I’ve been a Symphony X fan for over 25 years, Michael Romeo is so under rated and over looked, plus he’s the nicest guy ever, I talk to him after every show.
God, I spent *so* many hours learning that string skipping tapping lick back in the day. Criminally underrated guitar player in a criminally underrated band. Michael Romeo is the reason I started playing in D standard back in the late 90's.. Russell Allen could sing the phone book and kill.
Michael Romeo is an absolute monster on guitar. His solo album is pretty great too. He is often compared to Yngwie Malmsteen, but he is much more articulate and varied as a player. Yes, he does a lot of neoclassical, but he is so much more than that.
He is way better than Malmsteen. Malmsteen is onedimensional player. I absolutely love Symphony X Mythology Suite album with Egypt track which I consider their pinnacle. I really don't care much for the rest of their stuff even though I collected something like 6 or 7 of their albums. But Michael Romeo is very well known in guitar world. He is sought after as a chorus composer on other well known musicians. He often arranges entire tracks for them. You can hear his arrangements, he's got his signature approach to doing stuff. Symphony X is well known outside of US, very popular in both Europe and Japan where it rivals the DT popularity. For me, outside of The Mythology Suite, it's really difficult for me to go through other albums because it's simply not something I dig. It sounds too forced to me as opposed to the above mentioned album where everything flows very nicely, fantastic harmonies, time signature mastery, drumming, everything crystal clear by every band member. That album is one of my most favorite albums of all time.
@@ric112 One of my big inspirations for sure. Led Zeppelin first inspired me to play the guitar, but I loved learning some of Symphony X, especially the acoustic parts (Accolade, Divine Wings of Tragedy, the clean guitar instrumental on ''V'' album.) I tried to learn ''Inferno (unleash the fire)'' but I could never play that with his speed. lol
SYMPHONY X is my favorite band too. But they are not only a Neo Classical Metal band. They are a Progressive Metal band too. And you are right, Michael Romeo is not only a guitarist. He is the best composer of the Metal World now!
Yes, those are great, have you heard his first Solo album called ''The Dark Chapter'' from 1994? Definitely worth checking out, if you like Romeo's stuff.
Absolutely, I remember the first time I saw Symphony X live - Michael Romeo blew me away! Got to watch him 3 feet away during a Megadeth Gigantour concert in New Hampshire (came out shredding to "Inferno" from "The Odyssey" album) - The power went out (due to a huge Thunder storm) and their drummer kept us all interested with a 12 minute solo until the power came back on - then Romeo did his thing and blew everyone away! I'll always be a fan! BTW - Love the SHRED channel, you're the man brother!
Michael Romeo was putting down orchestral arrangements in his metal in the beginning of midi plugins. A pioneer of solo composing/recording at home with just a PC. Before modellers even. Those first few Symphony X albums were done doing home recording with cubase and plugins. Now that is the norm.
I like that you took the time to learn about music theory and all of Romeo's vast musical influences, but not how to pronounce the name of the city in which the band was performing. Real attention to detail there.
Met Romeo and I think a part of his family.. little child.. they came out of a cab right infront of the House Of Blues on Sunset (RIP).. I was there to part the crowd to let get him into the venue.. later on while he was playing i was infront of him with a couple of people infront of me.. got distracted then noticed everyone around me trying to look for something on the ground.. 30 mins later i reach in my pocket and there is a signed symphony x pic... Romeo somehow threw it into my from Jean pocket.. dude is a legend.
Romeo is incredible. Been listening to SX since the 90's. Absolute beast of a guitarist. To answer your questions at the end. I think the most underappreciated guitarist is another Caparison player, just like Romeo. His name is Mattias Eklundh and he's the reason Caparison started making 8 string guitars.
Romeo is the reason I got back into playing guitar after initially playing for a year or so then quitting. Something about his style just hooked me and I knew I had to pick it back up.
You should breakdown The Accolade. I love the section in The Accolade when all the instruments are playing at the same time in different time signatures. You've got the violin playing in 6/4, then the crystal sounding keyboard comes in at 7/8, the piano joins in at 5/4, followed by the guitar playing at 6/4, then the bass and drums come in to round out the sound with the bass alternating between 6/4 and 5/4 and the drums playing in 4/4. Such a great, and underrated, Symphony X song and that section, in particular, is just a beautifully crafted section.
