Symphony X is a North American progressive power metal band from New Jersey, which was founded in 1994 by guitarist Michael Romeo.
In early 1994 Michael Romeo (ex- Gemini) recorded a demo tape entitled The Dark Chapter, which featured a few songs composed and performed by him. The tape attracted a fair share of attention. He then recruited bassist Thomas Miller, drummer Jason Rullo, vocalist Rod Tyler and finally keyboard player Michael Pínella.
Their self-titled debut album was recorded in the same year, and released in Japan by now-extinct Zero Corporation Label. The album was positively received in Japan and in some European markets.
The second album, The Damnation Game followed six months later. Singer Rod Tyler left the band and was substituted by Russell Allen, who - not surprisingly - influenced the band's style in a noticeable way, emphasizing the classical side of Symphony X.
The Divine Wings of Tragedy is considered by many their masterpiece. It took a considerable time to record. Recording sessions started in 1996 and were finished in 1997. The positive feedback from the specialized press served to establish Symphony X in Europe; their success in Japan only continued to grow.
In the end of that year and for part of the next, Jason Rullo had to stay away from the band in order to solve personal issues. He was temporarily replaced by Thomas Walling. Even with a temporary drummer, the band recorded Twilight in Olympus, released in early 1998. That year also saw the first live performances from the band, which by then had already gathered many fans from around the globe. Their first official show happened in 1998, in Japan. It was soon followed by a world tour. Bassist Thomas Miller was also replaced by Michael Lepond in that year.
A compilation album, Prelude to the Millennium, was released by the end of 1998. As an extra, it featured a second version of the song Masquerade, from the first album, with Russell Allen on vocals.
