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Symphony X is an American progressive metal band that was formed in 1994. The band was founded by Michael Romeo, who is the main songwriter and guitarist for the group. The band originally started under the name "Legacy," but later changed to Symphony X, which is derived from the symphonic elements in their music. The band consists of six members: Michael Romeo (guitar), Russell Allen (vocals), Michael Pinnella (keyboards), Michael Lepond (bass), Jason Rullo (drums), and Thomas Miller (backing vocals). Symphony X's music is a blend of progressive metal and neoclassical metal, featuring intricate guitar riffs, melodic keyboard parts, and powerful vocals. The band's sound is heavily influenced by classical music, particularly the works of composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach and Sergei Rachmaninoff. This influence is evident in the use of classical instrumentation, such as the use of orchestral strings and brass. The band's first album, "Symphony X," was released in 1994. The album received critical acclaim for its complex musical arrangements and technical proficiency. The band followed up with their second album, "The Damnation Game," in 1995, which further cemented their reputation as one of the premiere progressive metal bands of the era. Symphony X's third album, "The Divine Wings of Tragedy," was released in 1997 and is considered by many to be their magnum opus. The album features the band's trademark combination of heavy metal with classical music, and features a symphonic orchestra in addition to the band's core lineup. The album also features epic song lengths, with many of the tracks clocking in at over ten minutes in length. In 2000, Symphony X released "V: The New Mythology Suite," which was another critical and commercial success. The album features a more grandiose approach to the band's sound, with a greater emphasis on orchestral arrangements and epic song structures. Symphony X continued to release successful albums throughout the 2000s, including "The Odyssey" (2002), "Paradise Lost" (2007), and "Iconoclast" (2011). The band has also toured extensively throughout their career, performing with other notable metal acts such as Dream Theater and Megadeth. In conclusion, Symphony X is a band that has made a significant impact on the progressive metal genre. Their unique blend of heavy metal and classical music has earned them a dedicated following of fans, and their technical prowess as musicians has garnered critical acclaim. The band continues to tour and release albums to this day, and their legacy as one of the premier progressive metal bands of all time is firmly established.