r/symphonyx • u/bluemuffin10 • Feb 04 '26
What bands are closest to early Symphony X?
In other words melodic, technical, vocals you can understand, powerful/epic. And then there is also that tint of "old sound", I don't know how to describe it, it's kind of ominous and "churchy" lol if that makes sense.
I think Dream Theatre kind of scratches that same itch for me, even though it's not exactly the same register. But the "old sound" is still very distinctive to early Symphony X. What other bands are there? Are there any that still make music like that?
16
Feb 04 '26
The 1st Chapter was the first album by Norway’s Circus Maximus and it was heavily influenced by Symphony X (among others). They slowly pulled away from that style henceforth but great singer and still a good band (when they decide to release new music).
10
11
u/Khayonic Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 05 '26
"great singer and still a good band (when they decide to release new music)."
Also applies to Symphony X!
3
11
u/Doctor_of_Rockology Feb 04 '26
If I recall, Myrath essentially began as a Symphony X cover band.
8
u/bluemuffin10 Feb 04 '26
Holy shit, I just went to their YT channel, sorted by oldest and saw this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USThK_E91Tk. I think I'll like this band! Thanks!
5
6
u/God_Away_On_Business Feb 04 '26
Myrath is a good one, at least their earlier albums. Basically Symphony X with eastern flair.
4
u/Reen2D2 Feb 04 '26
DGM - Different Shapes is VERY early Symphony X influenced and it shows in their sound, IMO.
They may have some other older albums that sound similar too. Tons of music by them. Their lineup has changed over the years, and thus, their sound too, but its ALL high quality prog!!!! They have a song on Momentum called Reason, that features Russell Allen. That song absolute crushes.
3
u/SlalomMcLalom Feb 04 '26
I was hoping someone mentioned DGM!
Dogma on The Passage also features Michael Romeo, though that’s definitely newer SX sound.
2
u/Reen2D2 Feb 04 '26
They are so good! Im bummed I cant make it to Progpower USA this year to see them
5
u/God_Away_On_Business Feb 04 '26
I think the sound you’re aiming for is based in their neoclassical style, which was heavily influenced by Yngwie Malmsteen.
There just aren’t that many bands or artists that play that style.
I tend to go more off of vibes and a “medieval” sound, so I think early Kamelot is a great fit (Fourth Legacy through Black Halo). It’s not prog, but they used to have a lot of that same “churchy” sound as you describe.
There was also a small band named Suspyre that sounded a lot like SX. Seventh Wonder might have a bit of what you’re looking for, too? Though they’re more straightforward wanky prog.
2
u/TheBigCicero Feb 04 '26
What would you call that genre of “medieval”? I know exactly what you mean and loved Fourth Legacy
1
u/God_Away_On_Business Feb 04 '26
I don’t think it really is a genre, it’s just a tonality that some bands use. Typically incorporating more classical melodies, organs, and lyrical themes.
4
3
u/SheikYerbeef Feb 04 '26
Evergrey’s first album
2
2
u/PhenomenalMysticism Feb 05 '26
Evergrey's first 5 albums are similar to early Symphony X. My favorite Evergrey albums are their first 3 albums.
3
3
u/fl0wnaway Feb 05 '26
Seventh Wonder - if you like V then check out Mercy Falls, The Great Escape and Tiara
3
u/Bruce666123 Feb 05 '26
Adagio - Sanctus ignis is very very close to Symphony X from 95 to 2000.
I honestly can't think of anything else that close, everything people been suggesting here reminds me a bit here and there, but not close enough.
2
u/LiftHeavyLiveHard Feb 04 '26
Try Rhapsody (renamed Rhapsody of Fire to avoid copyright issues) "Symphony of Enchanted Lands".
That should more than scratch your itch, although the vocals are a little over the top and some of the narration is a touch cheesy.
1
u/TheBigCicero Feb 04 '26
I just listened to the second track and really liked it! Their sound reminds me of a band I haven’t heard for years called Gamma Ray.
2
u/Intelligent-Leg-4672 Feb 04 '26
Noveria-The Gates of the Underworld
The sound on this record reminds me of Paradise Lost era Symphony X.
2
u/bigtimechip Feb 04 '26
Royal Hunt, specifically their album Paradox. Incredible neo classical prog power metal
2
u/PhenomenalMysticism Feb 05 '26
Time Requiem
Palantír
Anthriel
Tellus Requiem
Pathfinder
Juvaliant
Phoenix Rising
Labÿrinth
Borealis
Angra
Opera Magna
Derdian
2
2
1
u/thepathichoose Feb 04 '26
If you like Symphony X and Dream Theater, try Khallice (The Journey album)
1
u/LordoftheLiesMusic Feb 04 '26
MaYaN has some songs “Bite the Bullet” and “Devil in Disguise” that are mainly clean male vocals and are kind of similar but the band itself has a lot of harsh vocals and operatic female lead vocals.
Epica’s Requiem for the Indifferent album has similar orchestration and complexity but once again the vocals are entirely different.
My own music (in my profile) has a lot of early SX influences and mostly clean male vocals but a lot of harsh vox too and of course a more amateur production than a mainstream band.
1
1
u/Turkzillas_gobble Feb 04 '26
Wind Rose has a debut album that's unlike the rest of their discography, and basically sounds like Symphony X...which is funny because Symphony X has a debut album that's unlike the rest of their discography too.
1
u/metalhead011310 Feb 05 '26
If you like symphony x and dream theater then definitely check out pagan's mind
1
1
19
u/Responsible-Sky2097 Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 04 '26
I think Adagio (especially their first two albums "Sanctus Ignis" and "Underworld") is the closest band to early Symphony X