The BEST Guitarist you've never heard of

The BEST Guitarist you've never heard of | Symphony X

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Күн бұрын

In this video we'll watch The BEST Guitarist you've never heard of. His name is Michael Romeo from the Neoclassical metal band Symphony X. In order to determine if Lord Romeo is a true guitar god, we'll be watching a live performance of Symphony X's "Sea Of Lies", recorded in Bologna, Italy in 2019. Notice the ease with which he executes incredibly difficult passages. His level of compositional competence is at a very high level. This comes from his study of classical composers like Bach, Mozart and Gustav Holst. He's also influenced by modern legends such as Randy Rhoads, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Who do you think deserves more recognition for their skill? Get on Michael Romeo's level with my full music theory course below. It teaches you how to become more than just a guitarist....it's about being a composer as well muhahaha!
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Пікірлер: 431

@ShredmasterScott 2 жыл бұрын

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@jasonday8334 2 жыл бұрын

Michael Romeo is awesome, great voice, amazing guitarist, his latest music is awesome!!

@stantheman22 2 жыл бұрын

You ever react to Buckethead?????

@michaelromeo9567 2 жыл бұрын

I approve this video.. 75% off on The Package is validated too.

@Rain593 2 жыл бұрын

Michael Romeo and Symphony X are extremely underappreciated in the metal world. Can't wait to see them at the end of the month!

@ShredmasterScott 2 жыл бұрын

Enjoy muhahaha

@lopolik 2 жыл бұрын

I've seen them live back in 2016, one of the best concerts man.. You'll definitely enjoy

@dengag21 2 жыл бұрын

I'm gonna see them at Montréal saturday may 14 best band metal progressif

@casaroli 2 жыл бұрын

Yea, they really are. I do think the last 3 albums are very samy. But the up until paradise lost, every album was very different from the other.

@lopolik 2 жыл бұрын

@@casaroli I really like Underworld, but it was definitely different than Iconoclast, but Paradise Lost is their most brutal.

@drums4metal 2 жыл бұрын

Michael Romeo and Symphony X are criminally underrated. One of my favorite bands ever.

@marksmith4124 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been a Symphony X fan for over 25 years, Michael Romeo is so under rated and over looked, plus he’s the nicest guy ever, I talk to him after every show.

@Guitar.Gemini 2 жыл бұрын

Michael Romeo is an absolute monster on guitar. His solo album is pretty great too. He is often compared to Yngwie Malmsteen, but he is much more articulate and varied as a player. Yes, he does a lot of neoclassical, but he is so much more than that.

@TheCyberMantis 2 жыл бұрын

One of Romeo's main influences is Uli Jon Roth.

@MrBiteme39 2 жыл бұрын

Also Gary Moore and Shawn lane for his fusion side

@MrBaklava 2 жыл бұрын

His riffs are so monstrous

@mitsanut5869 2 жыл бұрын

He is way better than Malmsteen. Malmsteen is onedimensional player. I absolutely love Symphony X Mythology Suite album with Egypt track which I consider their pinnacle. I really don't care much for the rest of their stuff even though I collected something like 6 or 7 of their albums. But Michael Romeo is very well known in guitar world. He is sought after as a chorus composer on other well known musicians. He often arranges entire tracks for them. You can hear his arrangements, he's got his signature approach to doing stuff. Symphony X is well known outside of US, very popular in both Europe and Japan where it rivals the DT popularity. For me, outside of The Mythology Suite, it's really difficult for me to go through other albums because it's simply not something I dig. It sounds too forced to me as opposed to the above mentioned album where everything flows very nicely, fantastic harmonies, time signature mastery, drumming, everything crystal clear by every band member. That album is one of my most favorite albums of all time.

@TheCyberMantis 2 жыл бұрын

@@mitsanut5869 I saw a photo of Hazuki from Nemophila. She was wearing a Symphony-X shirt!

@stevieblunder2656 2 жыл бұрын

God, I spent *so* many hours learning that string skipping tapping lick back in the day. Criminally underrated guitar player in a criminally underrated band. Michael Romeo is the reason I started playing in D standard back in the late 90's.. Russell Allen could sing the phone book and kill.

