Symphony X, Powerglove, Blackguard and In Harms Way – Worcester MA

Review By: Brian Cross | Photographs By: Diana Guay
Legendary progressive metallers Symphony X dropped by the Worcester Palladium on April 23, 2011 with a diverse support roster in the form of In Harm’s Way, Blackguard, and Powerglove. Soilwork and Nevermore were originally a part of this tour, but both bands had to drop off for different reasons. But we all know the cliché…the show must go on.

Local favorites In Harm’s Way opened the evening with an impressive blend of 1980s thrash and 1970s metal song structure. Next up was Blackguard, the relentlessly touring metal machine from Montreal. Most of their set was comprised of tracks from their new record Firefight, with razor-sharp guitar riffs being the order of the day. I need to point out that most extreme metal drummers tend to overact during live performances, flailing about as if they’re being accosted by a legion of fire ants. Not so with Blackguard skin flayer Justine Éthier; she plays incredibly quick and brutal rhythms, but with a calm and collected demeanor that makes it look effortless.

Finishing up the opening acts was Powerglove. These guys play metallic renditions of video game music and cartoon themes, but don’t mistake them for that “nerd rock” shit. They’re about as far from the hipster stereotype as you could get, donning outlandish costumes and filling the stage with enough lighting effects and bizarre props to send any fan into a blissful metaleptic fit. Of course, their speed metal arrangements of many beloved pieces of video game history are also excellent, many of which are combined into extended medleys.

Then, of course, there was Symphony X. At this point the venue was full to bursting, and the band was able to perform an extended set due to the aforementioned withdrawal of two of the opening acts. Their upcoming record Iconoclast isn’t due out until June, but fans did get to hear some new Symphony X cuts such as “End of Innocence” and “Dehumanized.” Frontman Russell Allen sings with the power of vocalists half his age, never missing a note. The rest of the band plays with an energy that the rest of us wish we had. As an encore, Symphony X performed only one song: “The Odyssey.” Considering that it’s twenty-four minutes long, the single encore was more than enough to satisfy the fans.

There truly was something for everyone on the Symphony X tour, and since it’s just gotten started, there’s a pretty good chance it’ll come to a venue near you. Don’t miss it!

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