Romeo is the KING. He's been #1 for over 25 years. I discovered Symphony-X back around 1995. Another amazing player that not many people know about is: Marcel Coenen. In Japan, there is SYU from Galneryus. Also from Japan: Midori and Miyako from LOVEBITES!
I'm primarily a metalhead, but IMO fusion guitarists reign supreme as they can masterfully play many genres and switch it up on the fly with immaculate phrasing and fluidity. I'd vote Alex Hutchings and Max Ostro as the best you've never heard of; they certainly can give Guthrie (my#1) a run for his money. Honorable mention goes to Stanley Jordan, who's two handed tapping is simply mind-blowing; also an equally skilled pianist like Lane and MacAlpine.
Started playing guitar because of Metallica's One. Specifically Kirk's solo at the end. In 2006-2008-ish, when I watched the DVD of the concert they did with the San Francisco symphony orchestra in the living room with my mum....when Kirk's solo started I jumped out of my seat, tears in my eyes. Telling my mum right then and there I wanted to learn guitar. That said, I started learning how to shred and started learning theory and took guitar playing seriously because of Michael Romeo and Symphony X. I once heard him described as a "guitarist's guitarist". I think that fits perfectly. You listen to their songs (especially the older stuff) and you're like: "That right there. That's the level I wanna be at." Thank you for bringing attention to this man's amazing work.
I saw them play this song live just a few days ago! Michael Romeo is amazing live, he never misses a note or anything. Just flawless. The whole band is awesome.
I started listening Symphony X in the 90’ Symphony X is not a new band, they been around for more than 20 years …but I’m agree, not many people know them and M. Romeo is totally underrated… I always said that he is and was superior than J. Petrucci …way more progressive, neo classic and heavy …he is awesome… Great video …🤟🏼🤘🏼
Just saw the in montreal and FFs they are so good. I wish their show was 3h. Its really one of my best show I attended so far. Every member is a master of their craft.
Michael Romeo absolutely rips! His solo stuff and work with Symphony X is outstanding! Another guitarist that seems to fly under the radar is Ron Jarzombek of Blotted Science, WatchTower, Spastic Inc, ect. He's another guy that's outta this world with his playing and composition.
I think the band has been more popular in Europe than the US. And yes! He is an amazing guitar player, seen him live a few times and the huge control he has on the instrument is just out of this world.
Yes I have.. Been a Fan of Symphony X since 2011. I actually commented on one of your videos about 3 years ago mentioning this band and Michael Romeo, with them using the Gustav Holst's Marks bringer of War in their epic track ''Divine Wings of Tragedy''.. I am really glad you made a video on him! \m/
The first time I heard symphony x was on 2nd shift running an engine lathe. This old school metal head was blasting it across the shop. The rest, as they say, is history.
Mister Romeo and Kiko Loureiro are two of the greatest and most underrated metal guitarists ever. They have everything, they write good songs and know how to play for them while keeping their style untouched. Two masters by their own
@@idk9637 he's underrated basically because people stay only with what he's done with Megadeth or Angra. But by himself he's able to play instrumental rock music, jazz fusion, brazilian jazz, bossa nova... Always with his identity untouched and unmatched. He is a master of the instrument and chooses to play the way he does in every single context, I don't think people are aware of this
Michael Romeo is one of guitarist which songs slaps me so hard. While obviously need to practice most shred songs dilligently, i can paraphrase most of Yngwie, Vinnie Moore, even some Impelliteri licks and their songs, but Michael Romeo....damn, that guy simply writes not only fast but extremely musical AND BRUTAL lines that needs full attention and commitment to MERELY learn at like, 60% Speed
The man is a beast. One of the things I love about this guy is that he plays his solos just as tight and clean as the studio recordings. And he makes it look so effortless.
Saw them in Albany ca. 2017 - 18? and for their encore they played the song The Odyssey in full. As an encore, after a two hour set. For only about 80 people.
I've been listening to Symphony X since 2001, I play keyboards and piano, I became huge fan of the band, knowing that Romeo is the main composer, I really got influenced a lot by his works, the band is extremely and criminally underrated, they are on the top of the Metal bands out there and deserve big appreciation, top quality music.
