the night

In the pale moon light

In the witching hour

[Instrumental Break/Guitar/Keyboard Solos]

[Chorus]

Visions dance throughout the night

In the pale moon light

In the witching hour

Visions dance throughout the night

In the pale moon light

In the witching hour
Kiss of Fire

**Kiss of Fire** is a song by progressive symphonic neoclassical power metal band **Symphony X** from their 2015 ninth studio album **Underworld**.

## Lyrics

[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1]

Realms of desolation

Where phantoms frighten beasts

Through fiery rain, the screams of pain, eternal never cease

Hell's abomination

Boundless chains of woe

With mighty stride, the horsemen ride in a sable blackened glow

[Chorus]

Into night, into fury

Horse of crimson she rides

Blinding light, kiss of fire

From the depths, arise

[Verse 2]

Wasteland of confusion

Where nothing's as it seems

Beneath the skies, the daylight dies

Destroyer of all dreams

Bringer of misfortune

Monarch's great abyss

And by his side, the queen of lies unleashes fury's kiss

[Chorus]

Into night, into fury

Horse of crimson she rides

Blinding light, kiss of fire

From the depths, arise

[Refrain]

Feels like the sky is falling

My demons calling my name

From the other side

I'm being buried

Feels like I'm buried

Buried alive!

[Brutal instrumental interlude]

[Bridge]

Bring down the hammer with furious anger

It´s me against the world

Bring down my fists with flaming malice

It´s me against the world

[Instrumental Break]

[Chorus]

Into night, into fury

Horse of crimson she rides

Blinding light, kiss of fire

From the depths, arise

[Outro]

Arise, arise, ARISE!

[Instrumental Outro]
Prometheus (I Am Alive)

**Prometheus (I Am Alive)** is a song by progressive symphonic neoclassical power metal band **Symphony X** from their 2011 eighth studio album **Iconoclast**.

## Lyrics

Perfection - one direction

One voice, one mind

Selection - mass dissection

Rebuild, refine

Creation - modification

Becoming something more

Mutations - bred to infect

Erase, restore

You made me strong, but you don't fear me

No right or wrong, if you believe set me free

Feel the power inside of me...

Alive, Alive - Rising up I am Alive

I am the Dark - I am the Light

Alive, Alive - Rising up I am Alive

Within you I'm Alive

Undying - no denying

Predict, engage, remove

Destroyer - soul exploiter

Delete, design, improve

Invasion - mass domination

Becoming something more

One nation born to accept

Embrace, endure

You made me strong, yet you don't fear me

No right or wrong, if you believe set me free

Feel the power inside of me...

Alive, Alive - Rising up I am Alive

I am the Dark - I am the Light

Alive, Alive - Rising up I am Alive

Within you I'm Alive

Alive, Alive - Rising up I am Alive

I am the Dark - I am the Light

Alive, Alive - Rising up I am Alive

Within you I'm Alive

Rising up I am Alive

Forever I will live a lie
Through the Looking Glass

**Through the Looking Glass** is a song by progressive symphonic neoclassical power metal band **Symphony X** from their 1998 fourth studio album **Twilight in Olympus**. It's the third longest song they've ever made, at 13 minutes and 6 seconds.

## Lyrics

(Part I:)

Look to the other side, reach the undefined

Curious to what she doesn't know

Step through the empty air, reveal what wasn't there

A fantasy-her looking glass world

Is it as it seems? Or just a dream within a dream

(dream within, dream within a dream)

Like she's been here before, locked behind the door

Held within the grasp of mystic hands

Everything's so strange, the same but rearranged

Through a bird's eye view-Can it all be true?

The final answer she seeks, to late to be crowned queen

Essence of rule divides the land-YEAH!

Dark shape, above in the sky, catches her prismic eye

Again she walks in wonder, With no, with no tearful good-byes

(Part II:)

Alice...Alice...Run Alice...Run

And there she stood, in mystery

Searching for the final ring within

A dream, (dream within a dream)

Dream within a dream

Said she's not afraid...

(Part III:)

Scepter in hand-all the numbers so deceiving

The small dreaming child who wears the crown

Watches the pieces falling down

Like knights in the game-her next move is so unsure

'Waken the Queen of Nevermore

Hidden behind the royal doors

White on her right, Red on her left

Talking in riddles, on ears fallen deaf

Stop with all the lies, all the questions so confusing

Answer the riddles they deny, losing hope, the child cries

Dream on...

Do you believe...all the things that you're seeing are true?

The start's where the end's leading you

Do you believe...all's as twisted as one would perceive?

Seek the answers...and soon you'll believe

The royal child, in a rage of desperate fury

Shattering all that lies before, screaming dolls fall to the floor

Now remove the masque, that's obscuring this dimension

Illusions so clear to me now, her invention is unwound

Escape the dream- like an unwritten book

There at my feet-lies the knight, the queen and the rook

Dream on...

Do you believe...all the things that you're seeing are true?

The start's where the end's leading you

Do you believe...all's as twisted as one would perceive?

Seek the answers...and soon you'll believe

Dream on...

Do you believe...all the things that you're seeing are true?

