SYMPHONY X Prepare To Record New Album

Guitarist Michael J. Romeo of the New Jersey prog-metallers SYMPHONY X has posted the following studio update on the band's official web site:

"Well, it's November and we have most of the music [for the next SYMPHONY X album] written, and about half the lyrics finished. Over the next month, we'll work out the arrangements and start putting it all together. This one is taking a bit longer than we expected. There was a lot of 'starting and stopping' with the writing, (between the tours and other unexpected things happening... like flooded studios, that kinda crap). So there have been some monkey-wrenches thrown into our usual way of working.

"In the past, it was like this: we'd spend a few weeks talking about some basic ideas and direction for the music / lyrics — then spend eight months to a year writing and putting it all together. Things happen faster that way — you have a goal and direction and you just dedicate your time to make it happen. This time things were a bit different; writing for a while — then on the road — then back to writing — and so on... and inspiration isn't something that you can 'turn on and off', it comes when it comes. You might work on something one day — and like where it is heading — but then stop for a month, come back, and find it difficult to get your mind-set back to the point where you left off. And, although it sounded like a good idea at the time, the phrase 'we can write songs on the bus' wasn't happening — too many distractions and other crap going on.

"Anyway…to sum it all up, the initial writing process took a little longer than usual. Aside from all that, everything else is cool. Things are moving at a good pace now and I'm thinking we can start the actual recording in a month or two.

"Once we get to the point where we are tracking — we can get some updates happening (studio reports, some pics, etc.). I know the ‘natives are getting restless' — but for now, there isn't a whole lot to say… just tell everyone to hang in there!"

SYMPHONY X were one of the second-stage bands at this past summer's Gigantour, a six-week festival trek co-headlined by MEGADETH and DREAM THEATER. "Rarities and Demos", the first fan club CD from the official international SYMPHONY X fan club, Church of the Machine, was shipped out in July to fan club members. The CD includes demo material, rare unreleased material, and Michael J. Romeo's interpretation of the "Star Wars" theme, done with over 15 guitar tracks.