I love Symphony X, all the members are a huge musicians, but especially Russell, he's voice is in metal music, like Steve Perry's voice is for 80's rock music
Cool Story about Michael Romeo.. I went to go see Symphony X when i was younger.. and was pretty close to his side of the stage.. only a few people were infront of me... i looked away from the stage and looked back to see EVERYONE going crazy looking at the the floor searching for something.. ended up being a pick that Romeo threw out.. 20 mins goes by and from what i saw no one found the pick.. For some reason i ended up putting both hands into my pocket.. and i felt a pick in my front right pocket... It was a Symphony X Pick with Romeo's Sig on it.. my friend looked over all excited i found it but was shocked in disbelief when i told him i actually found it in my pocket...
The only Metal band that can make me listen to 24min song on repeat - The Odyssey :D. I'm so fcking glad I rediscovered them recently, and now they blow my mind away.
I'm just a 45 yo black dude from Maryland, moved to California and I've been listening to X for 10 years, maybe more, just incredible. Steve Vai, Mark Rizzo.
Decades ago guitar player mag I believe it was called him the next Malmstien. I used to rent a rehearsal room in DD Vernies studio. Symphony x had a room there. Mostly to store their road gear. Once or twice a year they would practice for a tour or their next album. When they started playing all others bands who may have been there, like mine would stop playing and just listen in awe. Very nice guys too. Mike's wife is a very talented classical pianist as well. Her brother was the drummer in Exxplorer. Another good band from NJ. Check out their early stuff. Much different but very good. Always reminded me of early Merciful Fate.
YEah Michael is amazing. I'm trying to learn one of his solos and I don't think I can do this lol Underrated guitarist(s) AJ Minette and Dean Herrera from The Human Abstract
of all the VHS instructional videos of the late 80's and early 90's, the best ones were Vinnie Moore #1, Gilbert #2, both best teachers, Michael Angelo, Kotzen, Friedman, Lynch, not so much as a teacher, but just watching the amazing sht, and Gambale, but M Romeo just hand a great few tapes. My ultimate favs are Friedman, Kotzen (super advanced) Moore and Romeo and i still use licks and lessons form those tape to this day for warm up and to woodshed.
Been a fan of Symphony X for years. I'd say they are a Prog metal band with classical touches rather than a Neo classical band. One of the best guitarists that doesn't get as much notice as he should is Jeff Waters of Annihilator, also Olaf Lenk of At Vance.
I am 39 years old and been a drummer since I was a kid and a progressive drummer since 2004. I got into Dream Theater back in 1996 when I first discovered the album Awake and Mike Portnoy has been my favorite drummer ever since and still is. DT isn't what they used to be without Mike Portnoy leaving in 2010. However Jason Rullo is a very close second favorite drummer for me plus he shares my name Jason haha. I got into Symphony X back in 2001/2002 when The Odyssey album first came out and I was hooked. Symphony X is easily one of the best Prog bands ever. Russell Allen is my favorite singer ever along with Neal Morse. Mike Romeo is the best guitar player ever....or at the very least on the same level with John P from DT or Marco Sfogli.
Symphony X is prog metal. But more importantly: Michael Romeo, and especially his project Michael Romeo, shows what a great overall musician he is. He plays all instruments - well, apart from the drums - flawlessly. Check his two albums War of the Worlds pt 1 and pt 2. 10/10
Symphony X is so damn good! Been trying to catch them live for almost 15 years and something always comes up. Got to see the lead singer of symphony x touring with Trans-Siberian orchestra which was pretty rad though!🤘💪
Symphony X is just the greatest band in the world, Michael Romeo is the most complete guitar player of all time, technically, groove, creativity, rythm, solo
Seen them in 2000 or 2001 first album I think . In a blinding snow storm me and a a buddy drove to Pittsburgh Pa that was crazy like 20 some hour drive!! The best unknown guitarist Ron Jarzombek !!!!!!!!!
Andy LaRocque is also one of the most underrated guitarists. I'm not a guitarist, but I know he sounds different from other guitar players and plays some melodies in a way that would raise your eyebrows and rewind the solo. I just wish I could find the words to describe his style of playing, but please do give him a listen if you have any time to spare. Pardon me I forgot to mention that he's been playing in King Diamond from the beginning and also played on Death's Individual Thought Patterns.