The start's where the end's leading you

Do you believe...all's as twisted as one would perceive?

Seek the answers...and soon you'll believe
Heretic

**Heretic** is a song by progressive symphonic neoclassical power metal band **Symphony X** from their 2011 eighth studio album **Iconoclast**.

## Lyrics

[Verse 1]

The human infection

Soaring on winds of woe and pestilence

Remove imperfection

Parasites with lives of little consequence

[Pre-Chorus]

Even though we know the sky is falling

Still, we choose not to believe

[Chorus]

On your knees, Heretic, devil in disguise

Never quit tearing down the walls, brick by brick

Feeding on the lies, Heretic

Counterfeit's the kingdom you devise

[Verse 2]

The flesh breeds corruption

Irradicate the insect prey, exterminate

Crawl with the Leeches, you cry

Shattered to pieces, you die

Here I stand, god of man, the Perfect Beast

[Pre-Chorus]

Even though we know the sky is falling

Still, we choose not to believe

[Chorus]

On your knees, Heretic, devil in disguise

Never quit tearing down the walls, brick by brick

Feeding on the lies, Heretic

Counterfeit's the kingdom you devise, oh!

[Instrumental]

Oh, burn!

[Bridge]

Watch me burn, live and learn

As the night surrounds me

No escape, nowhere to hide

Feel the sting of severing

Become one with Darkness

No escape, I'm dead inside

(I'm dead inside, I'm dead inside...)

[Instrumental]

[Chorus]

Heretic, devil in disguise

Never quit tearing down the walls, brick by brick

Feeding on the lies, Heretic

Counterfeit's the kingdom you devise, uh!
The Divine Wings of Tragedy (Album)

***The Divine Wings of Tragedy*** is the third studio album by progressive metal band Symphony X, released in November 1996 through Zero Corporation (Japan) and March 1997 through Inside Out Music (Europe). A remastered edition was reissued on September 13, 2004, through Inside Out, and again in September 17, 2012, as part of a double-LP vinyl release.

## Musical and Lyrical References

The album's title track contains excerpts from Johann Sebastian Bach's Mass in B Minor (1749) and Gustav Holst's *The Planets* (1914–16). Its lyrical theme was inspired by John Milton's *Paradise Lost* (1667) and *Paradise Regained* (1671), and also includes a reference to Dante Alighieri's 14th-century epic poem *Inferno*.

The intro of "The Witching Hour" cites Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 1 in C Major, K 279 (1774).

## Reception

Robert Taylor at AllMusic gave *The Divine Wings of Tragedy* four stars out of five, saying that "it was this release that propelled [Symphony X] to the forefront of progressive metal bands." He went on to say "While this recording may not be quite the classic that it is often heralded to be, it is a noteworthy addition to the annals of progressive metal." Praise was given to each musician for their technical craft, but Russell Allen's vocals were criticized as "a bit grating, often sounding too much like Ronnie James Dio."

In 2005, *The Divine Wings of Tragedy* was ranked No. 433 in *Rock Hard* magazine's book of *The 500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums of All Time*.

The album ranked number 17 in the list "Top 25 Progressive Metal Albums of All Time" by *Loudwire*. The same magazine named it in number 8 on "Top 25 Power Metal Albums of All Time". *ThoughtCo* also named it on its list "Essential Progressive Metal Albums". In 2020, *Metal Hammer* included it in their list of top 10 1997 albums. In 2021, they ranked it as the 15th best symphonic metal album of all time.

## Track Listing

1. Of Sins and Shadows
2. Sea of Lies
3. Out of the Ashes
4. The Accolade
5. Pharaoh
6. The Eyes of Medusa
7. The Witching Hour
8. The Divine Wings of Tragedy
	* (Part I) At the Four Corners of the Earth
	* (Part II) In the Room of Thrones
	* (Part III) A Gathering of Angels
	* (Part IV) The Wrath Divine
	* (Part V) The Prophet's Cry
	* (Part VI) Bringer of the Apocalypse (Eve of Sacrifice / Armies in the Sky / Dies Irae)
	* (Part VII) Paradise Regained
9. Candlelight Fantasia

## Personnel

* Russell Allen – vocals
* Michael Romeo – guitar, choir arrangement (track 8)
* Michael Pinnella – keyboard, choir arrangement (track 8)
* Jason Rullo – drums
* Thomas Miller – bass
* Steve Evetts – engineering, mixing, mastering, production
* Eric Rachel – engineering, mastering, production
* Stephen Rajkumar – engineering assistance
* John Abbott – engineering assistance
We Will Fly

**We Will Fly** is a song by rock/metal singer Russell Allen, the lead singer of Symphony X, from his 2005 first solo studio album Atomic Soul.

## Lyrics

Well, here we are

It's the world against us again

Again and again

Heartbreak after heartbreak

We force the wings of love into the wind

Again and again

All our lives we struggled

I've come to realize

I've always found the strength to fight

When I see your eyes

In your eyes

[Chorus:]

We will fly, you and I

Wherever we go

Whatever road we choose

We can't lose

There'll be days when the going is hard

But it's just another bend

Just another little bend in the road

Oh yes, it is

Just a little bend

A little bend in the road

Where do they go?

