The album opens with “Oculus ex Inferni” an instrumental, which can only be described as symphonic and cinematic inn scale. The arrangement is of epic proportions and one could be forgiven for thinking you were listening to music from an upcoming Harry Potter movie.

As the dying notes fade away the band waste no time as they launch into “Set the World On Fire (The Lie Of Lies)”. It bursts from the speakers and is the equivalent of a progressive metal hammer blow to the head. This one track displays all the ingredients of progressive metal in all its glory and in this case at its finest with grand melodies, tight and direct guitar riffs, passionate vocals, cool tempo changes, virtuoso musicianship all glued together with a wonderful feeling of controlled aggression.

“”Domination” follows and is a pacey number which moves along with real purpose. Russell Allen spits out his vocals and is on top form but the highlight of this song has to be the arrangement, which pulls the listener along via bouncing guitar riffs, amazing guitar and keyboard interplay and solos to die for.

“The Serpents Kiss” is a monster track (pun intended), which becomes more amazing on each listen. The track must have been a labour of love to put together as it contains enough musical ideas and melodies that a lesser band would build a whole career on. Without a doubt this will seen as a Symphony X classic in years to come.

“Paradise Lost” sees the aggression being reined in and in its place we are treat to a melodic tour de force, which features Russell Allen singing his heart out.

“Eve Of Seduction” is a song, which ploughs some deep, and dark grooves and feature Michael Romeo (guitar) pulling out slithery and snaky riffs one after the other. Another star of this track is Michael Pinnella who gives his keyboard one hell of a workout.

Whilst listening to “The Walls Of Babylon” I racked my brains for a word to portray music that is more than epic but couldn’t think of anything that does this track justice. All I can say is you’ll have to take my word for it when I say, “this song has everything” and raises Symphony X into the pantheon of “metal gods”.

“Seven” is as intense as it gets in this genre as it twists and turns while taking the listener on a very dark but satisfying ride.

“The Sacrifice” sees the band sailing new waters and finding new territories and textures. Classical guitar and melodic keyboards gently draw the listener into a melodic wonderland and to put the icing on the cake Romeo puts in a stunning solo, which displays his flawless technique and wonderful note choice.

“Revelation (Divus Pannae ex Tragoedia)” is big, bold and blessed with purposeful riffing. It’s also full of atmosphere and orchestration and as a final track to the album it’s a fitting finale. One could say the band have saved their most involved track till the end.

With “Paradise Lost” Symphony X have delivered one of their best albums to date. It sounds fantastic and displays individual performances where each player is positively on fire. It’s a musically ambitious release, which comes across as inspirational to this reviewer and sees Symphony X rising in stature.

To sum up I’ll quote Michael Romeo “My target as a metal fan and listener was: How does something have to sound to really blow me over? Each song should be as perfect as possible, really gripping and straight to the point. In other words, heavy, aggressive guitar riffs, haunting vocals and dark orchestration to compliment epic, detailed, passionately performed numbers. Something that makes you say wow, that’s brilliant! That’s what we set out to achieve”.

Well folks you better believe it, as never was a truer word spoken. In a word magnificent.