Episode #490 of the Talking Metal podcast features interviews with Mike Lepond from Symphony X, Joseph Troll of Black Trip and Tomislav Crnkovic of

Viathyn.

The interview with Mike Lepond starts at almost 28 mins into the episode. During the interview he announces that Symphony X have started recording their next album.  Other topics include his new Silent Assassins solo album, Gene Simmons, Kiss, Dio-era Black Sabbath, Alan Tecchio, Metal Mike Chlasciak, Canada and Heavy Montreal.

Listen below: 

In a recent interview with United Rock Nations, LePond discussed his upcoming solo project, Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins, as well as future plans for Symphony X.

"Symphony X begins recording our new CD... we start this Tuesday (September 9th). We're gonna start the drums on Tuesday, and we hope to - with all the recording and the promotion - we hope to have a new album out for the spring. Now, that being said, as soon as I know Symphony X's schedule, I would like maybe for Silent Assassins to do something in between. Maybe a festival or a cruise... something cool."

Asked to describe the new Symphony X, LePond continues: "The songs are ready to go. We have 10 songs, we may record nine or 10, we'll see how it goes. Stylistically, it's not as heavy as Iconoclast was. If I had to compare, I would say that it's a combination of The Odyssey and Paradise Lost - something in there. It has a lot of classic Symphony X elements in it, which I think a lot of our fans were missing for a few years. So I think our fans will really like this one. It really just focuses on solid songwriting."

Listen to the full interview below:

On September 26th, UDR / Warner will release the first ever solo release from Mike LePond. Introducing Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins, a fantastic heavy, power metal album that combines all influences of Mike LePond’s favorite bands from the past and present. This album is packed with kick ass vocals, scorching riffs and epic styling – there’s something in there for any style of metal head!

Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins features guest performances by guitarist Metal Mike (Halford, Testament), lead guitarist and drum producer Michael Romeo (Symphony X), vocalist Alan Tecchio ( Hades, Watchtower), and, of course, main man Mike LePond on bass and rhythm guitar.

LePond states: "This CD is all me. I wrote all the music, and all the lyrics. It’s one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever done and I can’t wait to share it with my fans. Join me as we celebrate the glory of heavy metal with my first ever, solo release!"

Metal Mike remarks: "Superbly crafted songs! Highly recommended to fans who like their metal true and hard." Alan Tecchio adds: "The themes Mike wrote about lyrically and the energy of full throttle riffage was a welcome back to my power metal roots."

The cover art and tracklisting can be viewed below:

"Apocalypse Rider"
"Red Death"
"The Quest"
"The Outsider"
"Masada"
"Silent Assassins"
"Ragnarok"
"The Progeny"
"Oath Of Honor"