Youthful years, they slip away

Far, far away

Been gone too long

Home is where I want to stay

Always, always

For so long we struggled just to get by

I've always found the strength to fight

When I see your eyes

In your eyes

[Chorus]

So here we are

Playing the same old game again

Again and again

Against the odds

We seem to find a way to win

Again and again

All of life's a struggle

You've come to realize

In faith you find the strength to climb

To reach the skies

[Chorus]
Michael Lepond

**Michael Anthony LePond III** is an American musician, best known as the bass guitarist of the progressive metal band Symphony X. He is also the bass guitarist of the New York-based metal, band Dead on Arrival. The group issued an album, *Alive and Kickin*, on the independent Polo label in 1996. He can be heard on all Symphony X releases since the 2000 album *V: The New Mythology Suite*. He was formerly a member of the New Jersey band Rattlebone, which opened for many national acts and released a six-song album in 1997.

## Biography

LePond was born in Newark, New Jersey. When he was 13 years old, he attended a Kiss concert, and was inspired by the performance, especially the band's bass guitarist Gene Simmons, to begin playing music. He bought some basic equipment, namely a Univox bass guitar and a 150 watt amplifier, and took lessons for a year. He started listening to other bass players like Geddy Lee of Rush, who influenced his style.

In 1998, he met the Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo through a mutual friend, and was invited to replace Thomas Miller, who had recently left the band. He has remained the band's bass guitarist ever since.

In 2012, Lepond formed a progressive metal supergroup named Affector with the drummer Collin Leijenaar, the vocalist Ted Leonard and the guitarist Daniel Fries. The band's first album, *Harmagedon*, was released on May 21, 2012. The album includes guest keyboard players Jordan Rudess, Derek Sherinian, Neal Morse and Alex Argento.

### Past Health Issues

In 2006, LePond developed Crohn's disease, forcing Symphony X to cancel all of their European tours. He underwent surgery to control the effects of the disease, and on May 31, 2006, he announced his recovery on Symphony X's website.

> Hello to Everyone!!! I want you all to know that I had my surgery and have been released from the hospital. I am feeling so much better now. I am eating normally and getting stronger with each passing day. I should be fully recovered in about 3 weeks. I want to thank all of the fans who sent get well wishes to me. I will read every single one of them. I will never forget how kind and caring you are. I love you all...
>
>

### Solo Work

On August 21, 2014, it was announced that LePond would be releasing his first solo album, *Silent Assassins*. The album was released on September 26, 2014, and includes guests such as the guitarist Mike Chlasciak (Halford, Testament), his Symphony X bandmate Michael Romeo and the vocalist Alan Tecchio (Hades, Watchtower). LePond himself plays bass and rhythm guitars on the album.

## Equipment

For the *Paradise Lost* album, he used a Caparison Dellinger bass guitar, Madison 8x10 cabinet and a Tech 21 RBI preamp. Live, he uses a Fender Precision bass guitar and a Hamer Cruise as back up, amplified by an Ampeg 4x10 Classic cabinet and an Ampeg B2-R head. In the past he has been known to use Hamer Scarab and Musicman Sterling bass guitars.

## Personal Life

LePond has Crohn’s disease. He has posted a number of pro Trump, anti mask on social media.

## Discography

### Symphony X

* V – The New Mythology Suite
* The Odyssey
* Paradise Lost
* Iconoclast
* Underworld
Orion - The Hunter

**Orion - The Hunter** is a song by progressive symphonic neoclassical power metal band **Symphony X** from their 1998 fourth studio album **Twilight in Olympus**.

## Lyrics

[Verse 1]

Child of the oceans I am, walking on the waves

Stirring the pools, I silence and calm the tides to a glaze

Touched by a vision of love, her beauty recognized

Elusive to me, progressions are now violence in disguise

[Pre-Chorus]

On a quest for light, and braving the seas

Chasing the morning star, wait for me

Now I'm blinded, this vision I cannot see

I cannot see my future destiny

[Chorus]

Oh the hunter looks at you with eyes to kill

Praying for your life-the mighty rage against the still

[Verse 2]

For whom the God's destroy, they first make mad

Receiving the sun, and falling like hourglass sand

Child of the sea I am, in starlight I reside

Glow silver and white, eternal and bright in the sky

[Pre-Chorus]

[Chorus][x2]

Oh the hunter

Oh the hunter

Oh the hunter

I'm the hunter
Awakenings

**Awakenings** is a song by progressive symphonic neoclassical power metal band **Symphony X** from their 2002 sixth studio album **The Odyssey**.

