Symphony X

[kmanick]

I really dig Michaels playing, I just can't really get into the band.
I have their last two CDs and it's really repetitive songwriting.
The highlights of every song are basically his leads.
He is one smooth fluid mofo though.
I'd love to have one of his signature ESP's or one of his caparisons.

[VitaminG]

We couldn't rate your playing on one clip, or anyone's for that matter..unless they sucked so much ass it was obvious.

you rang?

[VitaminG]

I really di Michaels playing, I just can't really get into the band.
I have their last two CDs and it's really repetitive songwriting.
The highlights of every song are basically his leads.
He is one smooth fluid mofo though.
I'd love to have one of his signature ESP's or one of his caparisons.

I really like Romeo's playing, and quite like the band too. I also agree that it's overstating it a bit, calling him the greatest ever. He has amazing technical facility & is quite tasteful with it too, as evidenced by his lovely vibrato. I'd certainly rank him along guys like Kiko Loureiro for how he combines his outstanding ability with a "play for the song" attitude.

But I prefer Allen's singing with Magnus Karlsson's Allen/Lande project. Which has nothing to do with Romeo's playing....

[missionguitars1]

Agreed on all points - Mike's awesome.

I was lucky enough to hop on tour with them through SoCal (my buddy is friends with Russ)their last time through town. I can't say enough nice things about them - all of Sym X are genuinely nice guys...and Mike's Comparison is SWEET!

[Dred]

Bill, you mentioned Jeff Waters amd James Murphy twice, man.

Also Marcel Coenen and no Rob Marcello? What's wrong with you!

[Endrik]

very good player... most what he plays is painfully boring but as soon as he does something other than those dreaded baroque licks, he sounds pretty badass and he uses some pretty cool pentatonic licks here and there too.
But the tunes and his band overall present everything that I don't like to hear in music.

[RandyRhoads]

Guitarist polls are popularity contests..it has NOTHING to do with talent. To judge the best, one must know all the players..and I do.

Then get Rob Marcello slapped on that nice list (unless he's already on and I scanned past him)!

[Spivonious]

Have you been living under a rock??

Romeo is indeed awesome. Definitely in my Top 5 metal guitarists. His leads are jawdropping but always fit into the song, unlike Petrucci who is a better guitarist but a horrible songwriter (IMO), especially lately. Romeo seems like a really nice guy too, just from the way he acts on stage. I've seen them at least 8 times and it's always a fun night.

[Partial @ Marshall]

Jesus, Horns! That's quite the list

[horns666]

Then get Rob Marcello slapped on that nice list (unless he's already on and I scanned past him)!

I said that list wasn't complete or revised..ya puds. OK, I'll add some more guys eventuually. I compiled that list when I joined the forum.

[fullmetalguitar]

Have you been living under a rock??

It's quite a nice rock... central air, a pool, and plenty of shade!

Of course I've heard of the guy and his band. I see the names pop up here and there, so I've always been aware of him. Just never bought a cd or went to a show.

[Spivonious]

You should definitely try to catch a show the next time they come around. He is definitely more than another Yngwie clone.

[petedz]

Symphony X was awesome when they first started out and nobody knew who they were. Then, unfortunately, they listened to Dream Theater and the songs got boring. I have nothing against Romeo. I even braved a post DeGarmo Queensryche show to see him open for 'em.

[mrrs]

Michael is a phenomenal player and I consider Symphony X my favorite band next to Pagan's Mind.
Met him and Russell a few years back after a show and they were two cool dudes.

[akoch]

He is on my 20, or even 10 list. I love just about everything about his playing.