Sympohony X - V: The New Mythology Suite (2000)

Symphony X's fifth album, and the first with bassist Michael Lepond,  is about Atlantis, Egyptian mythology, astrology and suchlike, and continues their power/progressive metal style.  As always with progressive rock, it takes work to gain appreciation, but there's plenty to like here. The guitars are wonderfully heavy, and such songs as "Evolution (The Grand Design)" and especially "Egypt" are excellent, while the instrumental interludes add an air of mystique that blends in beautifully.
Along with Savatage and Virgin Steele, Symphony X is my favourite American metal band  (alright, Savatage is number one), and this is an impressive example of what they can do.

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