## Lyrics

[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1]

Needless to say

Another day has passed away

Yet everything, and nothing, has changed

Awake I lie

My thoughts get lost up in the sky

Needless to say, nothing will change

Maybe a mystic with fortunes to tell

Surrender my coin at the old wishing well

Maybe the stars will align in the night

To show me the path that is right, oh oh

[Instrumental Break/Solos]

[Verse 2]

Would've been's and could've been's

They waste my days away

The colors of my life dissolve and fade to gray

So many paths of promise

Indecision poisons my mind

If only I had seen the signs, so blind

Oh, so blind

[Bridge]

Oh oh

Yet I must journey on

On and on

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3]

A haunting vision torments me

It smothers and steals my dreams

I see an old man in the mirror

Cold and bitter starring back at me

[Chorus]

Here I am

At the crossing of life I stand

On my own

Looking down the road

Hear my cry

Answer me

Still I'm searching

Yet the truth is unknown

Though the night is cold

I walk the road alone

[Instrumental Break/Solos]

[Chorus]

Here I am

At the crossing of life I stand

On my own

Looking down the road

Hear my cry

Answer me

Still I'm searching

Yet the truth is unknown

Though the night is cold

I walk the road alone

[Outro]

Yes I walk

I walk the road alone
Upcoming Untitled Tenth Studio Album

During bassist LePond's May 2020 interview with Metal Nation when asked about plans for him and the band, he had confirmed that the band was ready to start writing the tenth studio album, a follow-up to their 2015 album, *Underworld* as soon as the virus slowed down, and that writing would begin in about "a month or so".

While promoting *War of the Worlds, Pt. 2* in early 2022, Romeo confirmed that writing for the next album had begun. Romeo stated "we are working on it", noting the process "feels a little slower than normal" due to the band's extended hiatus and inability to tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Children of a Faceless God

**Children of a Faceless God** is a song by progressive symphonic neoclassical power metal band **Symphony X** from their 2011 eighth studio album **Iconoclast**.

## Lyrics

[Verse 1]

Screaming at the walls around me, broken and alone

Fighting with my inner demons is all I've ever known

All I am I give to you, oh, all my dreams and nightmares, too

[Verse 2]

Disconnected life of anguish, the mirror fades to black

Feels like I'm sinking deep into illusion, no one's staring back

Somewhere unseen, there's something between

Is it the truth or a lie?

[Chorus]

Can't you see, you and me

We're Children of a Faceless God?

Misery is our destiny

We're Children of a Faceless God, huh!

[Verse 3]

Just another faceless shadow, I'm desensitized

And I don't feel the pain, am I insane? My nightmare's realized

Somewhere unseen, there's something between

Is it the truth or a lie?

[Chorus]

Can't you see, you and me

We're Children of a Faceless God?

Misery is our destiny

We're Children of a Faceless God

[Bridge]

(Let us embrace)

All I have I give to you

All my dreams, my nightmares, too

[Verse 3]

Wretched promenade, watch the freak parade

Celebrate the suffering and affliction

Laugh at tragedy, worship sin with me

Let us share in selfish addiction

Spitting on the shrine, drink the poison wine

Leave a life in ruins, tattered and torn

Completely interfaced to a God without a Face

In his image of darkness, I'm reborn

[Chorus]

Can't you see, you and me

We're Children of a Faceless God?

Misery is our destiny

We're Children, Children of a Faceless God

[Chorus]

Can't you see, you and me

We're Children of a Faceless God?

Misery is our destiny

We're Children of a Faceless God
The Relic

**The Relic** is a song by progressive symphonic neoclassical power metal band **Symphony X** from their 1998 fourth studio album **Twilight in Olympus**.

## Lyrics

Silver cross in ancient halls, deep inside the castle walls

Bound to sleep, forever locked in chains

Evil carved into the stone, ancient words they've never known

A serpent's silent shroud still remains

Come with me and I'll make all your wishes come true

Lifting the chains of oppression from you

Wiping away the lines carved in your face

Take the Relic from this place...

Carry on, into the horizon, wielding courage, staff in hand

Journey on, through shadows and dreams, and what

Lies beyond the guardian's keep

Prey and siege in voiceless woe, dust was scattered long ago

Awaken from the dark and endless sleep

Man's desires-now mortal wounds, believing tales and shallow truths

Hardened hearts now tremble in the keep

Trust in me and I'll lay all your nightmares to waste

Take the Relic from this place

Carry on, into the horizon, wielding courage, staff in hand

Journey on, through shadows and dreams, and what

Lies beyond the guardian's keep

Carry on, into the horizon, wielding courage, staff in hand

Journey on, through shadows and dreams, and what

Lies beyond the guardian's keep

Carry on, into the horizon, wielding courage, staff in hand

Journey on, through shadows and dreams, and what

Lies beyond the guardian's keep
Electric Messiah

**Electric Messiah** is a song by progressive symphonic neoclassical power metal band **Symphony X** from their 2011 eighth studio album **Iconoclast**.

## Lyrics

You liberate me, separate and set me free

You release my spirit to the wind

For evermore your name will soar inside of me

Let the reign of steel begin

Oh, how the prophets of the people were so blind

As one by one, all the kingdoms fall in line

Hail the Night - the Bringer of Light

My Electric Messiah

Come and be transformed - unmade and reborn

Set your soul on fire

All will believe, you won't deceive in any way

Endless empty minds at you command

I'll never fail, I'll drive the nail in all the way

Right into you heart with dying hands

Oh, how the prophets of the people were so blind

As one by one, all the kingdoms fall in line

Hail the Night - the Bringer of Light

My Electric Messiah

Come and be transformed - unmade and reborn

Set your soul on fire

Hail the Night - the Bringer of Light

My Electric Messiah

Come and be transformed - unmade and reborn

Set your soul on fire
Iconoclast

***Iconoclast*** is the eighth studio album by the progressive metal band Symphony X, released in June 2011.

## Theme

When interviewed, vocalist Russell Allen said that the lyrical concept of the album is based on *"The idea of machines taking over everything, and all this technology we put our society into pretty much being our demise."* Allen said on Heavy Metal Thunder that "it isn't a story, but rather a theme, like *Dark Side of the Moon* by Pink Floyd."