Absolutely!! Andy la Rocque is my favourite guitarist, he's one of the best, I heard king diamond "conspiracy" when it was released, it's still my favourite album, king diamond is the best 🤘
Definitely have heard of him. Symphony x is my personal favorite band of all time. Seen em live twice, n got to meet them all on the underworld tour back in October 2015. Was wicked cool.
Love your channel. I can’t workout to this and Dream Theater because when I hear music I focus on meter changes/key changes and licks 😂. It’s worse for Meshuggah 😂. My musician brain works different 😅🫤
Some kid I don’t remember from when I was in summer college at 16 years old, he showed me symphony X and dragon force on the same day. I had thought at that point Kirk Hammett was the best guitarist. Needless to say, he opened a whole new frontier for me. I was mother fucked.
Thank you for introducing me to the band. I've heard about them and about Michal Romeo in particular, but somehow I've never listened to their compositions.
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Michael Romeo is awesome, great voice, amazing guitarist, his latest music is awesome!!
You ever react to Buckethead?????
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Michael Romeo and Symphony X are extremely underappreciated in the metal world. Can't wait to see them at the end of the month!
Enjoy muhahaha
I've seen them live back in 2016, one of the best concerts man.. You'll definitely enjoy
I'm gonna see them at Montréal saturday may 14 best band metal progressif
Yea, they really are.
I do think the last 3 albums are very samy.
But the up until paradise lost, every album was very different from the other.
@@casaroli I really like Underworld, but it was definitely different than Iconoclast, but Paradise Lost is their most brutal.
Michael Romeo and Symphony X are criminally underrated. One of my favorite bands ever.
I’ve been a Symphony X fan for over 25 years, Michael Romeo is so under rated and over looked, plus he’s the nicest guy ever, I talk to him after every show.
God, I spent *so* many hours learning that string skipping tapping lick back in the day. Criminally underrated guitar player in a criminally underrated band. Michael Romeo is the reason I started playing in D standard back in the late 90's.. Russell Allen could sing the phone book and kill.
Michael Romeo is an absolute monster on guitar. His solo album is pretty great too. He is often compared to Yngwie Malmsteen, but he is much more articulate and varied as a player. Yes, he does a lot of neoclassical, but he is so much more than that.
One of Romeo's main influences is Uli Jon Roth.
Also Gary Moore and Shawn lane for his fusion side
His riffs are so monstrous
He is way better than Malmsteen. Malmsteen is onedimensional player.
I absolutely love Symphony X Mythology Suite album with Egypt track which I consider their pinnacle.
I really don't care much for the rest of their stuff even though I collected something like 6 or 7 of their albums.
But Michael Romeo is very well known in guitar world. He is sought after as a chorus composer on other well known musicians. He often arranges entire tracks for them.
You can hear his arrangements, he's got his signature approach to doing stuff.
Symphony X is well known outside of US, very popular in both Europe and Japan where it rivals the DT popularity.
For me, outside of The Mythology Suite, it's really difficult for me to go through other albums because it's simply not something I dig.
It sounds too forced to me as opposed to the above mentioned album where everything flows very nicely, fantastic harmonies, time signature mastery, drumming, everything crystal clear by every band member. That album is one of my most favorite albums of all time.
@@mitsanut5869 I saw a photo of Hazuki from Nemophila. She was wearing a Symphony-X shirt!
“Best guitarist you’ve never heard of.” Man Michael Romeo is my favorite guitar player, lol.
Yes!
He's always been one of my favorite guitarists, ever since I found out about Symphony X back in 2011.
same. he inspired me to play guitar 20 years ago, and he's still the best as far as i'm concerned.
@@ric112 One of my big inspirations for sure. Led Zeppelin first inspired me to play the guitar, but I loved learning some of Symphony X, especially the acoustic parts (Accolade, Divine Wings of Tragedy, the clean guitar instrumental on ''V'' album.) I tried to learn ''Inferno (unleash the fire)'' but I could never play that with his speed. lol
@@lopolik Candlelight Fantasia was one of the first i ever learned :D took me many years to get inferno down
SYMPHONY X is my favorite band too. But they are not only a Neo Classical Metal band. They are a Progressive Metal band too. And you are right, Michael Romeo is not only a guitarist. He is the best composer of the Metal World now!
Michael Romeo is my favorite guitar player, period. Has been since I discovered Symphony X back in my teen years.
