Symphony X is often compared to other progressive metal bands such as Dream Theater, Fates Warning, and Shadow Gallery. Their music includes complex timings and odd meters while incorporating elements of heavy metal and progressive rock. Their early albums in particular contain strong neo-classical elements reminiscent of Yngwie Malmsteen, Randy Rhoads, and others. The band have been categorized as progressive metal, power metal, and neoclassical metal, though the band themselves dislike genre labels with Romeo stating they can be "misleading sometimes ... at the core of it all we're a metal band".
Romeo explained the band's name in a 2008 interview; "So, you know, the music we were coming up with had the keyboard thing and the guitar, and some classical elements, so the word 'Symphony' came up and, so the dramatic thing, you know? So then, somebody said 'Symphony X' and we were like, 'yeah, that's cool' it is that kinda thing, and the 'X' is the unknown and all the other stuff we do."
The albums The Divine Wings of Tragedy and V: The New Mythology Suite were partially recorded in The Dungeon, Romeo's home studio. The Odyssey, Paradise Lost, Iconoclast and Underworld were fully recorded there and produced by Romeo himself.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphony_X
Studio albums
Symphony X (1994)
The Damnation Game (1995)
The Divine Wings of Tragedy (1996)
Twilight in Olympus (1998)
V: The New Mythology Suite (2000)
The Odyssey (2002)
Paradise Lost (2007)
Iconoclast (2011)
Underworld (2015)
The Accolade
Symphony X Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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"
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
The song "Accolade II" by Symphony X is a powerful and emotive piece that tells a story of war and sacrifice. The lyrics describe a man on a mission to avenge his father's death and uphold his legacy. The first verse sets the stage for the events to follow, with torches lighting up the ground where his father is buried. The second verse sees the singer reflecting on his destiny and making a promise to his father that his death will not be in vain. The chorus sounds a call to battle while exalting the righteous cause that they fight for.
The third verse introduces another character, a man coming back to his homeland only to find out that it has changed for the worse. The fourth verse sees the singer rallying the people to rise up against the tyrant that's ruling over them. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the importance of the battle and the fleeting nature of life. The final verse takes a turn, with the singer expressing his unwillingness to leave his loved ones behind and go to war. It's a heart-wrenching moment that highlights the human cost of conflict.
Overall, "Accolade II" is a poignant and epic song with lyrics that resonate with the listener. It's a testament to the band's ability to tell engaging stories through their music, and it showcases their talent for crafting intricate and powerful compositions.
Line by Line Meaning
On a cold and misty night,
The scene is set on a sombre night with fog and low temperatures.
a ring of torches light the hallowed ground
The graveyard is illuminated by a circle of burning torches.
where his father's laid to rest
The singer is at his father's burial site, paying his respects.
In the reflection of a sword
The artist sees a reflection of himself in a sword's blade.
he sees his destiny and he swears up to the sky -
The artist realizes his true calling and makes a vow to the heavens.
"You will not have died in vain"
The singer promises that his father's death will not be in vain.
On the field - with sword and shield
The singer is in the midst of a battle with his weapon and shield.
amidst the din of dying man's wails
The sounds of death and agony fill the air.
War is waged - and the battle will rage
The conflict will continue until there is a clear victor.
until only the righteous prevail
The artist is fighting for the greater good and will not stop until justice is served.
From the shadows comes a man,
A mysterious figure emerges from the darkness.
returning to his land - Winds of change
The newcomer has come back to his home country and brings with him a sense of transformation.
taint the sweet smell of home
The arrival of this person has altered the peaceful atmosphere of the singer's homeland.
And all around him, he can see
The singer is surrounded by the destruction caused by the invading tyrant.
the pain and misery
The people are suffering under the brutal dictator's rule.
this tyrant's reign is through
The evil tyrant's time in power is coming to an end.
"I will stand and fight... Will you?"
The artist calls on others to join him in his quest for justice.
A heart of gold pumps within his metal skin
The singer has a noble and virtuous heart, despite his rugged exterior.
A noble line he carries on
The singer has inherited his family's legacy and will continue fighting for their cause.
I wish to stay...to be here with you
The artist wishes he could stay with his loved ones, but feels a calling to continue his crusade.
You were my strength...How can I go on?
The artist is struggling to leave his family behind and continue fighting, as they have been his source of strength.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PINNELLA MICHAEL, MICHAEL LEPOND, MICHAEL ROMEO, RUSSELL ALLEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jada
on Children of a Faceless God
so cool but to much rock in the back round.