## Album Art

Illustrator and film concept artist Warren Flanagan (*Watchmen*, *The Incredible Hulk*, *2012*), who designed the cover of *Paradise Lost*, returned as art director for *Iconoclast*. Sharing his creative process on the album's artwork: *"The idea was to create imagery that was a little darker in tone to previous Symphony X albums and to represent the overall theme of Iconoclast into the artwork. The whole concept came from Michael Romeo, who had a strong idea of what the cover should represent based on the music. I just ran with it. When the album's title was decided on, I focused the image based on the meaning of it. I also wanted to use the band's signature 'masks' but present them in a way that connected to the new album."*

## Reception

*Iconoclast* debuted at number 76 on the *Billboard* 200 album chart in the United States, selling more than 7,300 copies in its first week. The record also debuted at number 7 on the Top Hard Rock Chart, number 19 on the Top Rock Chart and number 13 on the Top Independent Chart. The album showcases the highest chart position and the most first-week sales in the band's history.

## Track Listing

*Iconoclast* was released in two editions: a single disc version, and a double-CD special edition hardcover digipak. Guitarist Michael Romeo has stated that the special edition contains the track order that the band originally intended to release, but their label (Nuclear Blast) wanted a single-disc version as well. According to Romeo, the track "Reign in Madness" is the proper closing to the album.

### Normal Edition

* Iconoclast (song)
* The End of Innocence
* Dehumanized
* Bastards of the Machine
* Heretic
* Children of a Faceless God
* Electric Messiah
* Prometheus (I Am Alive)
* When All Is Lost

### Special Edition

#### Disc 1

* Iconoclast (song)
* Dehumanized
* The End of Innocence
* Bastards of the Machine
* Heretic
* Children of a Faceless God
* When All Is Lost

#### Disc Two

* Electric Messiah
* Prometheus (I Am Alive)
* Light Up the Night
* The Lords of Chaos
* Reign in Madness

## Personnel

* Russell Allen - vocals
* Michael Romeo - guitar
* Michael Pinnella - keyboards
* Michael Lepond - bass
* Jason Rullo - drums
* Warren Flanagan - artwork
The Odyssey

***The Odyssey*** is the sixth studio album by progressive metal band Symphony X, released on November 5, 2002 through Inside Out Music. The album is the band's first to be recorded entirely at guitarist Michael Romeo's home studio, The Dungeon. "Accolade II" is a sequel to "The Accolade" from *The Divine Wings of Tragedy* (1997). The title track is the album's grand finale: a 24-minute musical interpretation of Homer's *Odyssey*, an epic poem about the journey of ancient Greek hero Odysseus.

## Critical Reception

Alex Henderson at AllMusic gave *The Odyssey* three stars out of five, calling it an "old-school" album and "dated" for its time, while clarifying that "dated isn't necessarily a bad thing—if you hold a particular era in high regard, dated can actually be a plus." He also likened the mythical and fantasy elements to classic heavy metal acts such as Queensrÿche, Yngwie Malmsteen, Ronnie James Dio, Iron Maiden and Metallica.

Loudwire named the album in fifth in the list "Top 25 Power Metal Albums of All Time" and *Metal Hammer* ranked it at #19 in a similar list.

## Track Listing

1. Inferno (Unleash the Fire)
2. Wicked
3. Incantations of the Apprentice
4. Accolade II
5. King of Terrors
6. The Turning
7. Awakenings
8. The Odyssey (song)
	1. Part I - Odysseus' Theme / Overture
	2. Part II - Journey to Ithaca"
	3. Part III - The Eye"
	4. Part IV - Circe (Daughter of the Sun)"
	5. Part V - Sirens"
	6. Part VI - Scylla and Charybdis
		1. Gulf of Doom
		2. Drifting Home
	7. Part VII - The Fate of the Suitors / Champion of Ithaca

Japanese Special Edition Bonus Tracks

1. Masquerade '98
2. Frontiers

## Personnel

* Russell Allen – vocals
* Michael Romeo – guitar, orchestral keyboard, programming, engineering, mixing, production
* Michael Pinnella – keyboard, piano
* Jason Rullo – drums
* Michael Lepond – bass
* Steve Evetts – mixing, production
* Peter van 't Riet – mastering
* Tom Thiel, Illuvision – artwork
Angel

**Angel** is a song by rock/metal musician Russel Allen, the lead singer of Symphony X, from his 2005 first solo studio album Atomic Soul.

