Iconoclast (Symphony X album)

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Iconoclast
File:SymphonyX Iconoclast cover.jpg
Studio album by Symphony X
Released June 17, 2011
Recorded September 2010-January 2011 in "The Dungeon"
Genre Progressive metal, neoclassical metal, power metal
Length 63:10, 82:50 (Special Edition)
Label Nuclear Blast
Producer Michael Romeo
Symphony X chronology
Paradise Lost
(2007)Paradise Lost2007		 Iconoclast
(2011)		 Underworld
(2015)Underworld2015

Iconoclast is the eighth album by American progressive metal band Symphony X. It was released on June 17, 2011, in Europe, June 21, 2011, in the United States[1] and on June 28, 2011, in Canada.

Theme

When interviewed, vocalist Russell Allen said that the lyrical concept of the album is based on "The idea of machines taking over everything, and all this technology we put our society into pretty much being our demise." Allen said on Heavy Metal Thunder that "it isn't a story, but rather a theme, like Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd."[2]

Album art

Illustrator and film concept artist Warren Flanagan (Watchmen, The Incredible Hulk, 2012), who designed the cover of Paradise Lost, returned as art director for Iconoclast. Sharing his creative process on the album's artwork: "The idea was to create imagery that was a little darker in tone to previous Symphony X albums and to represent the overall theme of Iconoclast into the artwork. The whole concept came from Michael Romeo, who had a strong idea of what the cover should represent based on the music. I just ran with it. When the album's title was decided on, I focused the image based on the meaning of it. I also wanted to use the band's signature 'masks' but present them in a way that connected to the new album."[3]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source Rating
Allmusic 3.5/5 stars[4]
Jukebox:Metal 3/5 stars[5]
Metal Assault 4.5/5 stars[6]
Metal Storm 4.5/5 stars[7]
Metal Temple 5/5 stars[8]
Metalholic 9.5/10 stars[9]
Prog Sphere 3/5 stars[10]
Thrash Hits 5/6 stars[11]

Iconoclast debuted at number 76 on the Billboard 200 album chart in the United States, selling more than 7,300 copies in its first week. The record also debuted at number 7 on the Top Hard Rock Chart, number 19 on the Top Rock Chart and number 13 on the Top Independent Chart.[12][13] The album showcases the highest chart position and the most first-week sales in the band's history.

Track listing

Iconoclast is available as a single disc as well as a special edition digipak with five extra tracks, three additional and two alternative versions from disc one. Guitarist Michael Romeo has stated that the special edition contains the track order that the band originally intended to release, but their label (Nuclear Blast) wanted a single-disc version as well. According to Romeo, the track "Reign In Madness" is the proper closing to the album.

Regular Edition

All lyrics written by Russell Allen and Michael Romeo except where noted, all music composed by Romeo.

No. Title Length
1. "Iconoclast"   10:53
2. "The End of Innocence"   5:29
3. "Dehumanized"   6:49
4. "Bastards of the Machine"   4:58
5. "Heretic"   6:26
6. "Children of a Faceless God"   6:22
7. "Electric Messiah" (Lyrics: Allen) 6:15
8. "Prometheus (I Am Alive)"   6:48
9. "When All Is Lost"   9:10

Special Edition

CD 01/02

All lyrics written by Russell Allen and Michael Romeo, all music composed by Romeo.

No. Title Length
1. "Iconoclast"   10:53
2. "The End of Innocence"   5:29
3. "Dehumanized"   6:49
4. "Bastards of the Machine"   4:58
5. "Heretic"   6:26
6. "Children of a Faceless God"   6:22
7. "When All Is Lost"   9:10

CD 02/02

All lyrics written by Russell Allen and Michael Romeo, except where noted, all music composed by Romeo.

No. Title Length
1. "Electric Messiah" (Lyrics: Allen) 6:15
2. "Prometheus (I Am Alive)"   6:48
3. "Light Up the Night" (Lyrics: Allen) 5:05
4. "The Lords of Chaos" (Lyrics: Allen) 6:11
5. "Reign in Madness"   8:37

Personnel

Notes

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  5. ↑ Jukebox:Metal review
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