Symphony X is Still Working on Their Next Record
Fans of New Jersey-based progressive metal titans Symphony X have been waiting a looooong time for new music. We’re talking a decade since 2015’s Underworld came out. There’s been talk of a new release coming in the future, but things have largely been radio silent. That is, until now.
During a recent appearance on Sportzwire Radio, Symphony X bassist Mike LePond gave an update on the state of the band’s next release while admitting he understands fans’ frustration for how long it’s been.
“We are getting closer. And, yeah, the fans, they’re clamoring for a new album. I can’t blame ’em. It’s been 10 years. If Judas Priest didn’t come out with an album for 10 years, I’d be pretty mad too. We have been writing it. We have most of the parts kind of together.
“Now it’s just a matter of recording it, really. So, it’s definitely coming. And if things stay on track the way they are, we’re thinking next year [it will be out], so we’re excited. I mean, the stuff sounds really, really cool. And believe me, I want you guys to hear it as soon as possible.”
When asked why it’s taken roughly 10 years for the band to put anything new out, LePond gave an honest and candid answer. As it turns out, real-world setbacks and wanting to make sure the music meets their standards.
“With Symphony X, there’s tremendous pressure on us to consistently do great records. Our fans, they’re really diehard fans and they expect only excellence. If we’re working on something and maybe it’s good, but we’re not sure, we won’t use it.
“We’re only gonna put songs on the record that we feel are excellent and worthy of the fans. So absolutely that plays a role. But the other things too — you had COVID, and in and out of touring. Once you start touring, then you forget about the writing and then you come back to it and then you forget where you left off and you start again.”
Despite any setbacks they’ve experienced, the band are apparently gearing up to head into the studio for the next record. Here’s hoping we hear more sooner rather than later.
If you’d like to catch them live, you can do so at any of the dates below.
Symphony X Live Dates:
9/4 Stroudsburg, PA Sherman Theater
9/8 Dallas, TX Granada Theater
9/10 Mesa, AZ The Nile
9/11 San Diego, CA Brick By Brick
9/12 Pomona, CA The Glass House
9/13 Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theatre
9/14 San Francisco, CA August Hall
9/16 Portland, OR Dante’s
9/17 Seattle, WA Neptune
9/18 Vancouver, BC Rickshaw Theatre
9/20 Calgary, AB The Palace Theatre
9/21 Edmonton, AB Starlite Room
9/23 Winnipeg, MB Park Theatre
9/24 Minneapolis, MN Fine Line
9/25 Milwaukee, WI The Rave II
9/26 Joliet, IL The Forge
9/27 Cleveland, OH Globe Iron
9/29 Red Bank, NJ The Vogel