## Lyrics

Feeling heavy, got this stone on my back

It's driving me insane

Like a levee that's beginning to crack

Holding back this river of pain

Desperation has captured my soul

My mind stricken with fear

Don't see why I should try to go on

The voice of reason's calling me

It's calling me, but I can't hear it

Oh, my hands are shaking

Rattled nerves on the verge of breaking

That blade is turning on me

Turning, turning

(Guardian)

Angel, where are you now?

No one can save me, only you know how

(Guardian)

Angel, out on a ledge

Pull me away and save me from the bleeding edge

Lonely days and lonelier nights

No love come around my door

Oh, then demons they just screamin' away

Lord, I can't take it

I can't take enough to make it go away

I'm feeling jaded

Tired eyes on the verge of fading

Oh no, oh here they come again

Trying to tell me death is my friend

(Guardian)

Angel, where are you now?

No one can save me, only you can save me now

(Guardian)

Angel, out on a ledge

Pull me away and save me from the bleeding edge
Voodoo Hand

**Voodoo Hand** is a song by rock/metal singer Russell Allen, the lead singer of Symphony X, from his 2005 first solo studio album Atomic Soul.

## Lyrics

Late one night I was fixin' to fight

A dirty hustler tryin' to cop my $$$

When from behind a whiskey bottle

Cracked me then I hit the floor

Barely alive I could feel him drive

A black needle in to draw my blood

With an evil grin he sang a mojo hymn

And left me face down in the mud

Dark angel gonna get me

Lord, set me free

I've been cursed by a voodoo hand

Black magic all around

Oh mama, pray for my soul

I'm dying on this killing ground

Cursed by a voodoo hand

Death's needle pushing down

Oh mama, pray for my soul

I'm dying on this killing ground

Well, I headed south by word of mouth

To a shack down Louisiana way

I meet another man with voodoo hands

And this is what he had to say

I feel it in my bones

That your restless soul's

Tormented by an evil curse

But if this mojo man

Got your blood in his hands

No way the spell can be reversed

Dark angel ain't gonna let me be

I've been cursed by a voodoo hand

Black magic all around

Oh mama, pray for my soul

I'm dying on this killing ground

Cursed by a voodoo hand

Death's needle pushing, pushing

Oh mama, pray for my soul

I'm dying on this killing ground

Oh Lord, I'm dying

Cursed by a voodoo hand

Black magic all around

Oh mama, pray for my soul

I'm dying on this killing ground

Cursed by a voodoo hand

Death's needle pushing down

Oh mama, pray for my soul

I'm dying on this killing ground
My Darkest Hour

**My Darkest Hour** is a song by progressive symphonic neoclassical power metal band **Symphony X** from their 2015 ninth studio album **Underworld**.

## Lyrics

I've been betrayed

By the angel of death

And the serpent who stole her last breath

Feeding the flame

Though I pray for the best

I prepare for the worst, just the same

Dominator, subjugator

Locked in an apocalypse gaze

Desecrator, devastator

Set my world ablaze

In my darkest hour, with “thy kingdom's power”

Hear my song and hear my plea

Put the pieces back together, nothing lasts forever

My darkest hour, let it be…

Grant my request

Darksome master of pain

Incarnation of all that's profane

Without a prayer

Under six black wing's flutter

And six mouths of screaming despair

Born a liar, falsifier

Trapped in this damned infernal maze

Crucifier, born of fire

Set my world ablaze

In my darkest hour, with “thy kingdom's power”

Hear my song and hear my plea

Put the pieces back together, nothing lasts forever

My darkest hour, let it be…

In my darkest hour, with “thy kingdom's power”

Hear my song and hear my plea

Put the pieces back together, nothing lasts forever

My darkest hour, let it be…
Xraight

## Biografía fuera de rol

Xraight fue un miembro importante en el antiguo staff del servidor, aportando con su experiencia y habilidades en moderación y configuración de bots. También tenía un papel importante en la creación y redacción de reglas y reformas.

A pesar de no tener un cargo en el nuevo staff, Xraight sigue siendo una figura influyente y respetada en el servidor debido a su poder diplomático y su capacidad para hacer cambios limitados en el servidor sin necesidad de participar en la administración directamente.

Además, Xraight ha sido conocido por su compromiso con la comunidad del servidor y su capacidad para resolver conflictos y mantener la armonía en el servidor. Su presencia ha sido importante en la construcción de una comunidad amigable y acogedora en el servidor.

Aunque no se sabe mucho sobre su vida personal, se sabe que Xraight es una persona dedicada y trabajadora que ha dejado su huella en el servidor y en la comunidad que lo rodea.

## Biografía dentro del rol

El ascenso de Xraight al poder fue bastante directo y sin mucho trasfondo, después de haber hecho gran cantidad de escritos reglamentarios en su estadía en el congreso menor, el monarca de ese entonces decidió darle un ascenso a Guardia Real, participó por mucho tiempo en labores del puesto además de la toma de iniciativas propias, pero poco tiempo después se le volvió dar un segundo gran ascenso, esta vez a Parlamento Real, convirtiéndolo en el tercer ciudadano de a pie en llegar a tan alto poder.

El origen de Xraight se remonta en alguna ciudad de la República de Flandes, en donde después de tener dificultades administrativas se mudo a un pequeño poblado entre las montañas, en lo que actualmente conocemos como Kulberg.

