Length 63:57 Release date 24 July 2015 | Artist Symphony X Label Nuclear Blast | |
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Released July 24, 2015
August 24, 2015 (Japan) Recorded September 2014–January 2015 at Dungeon Genres Progressive metal, Symphonic metal, Neoclassical metal Similar Symphony X albums, Progressive metal albums | ||
Underworld is the ninth studio album by American progressive metal band Symphony X. It was released on July 24, 2015 through Nuclear Blast. The album's first single, "Nevermore", premiered on May 22, 2015, followed by "Without You" on June 19. They were both officially released on July 22, 2015. The band's guitarist, founder and main songwriter, Michael Romeo, said he was against releasing separated tracks of the album, since it was written to be "a whole".
Contents
Symphony x overture
Composition and lyrical themes
Commenting on whether the album would revisit elements from previous records while also exploring new sounds, guitarist and main songwriter Michael Romeo said:
On another opportunity, he also commented:
According to Romeo, not as many people enjoy concept records as they used to, but he expects to make an album "worth listening to as a whole record. It's what I love about great individual songs, but still an album experience."
The album is inspired by Dante's Inferno and Orpheus in the Underworld. While Romeo does not consider Underworld to be a concept album, he admits that there is a common theme:
The usage of the number three by Dante will also be referenced in the album. the opening track, "Nevermore", has three syllables, a three-note melodic phrase, and its verses contain three references to three songs from the band's third album, The Divine Wings of Tragedy.
The album cover was created by Warren Flanagan and marks the return of masks, as seen in the first five Symphony X albums. The art includes different symbol for each of the nine circles of hell mentioned in Dante's work.
Track listing
All music composed by Michael Romeo, except where noted.
Personnel
Credits per album booklet:
Songs
1Overture2:13
2Never5:30
3Underworld5:48