Symphony X and Heathen Ignite Toad’s Place with Metal Brilliance

Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer

r.m.music84@gmail.com

Toad’s Place in New Haven, CT, was the epicenter of a progressive and thrash metal frenzy on Thursday, May 30th, as the iconic progressive metal titans Symphony X shared the stage with the formidable Heathen. The anticipation was palpable as metal enthusiasts from all walks of life gathered to witness a night that promised intricate musicianship, powerful vocals, and electrifying performances. Both bands, with their storied histories and dedicated fan bases, delivered shows that left an indelible mark on everyone present.

The evening kicked off with Heathen, the thrash metal pioneers hailing from San Francisco. Known for their relentless energy and tight musicianship, Heathen did not disappoint. The current lineup, featuring David White on vocals, Kyle Edissi and Kragen Lum on guitars, Jason Mirza on bass, and Ryan Idris on drums, came out swinging with a fierce intensity that immediately ignited the crowd. Opening with “Dying Season,” Heathen set the tone for the night with a thunderous assault of riffs and rapid-fire drumming that harkened back to the golden age of thrash metal.

David White’s commanding stage presence and dynamic vocal range captivated the audience from the very first note. His ability to seamlessly switch between melodic singing and more aggressive vocals added a compelling layer to the performance, drawing the crowd deeper into the music. Meanwhile, Kyle Edissi and Kragen Lum demonstrated their exceptional guitar prowess, trading intricate solos and harmonized riffs that showcased their technical skill and deep chemistry. Their interplay was mesmerizing, each guitarist pushing the other to new heights of creativity and speed.

Jason Mirza’s bass lines provided a solid foundation, driving the songs forward with a powerful groove that was both tight and complex. Ryan Idris, the backbone of the band’s rhythm section, delivered a punishing performance on drums. His rapid-fire beats and intricate fills were executed with machine-like precision, propelling the band’s sound and energizing the crowd with every strike.

The energy in the venue was electric as Heathen launched into subsequent tracks like “Opiate of the Masses” and “Empire of the Blind.” Each song was met with enthusiastic cheers and vigorous headbanging from the audience, many of whom sang along to every word. The band’s ability to connect with the crowd was evident, as fans responded to every cue, raising their fists and creating a sea of unified movement. Heathen’s performance was a powerful reminder of their status as thrash metal icons, delivering a set that was both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.

Heathen’s setlist, while somewhat short, was a carefully curated journey through their discography, highlighting both classic tracks and newer material. The inclusion of “The Blight” and “Breaking the Silence” showcased their versatility and evolution as a band, while still staying true to their thrash roots. By the time they reached the final notes of “Hypnotized,” the crowd was in a state of ecstatic exhaustion, having been taken on a whirlwind tour of blistering solos, complex rhythms, and soaring vocals. Heathen had succeeded in setting a high bar for the evening, leaving the audience primed and ready for the progressive metal onslaught of Symphony X.

As the lights dimmed and the stage was set for Symphony X, the anticipation reached a fever pitch. Symphony X, with their blend of progressive metal complexity and neoclassical flair, have carved out a unique niche in the metal world. The current lineup, featuring the powerful vocals of Russell Allen, the virtuosic guitar work of Michael Romeo, Michael LePond on bass, Michael Pinnella on keyboards, and Jason Rullo on drums, is renowned for their technical skill and dynamic live performances. They opened their set with “Iconoclast,” a track that immediately showcased the band’s signature blend of melody and intensity.

Throughout the night, Symphony X treated the audience to a masterclass in progressive metal. Songs like “Nevermore,” “Inferno (Unleash the Fire),” and “Serpent’s Kiss” highlighted the band’s ability to balance complex musical arrangements with memorable hooks and soaring choruses. Michael Romeo’s guitar solos were nothing short of breathtaking, each note executed with precision and emotion, while Russell Allen’s vocals ranged from a deep, gritty growl to a powerful, operatic tenor, captivating the audience with every word. The interplay between Pinnella’s keyboards and LePond’s bass provided a rich, textured backdrop that added depth to the band’s sound.

The energy and intensity only grew as Symphony X delved into “Without You,” a track that combined haunting melodies with powerful crescendos, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. “To Hell and Back” and “Dehumanized” showcased the band’s darker, heavier side, with thunderous drumming and aggressive riffs that had the crowd headbanging and fist-pumping in unison. Each song was a journey, with complex arrangements and dynamic shifts that kept the audience engaged and enthralled.

As they moved into “Evolution (The Grand Design)” and “Sea of Lies,” the band’s chemistry was on full display. The intricate interplay between the musicians created a symphony of sound that was both intricate and powerful. Pinnella’s keyboard solos soared over the dense, rhythmic foundation laid by Rullo and LePond, while Romeo’s guitar work added layers of melody and technical brilliance. Allen’s commanding stage presence and vocal prowess tied everything together, making each performance feel like a grand epic. “Sea of Lies” particularly stood out, its rapid tempo changes and intricate bass lines showcasing LePond’s extraordinary talent. The song’s complex structure and shifting dynamics created a whirlwind of sound that kept the audience on the edge of their seats, culminating in a climactic finale that left the crowd in awe.

The encore was nothing short of spectacular. Kicking off with “Paradise Lost,” Symphony X brought the house down with a performance that was both emotionally charged and technically flawless. “Run With the Devil” continued to showcase the band’s ability to blend melody with sheer power, driving the audience into a frenzy. The final song, “Set the World on Fire (The Lie of Lies),” was a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable night, encapsulating the band’s grandeur and intensity.

The crowd responded with a roar of approval, their energy undiminished despite the late hour. The atmosphere in Toad’s Place was electric, a testament to the enduring appeal of Symphony X. Fans left the venue buzzing with excitement, already reminiscing about the night’s highlights and looking forward to the next time these progressive metal titans would grace the stage.

This concert at Toad’s Place was a triumphant showcase of both bands’ talents and a testament to the enduring power of metal music. Heathen delivered a high-octane set that reminded everyone why they are considered thrash legends, while Symphony X provided a masterclass in progressive metal that left the audience in awe. The energy and enthusiasm from both the bands and the crowd created an unforgettable experience, proving once again that live music is a powerful force for connection and expression. For those in attendance, it was a night to remember, filled with blistering solos, thunderous rhythms, and the shared joy of metal in its purest form.