Riff Police! Pull Over! #120: Killswitch Engage Vs Symphony X!

The year 2000 saw “V: The New Mythology Suite” from Symphony X, a Progressive Metal outfit formed in New Jersey in 1994. A concept album that retells the myth of Atlantis with moments about Ancient Egyptian mythology and Astrology, it marks a continuation of the bands heavier styling while also incorporating moments of classical music. The band were joined by bassist Michael Lepond, who replaced Thomas Miller while drummer Jason Rullo returned to the fold. Receiving a mixed critical reception which didn’t stop the band at all, the fifth studio album paved the way for the band to appear at Gigantour, a traveling heavy metal music festival organized by Megadeth Mastermind Dave Mustaine five years later.

Fast forward the tape six years to 2006 and Metalcore mainstays Killswitch Engage unleashed what would end up being their second and final album with vocalist Howard Jones. An album that saw the band pay homage to hero Ronnie James Dio with a cover of “Holy Diver“, while also landing a blow of their own with powerhouse “My Curse“. But it’s “This Is Absolution” which caught our attention with guitarists Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel also paying tribute to Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo in subliminal fashion, the riff owing a lot to “Evolution (The Grand Design)“. Don’t believe us? Check it out for youself!