Alchemy X
2
songs
1.7K
plays
Sister Sister
Penance Penance
Alchemy X is one of the more critically acclaimed progressive rock/metal bands in the U.S. today. Compared to the likes of Dream Theatre, Queensryche and Fates Warning, AX has managed to carve out their own identity in the metal genre, fusing technically brilliant writing/playing with an extremely melodic yet concept-oriented approach to their records. Striving to find the perfect balance between virtuoso playing and emotive passages are what have driven the band on their first two efforts, 1999's "A Delicate Balance" and 2002's "11:59:59". Personnel includes Rob Schreiber and Chris Fox each on 7-string guitar, Steve Ratchen on keyboards, backing vocals and 7-string bass, Chris Scorsese on drums and percussion, and Tom Engel on vocals and keyboards.Band/artist history
Critically compared to prog acts like Dream Theatre and Fates Warning for much of the mid-to-late 1990s, Alchemy X nonetheless has managed to carve out their own niche in the very underground scene that is progressive metal in the U.S. At times sounding heavier than the aforementioned bands, AX has also drawn comparisons to Iron Maiden and Savatage, as well as contemporaries in the field like Symphony X, Aztec Jade and Defyance All these characterizations have merit, depending upon which album or song one is hearing at the moment. The superior Petrucci-esque guitar work of twin 7-string ax-men Chris Fox and Rob Schreiber finds the perfect balance between furious riffing and bottom-end heaviness, while Steve Ratchens virtuosity on seven string bass(upside down no less!) is a well-documented configuration that further adds to AX's unique sound. Ratchen also adds everything from atmospheric strings to classical piano, laying texture to the bands more lush pieces. Drummer Chris Scorsese walks the fine line between Neil Peart precision and all-out thrashing. New vocalist Tom Engel brings amazing chops and a more modern sound as the band continues to move away from the DT comparisons, evoking the dark imagery and sound of bands like Tool, Tea Party and Korn, as well as the conceptualized lyrics and themes weve come to expect from Mr. Ratchen and company. The band is currently recording their third studio album, tentatively due out sometime in 2006.Have you performed in front of an audience?Alchemy X concentrates on playing festivals, though they do manage to pull off select local performances in the NY-Metro area occasionally for fans who can't get to see them otherwise. The band has done nothing but solidify their reputation as an electrifying live act over the years, and nothing showcased their combination of power and precision like last summers "Classic Metalfest" in Chicago IL.
Your musical influences
Everything and anything! The Beatles to Brahms, Cheap Trick to Concrete Blonde, though we do hold special affection for Deep Purple, Kansas, Rush, Yes, Journey, Jethro Tull, the Tea Party and literally hundreds of other great acts.Anything else?
Thanks for checking out Alchemy X! Find out more on our personal website .Contact
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