I really dig his solo stuff, War Of The Worlds Pt. 1 and Pt. 2. Great vid as always!
Yes, those are great, have you heard his first Solo album called ''The Dark Chapter'' from 1994? Definitely worth checking out, if you like Romeo's stuff.
@@lopolik Yes, I have it. It's excellent.
Absolutely, I remember the first time I saw Symphony X live - Michael Romeo blew me away! Got to watch him 3 feet away during a Megadeth Gigantour concert in New Hampshire (came out shredding to "Inferno" from "The Odyssey" album) - The power went out (due to a huge Thunder storm) and their drummer kept us all interested with a 12 minute solo until the power came back on - then Romeo did his thing and blew everyone away! I'll always be a fan! BTW - Love the SHRED channel, you're the man brother!
his work in symphony x is some of the best guitar playing i’ve ever heard. truly inspiring player and very underappreciated in the metal world
Michael Romeo was putting down orchestral arrangements in his metal in the beginning of midi plugins. A pioneer of solo composing/recording at home with just a PC. Before modellers even. Those first few Symphony X albums were done doing home recording with cubase and plugins. Now that is the norm.
I remember when he was using the Mesa/Boogie TriAxis.
He also used Steinberg Nuendo when he composed and recorded "The Odyssey".
@@TheCyberMantis Didn't know those details! Cool. I didn't even know Steinberg Nuendo was a thing.
And he plays the brand than no players have heard of Caparison. Love my Horus and your channel Shred.
I like that you took the time to learn about music theory and all of Romeo's vast musical influences, but not how to pronounce the name of the city in which the band was performing. Real attention to detail there.
Met Romeo and I think a part of his family.. little child.. they came out of a cab right infront of the House Of Blues on Sunset (RIP).. I was there to part the crowd to let get him into the venue.. later on while he was playing i was infront of him with a couple of people infront of me.. got distracted then noticed everyone around me trying to look for something on the ground.. 30 mins later i reach in my pocket and there is a signed symphony x pic... Romeo somehow threw it into my from Jean pocket.. dude is a legend.
Romeo is incredible. Been listening to SX since the 90's. Absolute beast of a guitarist.
To answer your questions at the end. I think the most underappreciated guitarist is another Caparison player, just like Romeo. His name is Mattias Eklundh and he's the reason Caparison started making 8 string guitars.
Dude is literally one of the greatest to ever do it, should be way more widely known
Romeo is the reason I got back into playing guitar after initially playing for a year or so then quitting. Something about his style just hooked me and I knew I had to pick it back up.
You should breakdown The Accolade. I love the section in The Accolade when all the instruments are playing at the same time in different time signatures. You've got the violin playing in 6/4, then the crystal sounding keyboard comes in at 7/8, the piano joins in at 5/4, followed by the guitar playing at 6/4, then the bass and drums come in to round out the sound with the bass alternating between 6/4 and 5/4 and the drums playing in 4/4. Such a great, and underrated, Symphony X song and that section, in particular, is just a beautifully crafted section.
Been a Romeo fan since about 2000
I love Michael Lepond's bass arrangements especially live, the things he did to some of the older songs before he joined are awesome.
JOkes on you Shred, I've been listening to SX since at least 2008.
Romeo is the KING. He's been #1 for over 25 years. I discovered Symphony-X back around 1995.
Another amazing player that not many people know about is: Marcel Coenen.
In Japan, there is SYU from Galneryus.
Also from Japan: Midori and Miyako from LOVEBITES!
I'm primarily a metalhead, but IMO fusion guitarists reign supreme as they can masterfully play many genres and switch it up on the fly with immaculate phrasing and fluidity. I'd vote Alex Hutchings and Max Ostro as the best you've never heard of; they certainly can give Guthrie (my#1) a run for his money.
Honorable mention goes to Stanley Jordan, who's two handed tapping is simply mind-blowing; also an equally skilled pianist like Lane and MacAlpine.
Started playing guitar because of Metallica's One. Specifically Kirk's solo at the end. In 2006-2008-ish, when I watched the DVD of the concert they did with the San Francisco symphony orchestra in the living room with my mum....when Kirk's solo started I jumped out of my seat, tears in my eyes. Telling my mum right then and there I wanted to learn guitar.
