On Thursday 6th June, hundreds gathered at the Electric Ballroom in Camden, to witness the metal titans Symphony X, and the slowly established Savage Messiah tear shit up on the floor. This was part of a forty date run that the two bands were doing, which was culminating in Paris.
Savage Messiah are hot off the release of their new album Demons and consequently they packed the setlist with songs from that album. “Virtue Signal,” started things off with a heavy racket and a pounding furnace, which was met with a roar from the crowd. “Heretic In The Modern World,” came next, and though there were a few sound problems, the song was well received. “The Bitter Truth,” and “The Lights Are Going Out,” were both improved by the sound quality being a lot better, ensuring the audience got the chance to hear some soaring vocals.
The triple threat of “Under No Illusions,” “What Dreams May Come,” and “Parachute,” was masterfully done ensuring the listeners got their money’s worth. Savage Messiah then closed with “Down and Out,” and “The Fateful Dark,” both of which got the crowd going somewhat.
After a slight delay in the change over, Symphony X soon graced the fans with their presence.
It’s been a few years since Symphony X graced Britain’s shores, but they started off strong with: “Iconoclast,” and “Evolution (The Grand Design,)” getting the crowd roaring. “The Serpent’s KIss,” got a roar when it was started and Romeo shredded the house down. “Nevermore,” weaved itself in and out before the crowd were graced with “Without You,” and a mighty singalong was had by all.
“Domination,” and “Run With The Devil,” got the crowd going even more, and ensured there were a few mosh pits flowing around. “Sea of Lies,” and “Set The World On Fire,” dominated proceedings and ensured the crowd got their money’s worth, seeing Romeo effortlessly shred is something that makes many guitarists jealous, this reviewer included. The band then concluded on “The Odyssey,” a song so epic and bombastic that it flew by in moments.
A fantastic gig and one to bring the house down.