El inicio de la vida política de Xraight se podría resumir en su participación en múltiples movimientos rebeldes de distintas indoles con el fin de cambiar la administración nacional a lo que él creía sería un cambio a bien, llamándose a si mismo revolucionario, a pesar de ello logró mantenerse al margen para que no le derogasen del puesto de parlamento.

El nombre real de Xraight se tiene registro que es Carlos Navarro, mas sin embargo se tiene la sospecha de que dicho nombre es falso, no se a recibido información verdaderamente clara para confirmar esta sospecha.

Xraight tiene una considerable experiencia en la realización de estrategias y tácticas gracias a su participación directa en la Guerra Civil, llevando a la victoria a su bando grasoso.
Serpent's Kiss

**Serpent's Kiss** is a song by progressive symphonic neoclassical power metal band **Symphony X** from their 2007 seventh studio album **Paradise Lost**.

## Lyrics

Covenant of pure corruption

Sink my teeth deep into you

Solemn oath of sheer Destruction

Nightmare, through and through

In that hour - I'll devour

Hope is swallowed up in Pain

Taste the venom - feel the power

Coursing through my veins

I'm corruption

I'm destruction, through and through

Trust in Me... for I will set you free

With a Serpent's Kiss

With a Serpent's Kiss

Be my Light and I won't stray - make me beg;

Make me pray

Tell me when to laugh or cry - when to live and when to die

Forgotten and betrayed

Rotting and decayed

Left to wither - without a voice

Left to slither - without a choice

Crucifier - spitting Fire

Say your little empty prayers

This Empire - growing higher

....to this spite, I swear

Sharp tongue severs - like a razor

Swimming in a sea of Rage

Vindicators - masqueraders

All the World's my Stage

I devour

I empower - God of Pain

Trust in me... for I will set you free

With a Serpent's Kiss

How could it come to this?

With a Serpent's Kiss

Trust in me... for I will set you free

With a Serpent's Kiss

How could it come to this?

With a Serpent's Kiss
V – The New Mythology Suite

***V: The New Mythology Suite*** is the fifth studio album by progressive metal band Symphony X, released on October 10, 2000 through Inside Out Music. It is a concept album dealing with the story of Atlantis, ancient Egyptian mythology, and astrology. The album is the band's first to feature its current and longest lineup, following the arrival of bassist Michael Lepond and the return of drummer Jason Rullo.

## Overview

As well as being a heavier continuation of the band's established progressive metal style, *V* also includes a multitude of excerpts from classical composers, including Giuseppe Verdi's *Messa da Requiem*; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Requiem Mass in D minor; Johann Sebastian Bach's Concerto for Harpsichord in D minor, BWV 1052 and Cantata No. 188; and Béla Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116, BB 123.

Symphony X's 1998 album *Twilight in Olympus* was released without a title track; instead, the unfinished compositions from those sessions were later re-worked and distributed in fragments throughout *V*, particularly on the final track, "Rediscovery (Part II) - The New Mythology". Guitarist Michael Romeo has since confirmed this: "About half of ['Rediscovery (Part II)'] is the song 'Twilight in Olympus', maybe a little more".

## Critical Reception

Robert Taylor at AllMusic awarded *V: The New Mythology Suite* three stars out of five, saying "As a whole, *V: The New Mythology Suite* works and proves that Symphony X has chosen to expand, rather than repeat, history in a genre that appeared to have peaked both creatively and technically." Particular attention was drawn to Michael Romeo's guitar playing style, with Taylor likening it to that of Yngwie Malmsteen, but remarking that it "has proved to be both a blessing and a curse for this gifted guitarist. His chops are certainly comparable, but his sound and style are often identical to his idol." He also criticized some of the music and themes as being "all too familiar", as well as singer Russell Allen's "macho vocal style."

Thom Jurek, also at AllMusic, called it "a solid meld of prog, power, and neoclassical metal that continually pushed their envelope of embracing and employing expert songwriting, arranging, and production techniques."

In 2016, *Classic Rock* named *V* in its list "10 Essential Progressive Metal Albums." *Metal Hammer* also named it on its list of "The 10 Essential Symphonic Metal Albums."

## Track Listing

1. Prelude
2. Evolution (The Grand Design)
3. Fallen
4. Transcendence (Segue)
5. Communion and the Oracle
6. The Bird-Serpent War/Cataclysm
7. On the Breath of Poseidon (Segue)
8. Egypt
9. The Death of Balance/Lacrymosa
10. Absence of Light
11. A Fool's Paradise
12. Rediscovery (Segue)
13. Rediscovery (Part II) - The New Mythology

## Personnel

* Russell Allen – lead vocals
* Michael Romeo – guitar, background vocals, orchestral arrangement, engineering, production
* Michael Pinnella – keyboard, orchestral arrangement, background vocals
* Jason Rullo – drums, percussion
* Michael Lepond – bass
* Eric Rachel – engineering, production
* Alan Douches – mastering
Accolade II

**The Accolade II** is a song by progressive symphonic neoclassical power metal band **Symphony X** from their 2002 sixth studio album **The Odyssey**. it's a sequel to the song The Accolade from their album **The Divine Wings of Tragedy**.