That said, I started learning how to shred and started learning theory and took guitar playing seriously because of Michael Romeo and Symphony X. I once heard him described as a "guitarist's guitarist". I think that fits perfectly. You listen to their songs (especially the older stuff) and you're like: "That right there. That's the level I wanna be at."
Thank you for bringing attention to this man's amazing work.
I saw them play this song live just a few days ago! Michael Romeo is amazing live, he never misses a note or anything. Just flawless. The whole band is awesome.
I’ve heard of him since 1990 when he played in a Sam Ash guitar contest in NJ at the Birch Hill, won by Ron Thal.
Romeo is fantastic, I've been a fan of Symphony X for 20 years. Class act.
met him last week in quebec city got to speak music with him for 20-25 minutes. a really great player and a great guy as well!
I totally agree with you @Shred Been into Romeo for a number of years now!! Great video man. Love your sense of humor.
dude what! i am in love with symphony x. michael romeo has been my favorite guitarist for a while now
I love Symphony X. This guys are fantastics. Michael Romeo is a monster!!
1st time i saw michael romeo was in 2010 and i was so amazed by his talent. And until now i still keep on watching his videos.
I started listening Symphony X in the 90’
Symphony X is not a new band, they been around for more than 20 years …but I’m agree, not many people know them and M. Romeo is totally underrated… I always said that he is and was superior than J. Petrucci …way more progressive, neo classic and heavy …he is awesome…
Great video …🤟🏼🤘🏼
Just saw the in montreal and FFs they are so good. I wish their show was 3h. Its really one of my best show I attended so far. Every member is a master of their craft.
Michael Romeo absolutely rips! His solo stuff and work with Symphony X is outstanding! Another guitarist that seems to fly under the radar is Ron Jarzombek of Blotted Science, WatchTower, Spastic Inc, ect. He's another guy that's outta this world with his playing and composition.
Ron is the man!
Blotted Science is absolutely insane.
My two faves mate 🤘
That title belongs to Rocky George!
With that said, I love Michael Romeo and Symphony X, especially the 90's stuff.
I think the band has been more popular in Europe than the US. And yes! He is an amazing guitar player, seen him live a few times and the huge control he has on the instrument is just out of this world.
Yes I have.. Been a Fan of Symphony X since 2011. I actually commented on one of your videos about 3 years ago mentioning this band and Michael Romeo, with them using the Gustav Holst's Marks bringer of War in their epic track ''Divine Wings of Tragedy''.. I am really glad you made a video on him! \m/
Symphony-X has been my #1 band since 1995. Check out the band: LOVEBITES.
@@TheCyberMantis thanks man. I will check them out! Do you know Shadow Gallery? if you don't check that band out man.
@@lopolik I have a couple of Shadow Gallery cd's in my collection.
The first time I heard symphony x was on 2nd shift running an engine lathe. This old school metal head was blasting it across the shop.
The rest, as they say, is history.
i didnt know he isnt famous till now actually...he has been my guitar hero for over 15+ years and i had been waiting for his solo album forever
Mr.Shred I am so glad I found this video... I thought MICHEAL ROMEO will be forgotten, what is truly unfair... BR
Mister Romeo and Kiko Loureiro are two of the greatest and most underrated metal guitarists ever. They have everything, they write good songs and know how to play for them while keeping their style untouched. Two masters by their own
Loads and loads of people froth over Kiko lol. He’s miles away from underrated.
i dont know if kiko is underrated. i see so many people say hes megadeths best guitarist ever. like all the time i see it.
@@idk9637 he's underrated basically because people stay only with what he's done with Megadeth or Angra. But by himself he's able to play instrumental rock music, jazz fusion, brazilian jazz, bossa nova... Always with his identity untouched and unmatched. He is a master of the instrument and chooses to play the way he does in every single context, I don't think people are aware of this
Michael Romeo is one of guitarist which songs slaps me so hard. While obviously need to practice most shred songs dilligently, i can paraphrase most of Yngwie, Vinnie Moore, even some Impelliteri licks and their songs, but Michael Romeo....damn, that guy simply writes not only fast but extremely musical AND BRUTAL lines that needs full attention and commitment to MERELY learn at like, 60% Speed
He's my favorite guitarist of all time absolute monster.
The man is a beast. One of the things I love about this guy is that he plays his solos just as tight and clean as the studio recordings. And he makes it look so effortless.