@YouGot2BeKitten 2 жыл бұрын

“Best guitarist you’ve never heard of.” Man Michael Romeo is my favorite guitar player, lol.

@ShredmasterScott 2 жыл бұрын

Yes!

@lopolik 2 жыл бұрын

He's always been one of my favorite guitarists, ever since I found out about Symphony X back in 2011.

@ric112 2 жыл бұрын

same. he inspired me to play guitar 20 years ago, and he's still the best as far as i'm concerned.

@lopolik 2 жыл бұрын

@@ric112 One of my big inspirations for sure. Led Zeppelin first inspired me to play the guitar, but I loved learning some of Symphony X, especially the acoustic parts (Accolade, Divine Wings of Tragedy, the clean guitar instrumental on ''V'' album.) I tried to learn ''Inferno (unleash the fire)'' but I could never play that with his speed. lol

@ric112 2 жыл бұрын

@@lopolik Candlelight Fantasia was one of the first i ever learned :D took me many years to get inferno down

@ali965 2 жыл бұрын

his work in symphony x is some of the best guitar playing i’ve ever heard. truly inspiring player and very underappreciated in the metal world

@qtamo4953 2 жыл бұрын

I really dig his solo stuff, War Of The Worlds Pt. 1 and Pt. 2. Great vid as always!

@lopolik 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, those are great, have you heard his first Solo album called ''The Dark Chapter'' from 1994? Definitely worth checking out, if you like Romeo's stuff.

@TheCyberMantis 2 жыл бұрын

@@lopolik Yes, I have it. It's excellent.

@BreathingTheory 2 жыл бұрын

Dude is literally one of the greatest to ever do it, should be way more widely known

@wolfganghumboldt4830 2 жыл бұрын

Michael Romeo was putting down orchestral arrangements in his metal in the beginning of midi plugins. A pioneer of solo composing/recording at home with just a PC. Before modellers even. Those first few Symphony X albums were done doing home recording with cubase and plugins. Now that is the norm.

@TheCyberMantis 2 жыл бұрын

I remember when he was using the Mesa/Boogie TriAxis. He also used Steinberg Nuendo when he composed and recorded "The Odyssey".

@wolfganghumboldt4830 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCyberMantis Didn't know those details! Cool. I didn't even know Steinberg Nuendo was a thing.

@TheCyberMantis 2 жыл бұрын

Romeo is the KING. He's been #1 for over 25 years. I discovered Symphony-X back around 1995. Another amazing player that not many people know about is: Marcel Coenen. In Japan, there is SYU from Galneryus. Also from Japan: Midori and Miyako from LOVEBITES!

@bigjebus4424 2 жыл бұрын

Romeo is incredible. Been listening to SX since the 90's. Absolute beast of a guitarist. To answer your questions at the end. I think the most underappreciated guitarist is another Caparison player, just like Romeo. His name is Mattias Eklundh and he's the reason Caparison started making 8 string guitars.

@jamesmandarino6641 2 жыл бұрын

He's my favorite guitarist of all time absolute monster.

@Droops24 2 жыл бұрын

I'm primarily a metalhead, but IMO fusion guitarists reign supreme as they can masterfully play many genres and switch it up on the fly with immaculate phrasing and fluidity. I'd vote Alex Hutchings and Max Ostro as the best you've never heard of; they certainly can give Guthrie (my#1) a run for his money. Honorable mention goes to Stanley Jordan, who's two handed tapping is simply mind-blowing; also an equally skilled pianist like Lane and MacAlpine.

@Grindgodgrind 2 жыл бұрын

Romeo is fantastic, I've been a fan of Symphony X for 20 years. Class act.

@sw0llentesticles 2 жыл бұрын

Saw them open for Queensrych years ago when Symphony X had just released the Odyssey album. They were so good, but there was like Only 5 of us that knew who they were and were wearing their Merch lol. Got to shake their hands after the show, they were very cool.