## Lyrics

On a cold and misty night

A ring of torches light the hallowed ground

Where his father's laid to rest

In the reflection of a sword

He sees his destiny and he swears up to the sky -

You will not have died in vain

On the field with sword and shield

Amidst the din of dying man's wails

War is waged - and the battle will rage

Until only the righteous prevail

From the shadows comes a man

Returning to his land - Winds of change

Taint the sweet smell of home

And all around him, he can see

The pain and misery

This tyrant's reign is through

I will stand and fight... Will you?

A heart of gold pumps within his metal skin

A noble line he carries on

On the field - with sword and shield

Amidst the din of dying man's wails

War is waged - and the battle will rage

Until only the righteous prevail

I wish to stay...to be here with you

You were my strength...How can I go on?

On the field - with sword and shield

Amidst the din of dying man's wails

War is waged - and the battle will rage

Until only the righteous prevail
Rod Tyler

**Rod Tyler** is the former vocalist of American progressive metal band Symphony X and power metal band Overlorde. He joined Overlorde briefly in 1988 under his real name, Rod Tyler Loiza, and left shortly in the same year. In 1994 he was recruited by Michael Romeo as the first vocalist for Symphony X. Tyler recorded vocals on the band's debut album Symphony X (1994). For Symphony X's second album The Damnation Game (1995), Tyler has been replaced by Russell Allen, whom he himself introduced to the band as his replacement. Allen has remained the band's singer ever since.
Bastards of the Machine

**Bastards of the Machine** is a song by progressive symphonic neoclassical power metal band **Symphony X** from their 2011 eighth studio album **Iconoclast**.

## Lyrics

[Verse 1]

You can be all you desire

An honest man, a vicious liar

Seek out the Light or seek the Dark

You can honor or desecrate

Sympathize or manipulate

Carved in your flesh, embrace the Mark

[Chorus]

Enslaved and hypnotized

Chained to artificial lives

You are the Bastards of the Machine, oh-oh

The Bastards of the Machine

[Verse 2]

Be a saint for those in need

Or spin them webs of lust and greed

Yeah, you've restored my dying faith

With a Kiss of Death, a last farewell

Hand in hand, through the Gates of Hell

You'll pay the price for the choice you make

[Chorus]

I see your demons rise

Deep within your burning eyes

You are the Bastards of the Machine, oh-oh

The Bastards of the Machine

[Instrumental]

[Bridge]

The Bastards of the Machine

Oh, you know that you are!

The Bastards of the Machine, oh!

The Bastards of the Machine

The Bastards of the Machine, oh!

[Outro]

You righteous bastards!
War of the Worlds Pt. 2

***War of the Worlds, Pt. 2*** is the third solo album by Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo, released on 25 March 2022 via Inside Out Music. It is a sequel to his previous album released in 2018, *War of the Worlds, Pt. 1*. It was originally scheduled for a February 4, 2022 release.

Romeo retained the same line-up of the previous release except for the vocals, which are now handled by Dino Jelusick. Like its predecessor, the album is inspired by the homonymous novel by H. G. Wells and, according to Romeo, "it takes the first record deeper into the journey. It's H.G. Wells with modern-day sci-fi, and there's a lot of super-heavy cinematic music and, obviously, lots of guitars". By the time Romeo released the first part, he already announced that a sequel was at the final stages of recording, but would take a while to be released because he wanted people "to absorb the first one for a while, and then we'll put out the second record. They'll complement each other, but they'll also be a bit different".

The first single and video, "Divide & Conquer", was released on January 7, 2022, with the video directed by Wayne Joyner. The second ones, "Metamorphosis", came on February 16, with the video also directed by Joyner.

The album was released as 180g black double LP gatefold, a limited double CD PocketPak with the instrumental version of the album and as a digital release.

## Track Listing

* Introduction - Part II
* Divide & Conquer
* Destroyer
* Metamorphosis
* Mothership
* Just Before the Dawn
* Hybrids
* Hunted
* Maschinenmensch
* Parasite
* Brave New World (Outro)
* The Perfect Weapon
* Alien DeathRay

## Personnel

* Dino Jelusick – vocals
* Michael Romeo – guitars, keyboards, orchestrations, cello, saz, oud
* John DeServio – bass guitar
* John Macaluso – drums

## Reception

On the German edition of *Metal Hammer*, Matthias Mineur described Romeo as "a master of a style hybrid of power, neo-classical and prog metal and [...] compositionally savvy". He said Jelusick "lifts" the album "to an even higher level" than that of its predecessor and finished his review saying that the release "inspires on two levels, so that the listener can hardly decide which of them is the more important."

On *Sonic Perspectives*, John Kokel also thought this album was better than the previous one. He praised Romeo for remaining "an Olympic gold medalist in lead guitar, but more importantly, he continues to fine-tune and push his skills as a composer." He conceded that the album bears some similarities with Romeo's main band Symphony X, but compared it favorably to other contemporary symphonic metal efforts. He summarized his review calling the album "a world-shaking fusion of cinematic symphony with the very best of modern progressive metal".