Russell Allen is known as the frontman of progressive metal band Symphony X. Now he has composed and arranged a debut album full of traditionally rocking songs in the vein of Rainbow, Dio, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. He also played guitars and keyboards proficiently and produced the album. Guest musicians include fellow SyX members, his friends and the one and only, Jens Johansson on one song.

Right from the beginning you can hear that this album's soul is in back to the roots -attitude, sort of a tribute to Russell's heroes. The album doesn't have any weak moments. There are few mediocre songs, but Russell's performance shines on every song and floats them easily. My personal favorites include ”Voodoo Hand” with its killer groove, catchy vocals and killer harmonies. ”The Distance” is the pop hit of the album with its soft and somewhat sad guitars. Then there's ”Gaia”, the most SyX influenced (can I say influenced in this context) song, with Russell's trademark vocals and theatrical approach. ”We Will Fly” is this album's epic song with guest performance by Michael Pinnella. It has nice progressive touch and nice blend of traditional and modern riffin', reminiscenting partly SyX's ”Through The Looking Glass”.

The production of this album has been on professional hands. No wonder, it's recorded in Symphony X's own Dungeon studio. The guitar sounds on this album are more modern than you could expect. Few times I find that the guitar tracks are left too dynamic for my taste, but on the other hand in ”The Distance” the guitars somehow are dynamically so alive that they speak along with Russell's vocals. Mr. Allen has produced the album well, there aren't anything missing or too much. The mastering is also professionally handled, no clips what so ever. Nice.

Overall this album once again proves that Russell Allen has one of the most dominant voices in the business, not only in the progressive metal scene. Allen's chameleontic voice and hearable atomic soul makes this album a recommend buy for any rock fan.

Release date: April 25th, 2005


- TINK (April 12th, 2005)

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LINE-UP:
Allen, Russell: Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards Nelson, Robert: Drums Guests: Pinnella, Michael: Keyboards Anthony, Brendan: Guitar Johansson, Jens: Keyboard Solo on 'Atomic Soul' Freudberg, Jason: Guitar & Bass Salvatore, Larry: Guitar & Bass Romeo, Michael: Guitars & Bass
Producer:	Allen, Russell
Mixing by:	Unavailable
Mastering by:	Unavailable

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Blackout 02. Unjustified 03. Voodoo Hand 04. Angel 05. The Distance 06. Seasons of Insanity 07. Gaia 08. Loosin' You 09. Saucey Jack 10. We Will Fly 11. Atomic Soul Length: 50:11