Artist description Critically compared to prog acts like Dream Theatre and Fates Warning, Alchemy X nonetheless has managed to carve out their own niche in the very underground scene that is progessive metal here in the U.S. At times sounding heavier than the aforementioned bands, AX has also drawn comparisons to Iron Maiden and Savatage in that modality, 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 heavyness, while Steve Ratchen is quite possibly the only person who effectively plays seven string bass guitar upside down! This strange configuration 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 also walks the fine line between Neil Peart percision and all-out thrashing. The addition of former Attacker/Sleepy Hollow singer Bob Mitchell turns the tried and true formula of Geoff Tate type vocals for a heady prog outfit on its ear! Mitchell's famous rasp kicks it into high gear, but his fans will be more than surprised at the justice he does the softer, almost ballad-esque counterpoints on AX's new album. Dark imagery, great intellectualized lyrcis from Ratchen and Mitchell, and top-notch musicianship are Alchemy X's calling cards, and fans of "A Delicate Balance" will not be disappointed with their new sound or effort

Music Style Progressive Metal

Musical Influences Rush, Marillion, Dream Theatre, Fates Warning

Similar Artists Dream Theatre, Savatage, Queensryche, Fates Warning

Group Members Bob Mitchell- lead vocals Steve Ratchen- Bass guitar, keyboards Chris Fox- guitars Rob Schreiber- guitars Chris Scorsese- Drums and percussion Past members: Martin Morin (vocals on "A Delicate Balance" album 1999)

Instruments Steve Ratchen is endorsed by and uses Conklin 7-String GT-7 bass guitars exclusively; Chris Scorsese is endoresed by and uses Vater Sticks exclusively

Albums A Delicate Balance (1999); 11:59:59 (2002)

Press Reviews Reviews and interview by Anthony DeLuca ALCHEMY X: a band that has prowled the underground for some time now. Seeking their own identity, AX has crafted a style of music I have LONGED to hear from a band of their genre. Imagine the progressive feel of recent SAVATAGE with a touch of ANGEL DUST’S progressive elements, wrapped up with the musicianship of an old-school power metal band, such as a slower HELSTAR or the upbeat IRON MAIDEN. Some have even compared this band to the likes of DREAM THEATRE or made references to SYMPHONY X. However, there is so much more to this band, as you will soon see. Introducing New Jersey’s ALCHEMY X, equipped with a new vocalist UNLIKE their first (whom fit into the prog-metal category). This new vocalist crosses the line of where power metal meets progressive metal. Throw away all the rules…take a classic metal vocalist (who isn’t another Geoff Tate clone) and throw him into the mix of progressive power metal, and you get the new voice and sound of AX. Welcome, Bob Mitchell (former ATTACKER, SLEEPY HOLLOW, current VYNDYKATOR vocalist) and this new brand of metal. Following this review is the AX interview, where you can introduce yourself to this GREAT band. This review can also be found on my ALBUM REVIEWS page. TRACK 1- Looking Glass Opening the song is a small drum intro, followed by the galloping guitar riffs. The bass lines fit well into this song, and remind me of IRON MAIDEN from their Killers album. The vocals are of the old-school vein, as they always have been with the talents of Bob Mitchell. This song is a true head-banging tune, with awesome time signature and melody. The time change at 2 minutes and 50 seconds reminds me of a JUDAS PRIEST riff; it sounds so well in this part of the song and really continues the feel of the song. The time-changes back to the way it was before, then incorporates this riff. AMAZING!! At the 5-minute mark, the vocals become higher and higher; the guitar plays faster and faster…it’s pure adrenaline bleeding through the speakers! The song ends this way, leaving the listener on the edge of their seat, foaming at the mouth and wanting more. More is exactly what you get… TRACK 2- 11:59:59 One second away…from the stroke of midnight. Being the title track of their forthcoming album, AX has REALLY pushed the boundaries of metal to the next level. The true musicianship of AX shines through on this song. The guitars, bass, drums, and keys are perfectly placed in this song. Then, the vocals kick in…an unexpected surprise from this type of music. Somehow, it all fits in together and kicks your ass in a serious way. The atmosphere presented in this song goes hand in hand with the galloping guitar melodies, spelling out disaster and apocalypse. There are several time changes presented in this song, yet this does NOT take away from the interest or attention of the song. Based on a story of impending doom and evil, 11:59:59 is an awesome song that shows the true magic of AX. The lyrics KICK ASS: “The eyes are staring…All uncaring” “Reflecting my sin…Of my undoing” This band has it all: chemistry, musicianship, talent…I could go on and on. This leaves me wanting to hear MORE and MORE. I look forward to the full length release. HIGHLY FUCKING RECOMMENDED…get this or you are MISSING OUT!!! RATING: 10/10 CONTACT: Alchemy-X@prodigy.net original text available at http://www.angelfire.com/nj3/ufwz/reviews2.html

Location Jersey City, NJ - USA

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