The Damnation Game

The Damnation Game is Symphony X's second album, on which Russell Allen joined on vocals, replacing Rod Tyler. This single change greatly moved the band forward, and Allen's powerful yet versatile voice would become the core of Symphony X thereafter. Further strengthening neoclassical technique and dark drama, with production improved over the debut, it is an accomplished work that laid the groundwork for their leap. Released through Zero Corporation (Japan) and Inside Out Music (Europe), it concentrates neoclassical ferocity and lyricism into nine songs of about 46 minutes. The opening title track, with an intro citing C.P.E. Bach's "Solfeggietto," is a neoclassical signature song. From "The Edge of Forever," where Kansas-like harmonies shine, to the beautiful ballad "Whispers" and the two-part closer "A Winter's Dream," the seeds of their later style can be heard throughout. Michael Romeo's fast playing and Michael Pinnella's keyboards tightly intertwine — still developing, but a record carving a firm sense of promise. In the middle section of "Dressed to Kill," after the guitar solo, a passage from J.S. Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier is cited.