@MrBiteme39 2 жыл бұрын

I'm torn between if I like divine wings, odyssey, or V the best What about you?

@drlq7577 2 жыл бұрын

I'm a SX fan since 98, and being honest, paradise lost album is the top of their game, divine wings is my personal favorite, though. I saw them live in '03 at the opera in Toronto, the opening show for Blind Guardian and nobody knew who they were, most people were amazed at Romeo's playing skills.

@sw0llentesticles 2 жыл бұрын

@@MrBiteme39 I think my favorite is a tie between V and Odyssey. The way V opens up is so awesome. Evolution is probably my favorite song of theirs.

@dreamstorm3297 2 жыл бұрын

@@drlq7577 I saw them open for Blind Guardian too in '03. The good old days. Damnation Game is the album for me.

@therealjohndoe3862 2 жыл бұрын

Great band. Have seen them live many times. The New Mythology Suite is a masterpiece.

@serazac25 2 жыл бұрын

I love Michael Lepond's bass arrangements especially live, the things he did to some of the older songs before he joined are awesome.

@taunokekkonen5733 2 жыл бұрын

He is one of the most naturally fluid players there is. Just effortless when he plays, and insane technique.

@matthewgilfus1640 2 жыл бұрын

hes that guy who just LOVES playing guitar and it shows.

@deaj8450 2 жыл бұрын

Romeo is the reason I got back into playing guitar after initially playing for a year or so then quitting. Something about his style just hooked me and I knew I had to pick it back up.

@richardjones2811 2 жыл бұрын

Check out "Eve Of Seduction" it's such an amazing composition.

@DaleGribbles 2 жыл бұрын

Michael Romeo absolutely rips! His solo stuff and work with Symphony X is outstanding! Another guitarist that seems to fly under the radar is Ron Jarzombek of Blotted Science, WatchTower, Spastic Inc, ect. He's another guy that's outta this world with his playing and composition.

@Grindgodgrind 2 жыл бұрын

Ron is the man!

@nondescriptcat5620 2 жыл бұрын

Blotted Science is absolutely insane.

@dregnar85 Жыл бұрын

My two faves mate 🤘

@pedromedina1802 2 жыл бұрын

I started listening Symphony X in the 90’ Symphony X is not a new band, they been around for more than 20 years …but I’m agree, not many people know them and M. Romeo is totally underrated… I always said that he is and was superior than J. Petrucci …way more progressive, neo classic and heavy …he is awesome… Great video …🤟🏼🤘🏼

@hellsing1983 2 жыл бұрын

I think the band has been more popular in Europe than the US. And yes! He is an amazing guitar player, seen him live a few times and the huge control he has on the instrument is just out of this world.

@Official_MeatStix 2 жыл бұрын

dude what! i am in love with symphony x. michael romeo has been my favorite guitarist for a while now

@CelestialHate 2 ай бұрын

SYMPHONY X is my favorite band too. But they are not only a Neo Classical Metal band. They are a Progressive Metal band too. And you are right, Michael Romeo is not only a guitarist. He is the best composer of the Metal World now!

@colesonlamb5981 2 жыл бұрын

MIchael Romeo is is a GOAT. Absolutely love Symphony X

@rickbrunet2559 2 жыл бұрын

Symphony is one of my favorite metal bands!!! So good.

@sole__doubt 3 ай бұрын

And he plays the brand than no players have heard of Caparison. Love my Horus and your channel Shred.

@adammatis5527 2 жыл бұрын

The first time I heard symphony x was on 2nd shift running an engine lathe. This old school metal head was blasting it across the shop. The rest, as they say, is history.

@VictorTarela 2 жыл бұрын

Mister Romeo and Kiko Loureiro are two of the greatest and most underrated metal guitarists ever. They have everything, they write good songs and know how to play for them while keeping their style untouched. Two masters by their own

@PerfectSense77 2 жыл бұрын

Loads and loads of people froth over Kiko lol. He’s miles away from underrated.

@idk9637 6 ай бұрын

i dont know if kiko is underrated. i see so many people say hes megadeths best guitarist ever. like all the time i see it.

