Special report by Mark Gromen

After much (mostly negative) fanfare, notably SOILWORK and NEVERMORE bailing out, just down I-95 from their hometown the New Jersey progressive power metallers finally debuted their new tour, complete with teasers from the forthcoming Iconoclast album. Given the musical disparity in the support groups, BLACKGUARD and POWERGLOVE, was quite surprised to see a nearly full Trocadero, to say nothing of the number of youngsters eager to hear Sym X!

In that regard, the setlist was nearly tailored made for the younger set, restricted almost exclusively to the last two studio platters and a pair of soon-to-be-favorites. The kids screamed for 'The Odyssey' encore, despite it being just the first night of the tour. Perhaps the merely 45 minute prelude hinted at what was inevitably to follow. Romeo, Allen and LaPond were across the front of the stage, drums and keys side-by-side behind them, although the front trio carved out their own territory, never to be infiltrated by the others, except for the odd Michael Romeo solo spotlight at the center of the stage. Opening with 'Of Sins And Shadows', it was quickly on to 'Dominition' and 'The Serpent Kiss'. A rousing start!

Then it was time for the first of two newbie, 'End Of Innocence', which began rather poppy, but then showcased a keyboard section and a wild guitar run. Throughout the evening, Symphony X seemed to be confronting their musical detractors head on (although highly doubtful too many, if any, were in the house), out to prove they aren't lightweights: all subtleties and pretty boys. This set was aggressive and heavy! After a short speech by frontman Russel Allen (where he praised being back on American soil), bathed in brilliant yellow and purple lights, the keyboard begun The moody 'Paradise Lost' saw phone and camera screens replacing lighters for this stadium rock moment, coaxed by Allen, waving his mobile overhead. Speaking of the lighting, at times, the strobe and white spots made the figures onstage barely visible (should make for nice YouTube footage!).

Another, all too brief, return to yesteryear, with the aggressively launched, neo-classical 'Smoke And Mirrors'. Allen stalked the stage, hunched like a middle linebacker looking for the ball carrier. As a lightning shower of strobes flickered, it was on to 'Eve Of Seduction', begun with another neo-classical guitar flourish. What followed was the surprise of the evening. Never great top hear new material for the first time live, however the aptly entitled 'Dehumanized' was a heavied blend of clanging, Pantera-inspired industrial noise that eventual worked into the Sym X realm. 'Set The World On Fire' saw Allen, foot on the monitor, flash the horns. Poof, the set was over!

After the band left the stage, fans instantly broke into the 'Odyssey' chant! They were eventually rewarded with the same, as Allen walked onstage, shared a Jack Daniels drink with Romeo and almost dismissively said, "Enjoy," as the musicians went on their journey and he exited the stage. Upon his return, for the multi-part (eh) oddesy, Allen was soulful, although at one point he sauntered over to bassist Mike LaPond (Sym X's Jack Sparrow), arms outstretched, as if to say, "I've got nothing to do!" I must say there's something unsettling about seeing kids in the front row, pogoing, hands to the sky like some rapturous Bible meeting, to the chorus of 'Champion Of Ithaca'. Great to see them getting into it though!

This was just the first part of a lengthy North American tour (and there are rumors of a return engagement this fall). Check em out!