He is one of the most naturally fluid players there is. Just effortless when he plays, and insane technique.
hes that guy who just LOVES playing guitar and it shows.
Saw them in Albany ca. 2017 - 18? and for their encore they played the song The Odyssey in full. As an encore, after a two hour set. For only about 80 people.
I am fortunate to have seen these guys live twice. Definitely check them out in your area! Russell Allen's voice live is something else.
I've been listening to Symphony X since 2001, I play keyboards and piano, I became huge fan of the band, knowing that Romeo is the main composer, I really got influenced a lot by his works, the band is extremely and criminally underrated, they are on the top of the Metal bands out there and deserve big appreciation, top quality music.
Great band. Have seen them live many times. The New Mythology Suite is a masterpiece.
Symphony X rules, in my top 3 favorite bands ever. I've met them and had conversations with them they're awesome!
I love Symphony X, all the members are a huge musicians, but especially Russell, he's voice is in metal music, like Steve Perry's voice is for 80's rock music
Cool Story about Michael Romeo.. I went to go see Symphony X when i was younger.. and was pretty close to his side of the stage.. only a few people were infront of me... i looked away from the stage and looked back to see EVERYONE going crazy looking at the the floor searching for something.. ended up being a pick that Romeo threw out.. 20 mins goes by and from what i saw no one found the pick.. For some reason i ended up putting both hands into my pocket.. and i felt a pick in my front right pocket... It was a Symphony X Pick with Romeo's Sig on it.. my friend looked over all excited i found it but was shocked in disbelief when i told him i actually found it in my pocket...
The only Metal band that can make me listen to 24min song on repeat - The Odyssey :D. I'm so fcking glad I rediscovered them recently, and now they blow my mind away.
Man…. I had the great honor to witness him in gigantour! His tone alone gave me goosebumps! Good times! 🤘🏽
Best guitar tone ever
MIchael Romeo is is a GOAT. Absolutely love Symphony X
I’m going to see symphony x and haken later this month. Super excited.
I'm just a 45 yo black dude from Maryland, moved to California and I've been listening to X for 10 years, maybe more, just incredible. Steve Vai, Mark Rizzo.
Decades ago guitar player mag I believe it was called him the next Malmstien.
I used to rent a rehearsal room in DD Vernies studio. Symphony x had a room there. Mostly to store their road gear. Once or twice a year they would practice for a tour or their next album. When they started playing all others bands who may have been there, like mine would stop playing and just listen in awe. Very nice guys too. Mike's wife is a very talented classical pianist as well. Her brother was the drummer in Exxplorer. Another good band from NJ. Check out their early stuff. Much different but very good. Always reminded me of early Merciful Fate.
Symphony is one of my favorite metal bands!!! So good.
YEah Michael is amazing. I'm trying to learn one of his solos and I don't think I can do this lol
Underrated guitarist(s) AJ Minette and Dean Herrera from The Human Abstract
The things Michael has on recording. Is just musical as fuck.
Paradise Lost is one of my favorite albums. I would add that Russel Allen is one of the very best vocalists.
For to see Symphony X back in 2003, life changing.
of all the VHS instructional videos of the late 80's and early 90's, the best ones were Vinnie Moore #1, Gilbert #2, both best teachers, Michael Angelo, Kotzen, Friedman, Lynch, not so much as a teacher, but just watching the amazing sht, and Gambale, but M Romeo just hand a great few tapes. My ultimate favs are Friedman, Kotzen (super advanced) Moore and Romeo and i still use licks and lessons form those tape to this day for warm up and to woodshed.
Been a fan of Symphony X for years. I'd say they are a Prog metal band with classical touches rather than a Neo classical band. One of the best guitarists that doesn't get as much notice as he should is Jeff Waters of Annihilator, also Olaf Lenk of At Vance.
I guess I've never heard of Michael Romeo? Despite seeing him in concert like, 3 times. ;)
I am 39 years old and been a drummer since I was a kid and a progressive drummer since 2004. I got into Dream Theater back in 1996 when I first discovered the album Awake and Mike Portnoy has been my favorite drummer ever since and still is. DT isn't what they used to be without Mike Portnoy leaving in 2010.