@VictorTarela 6 ай бұрын

@@idk9637 he's underrated basically because people stay only with what he's done with Megadeth or Angra. But by himself he's able to play instrumental rock music, jazz fusion, brazilian jazz, bossa nova... Always with his identity untouched and unmatched. He is a master of the instrument and chooses to play the way he does in every single context, I don't think people are aware of this

@jb_50w78 2 жыл бұрын

I saw them play this song live just a few days ago! Michael Romeo is amazing live, he never misses a note or anything. Just flawless. The whole band is awesome.

@BaronHerezus 2 жыл бұрын

The only Metal band that can make me listen to 24min song on repeat - The Odyssey :D. I'm so fcking glad I rediscovered them recently, and now they blow my mind away.

@SyX512 2 жыл бұрын

My favorite musician ever!

@zag7165 2 жыл бұрын

I totally agree with you @Shred Been into Romeo for a number of years now!! Great video man. Love your sense of humor.

@TeamYouphoric 2 жыл бұрын

You should breakdown The Accolade. I love the section in The Accolade when all the instruments are playing at the same time in different time signatures. You've got the violin playing in 6/4, then the crystal sounding keyboard comes in at 7/8, the piano joins in at 5/4, followed by the guitar playing at 6/4, then the bass and drums come in to round out the sound with the bass alternating between 6/4 and 5/4 and the drums playing in 4/4. Such a great, and underrated, Symphony X song and that section, in particular, is just a beautifully crafted section.

@rattlehead04 2 жыл бұрын

Man…. I had the great honor to witness him in gigantour! His tone alone gave me goosebumps! Good times! 🤘🏽

@SyX512 2 жыл бұрын

Best guitar tone ever

@kagreen2k 2 жыл бұрын

Paradise Lost is one of my favorite albums. I would add that Russel Allen is one of the very best vocalists.

@pedropony9639 2 жыл бұрын

i didnt know he isnt famous till now actually...he has been my guitar hero for over 15+ years and i had been waiting for his solo album forever

@darthkang_ 7 ай бұрын

This was awesome!

@kennedy496 Ай бұрын

I love Symphony X. This guys are fantastics. Michael Romeo is a monster!!

@YawYan_fighterAlex 10 ай бұрын

1st time i saw michael romeo was in 2010 and i was so amazed by his talent. And until now i still keep on watching his videos.

@craigogorman6695 6 ай бұрын

That was awesome! I need to start looking into learning this style. I also like Buckethead 's style

@brandonduet7771 2 жыл бұрын

Michael is sick talented. I wish more people knew about him.

@ThorsShadow Жыл бұрын

Started playing guitar because of Metallica's One. Specifically Kirk's solo at the end. In 2006-2008-ish, when I watched the DVD of the concert they did with the San Francisco symphony orchestra in the living room with my mum....when Kirk's solo started I jumped out of my seat, tears in my eyes. Telling my mum right then and there I wanted to learn guitar. That said, I started learning how to shred and started learning theory and took guitar playing seriously because of Michael Romeo and Symphony X. I once heard him described as a "guitarist's guitarist". I think that fits perfectly. You listen to their songs (especially the older stuff) and you're like: "That right there. That's the level I wanna be at." Thank you for bringing attention to this man's amazing work.

@dontbothertoreply9755 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome, finally someone who get it, mr Romeo is a beast and has an amazing new album thanks bro.

@cameronpatrickscott Жыл бұрын

Ridiculous! subbed!

@KingConan 2 жыл бұрын

Been a Romeo fan since about 2000

@Steve_plays_guitar 2 жыл бұрын

Mats Haugen from Circus Maximus is a sick player, ludicrously overlooked.

@soterion5687 2 жыл бұрын

I am fortunate to have seen these guys live twice. Definitely check them out in your area! Russell Allen's voice live is something else.

@Emir_The_Guitarist 8 ай бұрын

Mr.Shred I am so glad I found this video... I thought MICHEAL ROMEO will be forgotten, what is truly unfair... BR

@skycaptain141 2 жыл бұрын

Syu from Galneryus doesnt get his fair share of recognition, especially in the West.

