What an incredible night of heavy, heady Prog Metal. Haken aren’t rookies, but they still have an up-and-coming vibe, especially after their stellar 2020 “Virus” album (at least one “Virus” didn’t ruin 2020). They're a near-perfect pairing with one of the great, long-running institutions of Prog Metal: Symphony X.
It’s impressive for any band to sound album-perfect in a live setting, but when you’re Haken, and your songs are complexities with precision rhythm parts, tricky time-signature changes, and numerous movements, it’s all the more amazing. In spite of all that, this is a band that loves to get down in the trenches with some heavy, chugging riffs, as heard in “Prosthetic,” and it really conveys well in a live setting. Another dimension of Haken is their quirkiness. This is not just another Dream Theater coattailer; there are also shades of Porcupine Tree, Opeth, Spock’s Beard, and Phish to them. These guys bring unique strangeness in their riffs and vocal melodies, especially as heard on “The Cockroach King” - - which was executed flawlessly. A memorable moment of their set was the interlude “Owner of a Lonely Heart” (Yes) in the middle of “1985.” They have a new album coming in 2022, and the new song, “Nightingale,” shows a promising follow-up to “Virus.”
Headliners Symphony X are one of the most talented, underappreciated bands in the world, of any genre. Russell Allen may have had extra incentive for the Mesa, AZ show, since his parents had traveled to be in the audience. His between-song banter and storytelling was Vaudevillian-level entertaining. The guy is a great public speaker. But of course, as Symphony X and Adrenaline Mob fans know, his true artistry lies in his singing voice. I’ve only seen him live twice, but both times I felt like we were being treated to a lifetime performance. There are few better masters of the stage and microphone.
But of course, this is Symphony X. Russell Allen is a bit of a ham (in the best ways), so he takes a lot of your attention, but he’s flanked by mega-talents in Michael Romeo (guitar) and Mike LePond (bass). A friend commented that it was impressive that they managed all of that with only one guitar, but I think it’s a testament to the great songs as well as the proficiency of the entire band. I cannot praise Romeo and LePond enough, but I also can’t give short shrift to Michael Pinella on keyboards and Jason Rullo on drums. It’s just an unbelievable spectacle to behold. And the most heartwarming of all - - well, aside from Russell talking directly to his mom from the stage - - is the camaraderie onstage. These are Jersey guys who truly love each other and love playing together.
And the songs? Well, I was surprised at some of their deep cut choices, and at their choice to omit “Of Sin and Shadows,” - - and OK, it is a ballsy move to choose the 24-minute epic, “The Odyssey” to be your encore - - but dammit if they didn’t make it all work perfectly. “Without You” is a true crowd-pleaser. “Nevermore” brings the perfect energy and power for a set opener; I hope they ride this one until their career’s end. Which, per Russell Allen’s words, won’t be anytime soon. There’s a new album in the works, and he promised a Symphony X return to AZ in 2023. I’ll be there. If they come to your city, you should be too.
I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that the opening band of the night were called Trope, which featured two onstage members - - a guitar player and singer - - over a bunch of backing tracks. Hey, you know what? Their songs sounded killer, and they almost effortlessly won over the crowd. This is a band to watch.
Symphony X setlist:
Nevermore
Evolution (The Grand Design)
Serpent's Kiss
Sea of Lies
Without You
When All Is Lost
Kiss of Fire
Run With the Devil
Set the World on Fire (The Lie of Lies)
Encore:
The Odyssey
Haken setlist:
Prosthetic
Invasion
Nightingale
Cockroach King
Nil by Mouth
1985
(with Owner of a Lonely Heart - Yes cover)
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