Symphony X – The Architects of Progressive Power

“There are bands that simply play music, and then there is Symphony X. For over three decades, the New Jersey titans have been delivering masterclasses in musical brilliance, seamlessly wedding neoclassical elegance with rock-solid Power Metal.
As the global metal community holds its breath for the successor to the monumental ‘Underworld,’ SoundStoriesByJo is profoundly honored to host one of the key ‘architects’ of their signature sound. Michael LePond, the man who serves as the unbreakable backbone of Symphony X, opens up to us in an exclusive and revealing discussion.
In this deep-dive feature, Mike shares the latest status of the new album, the band’s upcoming touring plans for 2026, the philosophy behind his incredible technique, and the legendary bond that connects the band with the Greek audience. Ladies and gentlemen, Michael LePond, exclusively on SoundStoriesByJo, Metalwar, and Legion Magazine.”

Jo: “Mike, in Symphony X, your bass lines act as the essential bridge between neoclassical complexity and rock-solid Heavy Metal. How do you balance the technical demands of Michael Romeo’s compositions with the need to maintain the ‘groove’ and the sheer power of the track?”
ML: Each song has its own unique challenges when balancing groove and technique. For example, on a track where there is a heavy guitar riff against a counter melody on the keyboard, I will usually just play whatever Romeo is playing. If the musical section is less busy, I will groove and walk with the drums..

Jo: “The fans have been waiting patiently for the successor to ‘Underworld’. Can you give us an update on the creative process? How far along is the band with the new material and what can we expect in terms of musical direction?”
ML: I can finally say that the new record is beginning to take form. We now have all the different styles and parts we need to envision the final product. I think Romeo is writing some of the best music of our career, and I am excited to get the fans’ reaction once it’s released. I’m confident it will come out in 2027.

Jo: “There is a lot of buzz regarding Symphony X returning to the stage in 2026. Are there any specific touring plans or festival appearances in the works, and how much of the new material might we hear live?”
ML: As of this moment, we have a 30 year anniversary tour planned for South America in March. To celebrate this milestone, the band will be playing some special songs that we haven’t played in many years. This is a very important year for Symphony X. We will not be playing brand new material.

Jo: “In progressive metal, the bass often has to navigate through extremely dense arrangements. Do you view your lines primarily as an anchor for the melody, or do you see them as a distinct ‘voice’ that adds an extra layer of storytelling to the composition?”
ML: Depending on the song, both can be true. In a song such as “To Hell and Back”, the bass is definitely the distinct voice that drives the track. In a song like “Nevermore”, I’m just an anchor. My attitude for all music is to only play what the song needs. Nothing more, nothing less.

Jo: “With ‘Silent Assassins,’ we see a pure, Power Metal side of your artistry. How important is it for a musician in a major band to have a personal ‘sanctuary’ where they can tell their own musical stories?”
ML: I think it is very important for an artist to express themselves and their musical journey. In my case, I wanted to show my fans where all my influences came from. Although I play in a prog metal band, my playing style comes from the rock bass players of the 1970s, and my writing is pure power metal.

Jo: “Symphony X has a very close and passionate relationship with the Greek audience. Do you have a specific memory from your shows in Greece (Athens or Thessaloniki) that has truly stuck with you over the years?”
ML: I played Athens with Symphony X, and Thessaloniki with Ross the Boss. Both shows were a lot of fun! I have a very fond memory of playing “The Odyssey” in Athens. The fans really enjoyed hearing a song dedicated to the amazing Greek culture.

Jo: “Your bass tone is legendary for being both punchy and clear. Have you made any changes to your rig or your technical approach for the upcoming recordings to achieve the desired atmosphere?”
ML: I like my bass tone to have clarity, without losing the bottom. I have kept my bass tone basically the same for the last 15 years. The only time it may change is at the discretion of a recording or sound engineer.

Jo: “Symphony X helped define the Prog-Power genre. Do you feel a sense of responsibility to keep pushing the boundaries, or do you just follow where the music leads you naturally?”
ML: Symphony X never really thought about pushing boundaries or anything like that. We just wrote music that was special to us, and hoped our fans would feel the same. Having said that, we are extremely honored and proud of the fact that we have inspired so many bands in the prog genre.

Jo: “You are a master of both fingerstyle and pick techniques. When you are working on the new Symphony X material, how do you decide which technique fits each track best? Is it a matter of the song’s speed, or do you choose based on the specific ‘attack’ and tonal color required for the recording?”
ML: Although I can play with a pick, I never used one on a recording or live show. With the next Symphony X album, that may change. My right hand is slowing down due to age, so I may need a pick for some of the faster parts.

Jo: “Many view the bass as a supporting instrument, but you treat it as a protagonist. If your bass could tell a ‘Sound Story’ (referring to our platform’s name), what would be its central theme?”
ML: I am very influenced by Joey DeMaio of Manowar, who made the bass a lead instrument in that band. The central theme for my bass would be a medieval peasant who dreamed of a simple life, but would fight to the death if needed.

Jo: “After so many years in the industry, what keeps you hungry? Is there a specific album or artist outside the metal genre that has influenced your playing lately?
ML: In all honesty, I am not nearly as hungry as I used to be. I guess that comes with age. Lately, I haven’t heard anything inspiring. My inspiration still comes from the music of my youth. I still try to listen to new bands.

Jo: “What is your final message to the Greek fans who have supported you since day one? What should they prepare for in this new era of Symphony X?”
ML: Thank you to the great Greek Symphony X fans. Your support is appreciated and loved. The new era of the band will please you guys the most!

“We would like to thank Michael LePond and Alexander Ford for making this interview possible. The ‘Sound Story’ of Symphony X continues to unfold, and 2026 promises to be a monumental year for the band. Stay tuned for the new era.”

Best regards,
Jo Gonas, Metalwar Team
Lead Editor | Music Contributor
SoundStoriesByJo (soundstoriesbyjoblog.wordpress.com)
Metalwar (metalwar.gr)