@TheCyberMantis 2 жыл бұрын

ABSOLUTELY! Syu-san is the metal king of Japan! Don't forget about Midori and Miyako from LOVEBITES!

@dreamstorm3297 2 жыл бұрын

and Hide from X Japan. While he was alive.

@g1andonly1 2 жыл бұрын

I'm just a 45 yo black dude from Maryland, moved to California and I've been listening to X for 10 years, maybe more, just incredible. Steve Vai, Mark Rizzo.

@80srocker65 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely fantastic

@HurtboxTV 2 жыл бұрын

JOkes on you Shred, I've been listening to SX since at least 2008.

@trobasguiblerg4261 2 жыл бұрын

Symphony X rules, in my top 3 favorite bands ever. I've met them and had conversations with them they're awesome!

@gregorymichael9031 2 жыл бұрын

Symphony X is so damn good! Been trying to catch them live for almost 15 years and something always comes up. Got to see the lead singer of symphony x touring with Trans-Siberian orchestra which was pretty rad though!🤘💪

@zedddddful 2 жыл бұрын

If you can get to see them I'd recommend it I saw them on the underworld tour amazing live and they played the Odyssey in full.

@gregorymichael9031 2 жыл бұрын

@@zedddddful that's awesome dude, killer album!! I hear they have a new album in the works so hoping for another tour cycle after this is dropped! 💪🤘

@SuperMarioDiagnostics Жыл бұрын

I waited 19 years lol and they announced that they're working on another album

@ericperreault8889 2 жыл бұрын

met him last week in quebec city got to speak music with him for 20-25 minutes. a really great player and a great guy as well!

@keenanbartlome8153 2 жыл бұрын

I’m going to see symphony x and haken later this month. Super excited.

@mayorrodgers7446 10 ай бұрын

The man is a beast. One of the things I love about this guy is that he plays his solos just as tight and clean as the studio recordings. And he makes it look so effortless.

@lopolik 2 жыл бұрын

Yes I have.. Been a Fan of Symphony X since 2011. I actually commented on one of your videos about 3 years ago mentioning this band and Michael Romeo, with them using the Gustav Holst's Marks bringer of War in their epic track ''Divine Wings of Tragedy''.. I am really glad you made a video on him! \m/

@TheCyberMantis 2 жыл бұрын

Symphony-X has been my #1 band since 1995. Check out the band: LOVEBITES.

@lopolik 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCyberMantis thanks man. I will check them out! Do you know Shadow Gallery? if you don't check that band out man.

@TheCyberMantis 2 жыл бұрын

@@lopolik I have a couple of Shadow Gallery cd's in my collection.

@emm1855-q6n 2 жыл бұрын

Incredibly underrated. Maybe because in the early years they could be compared to Dream Theater. And as metal prog DT is better. But with evolution of their own style more thrashy the comparaison is not possible now. They will finaly get recognition.

@sucersdungeon 7 ай бұрын

Michael Romeo is the guitar player that the world's greatest guitar players look up to. Symphony X is the kind of a band that the world's most successful metal bands listen to.

@philipwittke8491 2 жыл бұрын

My Domination....nuff said🤘🤘🤴🔥🔥🔥🔥💪

@mikegallagher2732 2 жыл бұрын

Been a fan of the WHOLE band since the First album... CRITICALLY UNDERRATED !!!! MICHAEL is FUCKING AMAZING.🤘🤘

@MBBGun14 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for introducing me to the band. I've heard about them and about Michal Romeo in particular, but somehow I've never listened to their compositions.

@GenghisClaus Жыл бұрын

Oh I've heard of him alright. I've idolized his playing for nearly 20 years now. He's one of the greats whether he's unknown or not.

@paulooliveira3453 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful

@leojosepila3005 Жыл бұрын

Not only is Michael a great guitarist/composer, he is a nice and humble person

@sergiobeltrangalvis3009 Жыл бұрын

I love Symphony X, all the members are a huge musicians, but especially Russell, he's voice is in metal music, like Steve Perry's voice is for 80's rock music

@ChefOrelleYoung Жыл бұрын

For to see Symphony X back in 2003, life changing.