However Jason Rullo is a very close second favorite drummer for me plus he shares my name Jason haha. I got into Symphony X back in 2001/2002 when The Odyssey album first came out and I was hooked. Symphony X is easily one of the best Prog bands ever. Russell Allen is my favorite singer ever along with Neal Morse. Mike Romeo is the best guitar player ever....or at the very least on the same level with John P from DT or Marco Sfogli.
Jason Rullo is a better technical drummer than Portnoy by far
Symphony X is prog metal. But more importantly: Michael Romeo, and especially his project Michael Romeo, shows what a great overall musician he is. He plays all instruments - well, apart from the drums - flawlessly. Check his two albums War of the Worlds pt 1 and pt 2. 10/10
That was awesome! I need to start looking into learning this style. I also like Buckethead 's style
Check out "Eve Of Seduction" it's such an amazing composition.
Symphony X is so damn good! Been trying to catch them live for almost 15 years and something always comes up. Got to see the lead singer of symphony x touring with Trans-Siberian orchestra which was pretty rad though!🤘💪
If you can get to see them I'd recommend it I saw them on the underworld tour amazing live and they played the Odyssey in full.
@@zedddddful that's awesome dude, killer album!! I hear they have a new album in the works so hoping for another tour cycle after this is dropped! 💪🤘
I waited 19 years lol and they announced that they're working on another album
THANK YOU Mr. Shred for breaking down what we are hearing...not only sound wise but key signature changes!! I HONOR YOU SIR!!!
Symphony X is just the greatest band in the world, Michael Romeo is the most complete guitar player of all time, technically, groove, creativity, rythm, solo
Michael is sick talented. I wish more people knew about him.
Mats Haugen from Circus Maximus is a sick player, ludicrously overlooked.
“No one heard off”? MR has been the favorite guitarist of everyone I know 🤨
Michael romeo is one of my guitar god i have all symphony x albums and also his solo albums
Seen them in 2000 or 2001 first album I think . In a blinding snow storm me and a a buddy drove to Pittsburgh Pa that was crazy like 20 some hour drive!! The best unknown guitarist Ron Jarzombek !!!!!!!!!
Symphony X is one of my fav metal bands
Andy LaRocque is also one of the most underrated guitarists. I'm not a guitarist, but I know he sounds different from other guitar players and plays some melodies in a way that would raise your eyebrows and rewind the solo. I just wish I could find the words to describe his style of playing, but please do give him a listen if you have any time to spare.
Pardon me I forgot to mention that he's been playing in King Diamond from the beginning and also played on Death's Individual Thought Patterns.
Absolutely!! Andy la Rocque is my favourite guitarist, he's one of the best, I heard king diamond "conspiracy" when it was released, it's still my favourite album, king diamond is the best 🤘
well,he is one of my guitar heroes❤.His Handcraft is Badass,!
Sx Rules!!!! Just saw them in Cleveland - amazing!
Definitely have heard of him. Symphony x is my personal favorite band of all time. Seen em live twice, n got to meet them all on the underworld tour back in October 2015. Was wicked cool.
Super underrated player and symphony x is crazy underrated too.
Totally agree! Just saw them play live just a few days ago and they were absolutely amazing.
He's one of my absolute favorite
I had Michael Romeo's guitar video back in 2004! he is one of the best guitar players out there!
Awesome, finally someone who get it, mr Romeo is a beast and has an amazing new album thanks bro.
Been a fan of the WHOLE band since the First album... CRITICALLY UNDERRATED !!!! MICHAEL is FUCKING AMAZING.🤘🤘
Love your channel. I can’t workout to this and Dream Theater because when I hear music I focus on meter changes/key changes and licks 😂. It’s worse for Meshuggah 😂. My musician brain works different 😅🫤
Symphony X is so underrated
Some kid I don’t remember from when I was in summer college at 16 years old, he showed me symphony X and dragon force on the same day. I had thought at that point Kirk Hammett was the best guitarist. Needless to say, he opened a whole new frontier for me. I was mother fucked.
My favorite musician ever!
I saw him in Gigantour in Tampa FL. over a decade ago.
Thank you for introducing me to the band. I've heard about them and about Michal Romeo in particular, but somehow I've never listened to their compositions.
My Domination....nuff said🤘🤘🤴🔥🔥🔥🔥💪
He is my favorite musician that ever lived and I'm just a vocalist and drummer.
My favorite guitarist and my favorite band.