@shredaintdead9323 2 жыл бұрын

Super underrated player and symphony x is crazy underrated too.

@jb_50w78 2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree! Just saw them play live just a few days ago and they were absolutely amazing.

@davidbetts1180 2 жыл бұрын

Never heard of? I thought everyone knew this legend! 🤣

@ShredmasterScott 2 жыл бұрын

Nah fam

@davidbetts1180 2 жыл бұрын

@@ShredmasterScott I guess I've lived in the SX bubble for so long I assumed so 🤣

@lopolik 2 жыл бұрын

I wish.. but sadly not everyone knows about him. I'm glad Shred made a video, hopefully it will get more people into Symphony X.

@hughdavies77 2 жыл бұрын

Andy LaRocque is also one of the most underrated guitarists. I'm not a guitarist, but I know he sounds different from other guitar players and plays some melodies in a way that would raise your eyebrows and rewind the solo. I just wish I could find the words to describe his style of playing, but please do give him a listen if you have any time to spare. Pardon me I forgot to mention that he's been playing in King Diamond from the beginning and also played on Death's Individual Thought Patterns.

@madmickometal5205 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely!! Andy la Rocque is my favourite guitarist, he's one of the best, I heard king diamond "conspiracy" when it was released, it's still my favourite album, king diamond is the best 🤘

@quasipseudo1 Жыл бұрын

Sx Rules!!!! Just saw them in Cleveland - amazing!

@Vesaniah4 2 жыл бұрын

Just saw the in montreal and FFs they are so good. I wish their show was 3h. Its really one of my best show I attended so far. Every member is a master of their craft.

@juvenilejeffreyalbertclone 2 жыл бұрын

Symphony X is my mom's favourite band!

@dacvader2 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely have heard of him. Symphony x is my personal favorite band of all time. Seen em live twice, n got to meet them all on the underworld tour back in October 2015. Was wicked cool.

@skay1992 2 жыл бұрын

THANK YOOOUUUUU I've ALWAYS loved this band since their Paradise Lost album So unbelievable T.T T.T

@zedddddful 9 ай бұрын

Saw them on the underworld tour greatest gig of my life can't wait to see them again soon Russell was incredible and MJR is just the master.

@fatimapalacios2292 2 жыл бұрын

I had Michael Romeo's guitar video back in 2004! he is one of the best guitar players out there!

@insightguitars 2 жыл бұрын

He is the best one alive. Best of the best.

@krazycrismore 2 жыл бұрын

Jokes on you Symphony X is one of the bands that got me into metal. Micheal Romeo is one of my favorite guitarists.

@williamweiss6128 2 жыл бұрын

They are amazing.

@jimenquist9673 2 ай бұрын

seeing these guys again in a week! (NH)

@spotsthecat7913 Жыл бұрын

Michael Romeo is one of guitarist which songs slaps me so hard. While obviously need to practice most shred songs dilligently, i can paraphrase most of Yngwie, Vinnie Moore, even some Impelliteri licks and their songs, but Michael Romeo....damn, that guy simply writes not only fast but extremely musical AND BRUTAL lines that needs full attention and commitment to MERELY learn at like, 60% Speed

@UncleBeefRecords Жыл бұрын

I gotta get into this in a big way

@johnramsey2480 2 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU Mr. Shred for breaking down what we are hearing...not only sound wise but key signature changes!! I HONOR YOU SIR!!!

@officialgreenson4201 10 ай бұрын

well,he is one of my guitar heroes❤.His Handcraft is Badass,!

@mixedmartialnutrition1746 2 жыл бұрын

hell yes, they are freakin mind blowing live, glad i get to experience it.

@ArtGuitarLTX Жыл бұрын

Love your channel. I can’t workout to this and Dream Theater because when I hear music I focus on meter changes/key changes and licks 😂. It’s worse for Meshuggah 😂. My musician brain works different 😅🫤