Here’s another HBB Blog Exclusive for you. It’s a “making of” clip for the Symphony X video for “Set the World on Fire”:
In case that wasn’t enough for you, here’s some commentary from guitarist Mike Romeo:
What’s up, everybody. First off, I’d just like to say how excited me and the guys are about Headbangers playing our video. We’ve been plugging away with the band for a little over 10 years, and when cool things happen, it really feels like we are realizing our dreams. It’s been a steady uphill battle. We started in the mid-’90s at a time when everyone said metal was dead and nobody was interested in really playing guitar anymore ( hell…or even tuning it, for that matter). So, we began slowly building a loyal fan base, releasing our CDs and touring — first in Japan, then South America, then Europe. Being an American band, it kinda sucked not being able to make a lot of headway here in the States. But metal is what we grew up on and that’s what were all about. And we stuck to our guns.
Over the past few years, seeing this resurgence of metal (and all the different styles of metal) at home has been a really great thing. And every genre has something different to offer — speed metal, prog metal, death metal, black metal, metalcore, melodic metal — they all have their own thing going on. But for the most part, everyone is influenced by the same bands (or bands that were influenced by the same bands) that we had growing up (Priest, Maiden, Sabbath, Slayer, etc…). Like I said, it’s awesome to see all these different metal bands getting heard. For a long time there was so much crap music out there (unfortunately, there still is), but in the metal world, this is how we do it. Let’s wake these motherf—ers up out there and show ‘em what it’s all about.
On another note, the “Set the World on Fire” video was one of the first two videos we ever shot (along with “Serpent’s Kiss”). We flew over to Serbia for the video shoot. I gotta admit, it was a bit unusual walking in and playing the tunes in front of a bunch of green screens without knowing exactly what is was going to look like. But we were confident in the production team and we’re totally cool with the way it came out. Being our first video ever, we couldn’t ask for more.
Thanks Mike. Now, the full video for “Set the World On Fire”:
If you heard one DragonForce song you’ve heard them all.Every song is the same thing.On the other hand SymphonyX is a very complex and very dynamic band.Amazing music.
Good band. Very bad video. Cheesy as hell, makes a mockery of the legitimacy of their music.
I believe that now Symphony X is the best band that a human can hear and I`m really happy that they`re doing things they deserve to do… I hope that some day they will come to Peru to play live… after that day I`ll be able to die in peace
LONG LIVE SYMPHONY X!!!!
Hey there!
Saw Symphony X yesterday at the Nokia Theater in NYC.
Man !!! What an awesome concert!!!
I felt such a euphoria seeing them again after the gig at B.B.Kings last year, where I was a little disappointed (I think mainly by the sound).
This time everything was perfect. Russel sang like a God! Seriously! What a great gig!!! Can’t wait for their next album to come out, and to see them again on tour!
Symphony X, in my opinion the best band there is, they keep surprising me with their new material. I love the progressive-metal put together with together with the orchestra-arrangements, it’s just amazing. And also, I think Michael Romeo is the progressive scene’s Bach, Beethoven and Mozart.
Anyways, these guys are the best, hope to see them live some day.
SX are my fave band. I was an instant fanatic. Their music gives me the chills and I get excited to hear new stuff from them. It’s been a long time since a band could captivate my imagination like they do. The playing of MJR has inspired myself to be a better player.
You guys rock!!!
I saw you here in Chile last year, and you concert was amazing
one of the best of my life!!
Keep on rocking Romeo and the rest of the guys
Awesome video guys!!!! Looking FWD to more in the future!!!
you guy´s rock!!! the wid is awsome and it´s good to see that yout a little aprecation for all the godd music you made.
El video es medio verga, una lastima que corten los solos, pero….
QUE PEDAZO DE BANDA!! AGUANTE SYMPHONY, LA PUTA QUE LO PARIÓ!!
great job to Symphony X on the video, im a huge fan of the band and can’t wait to see you guys in atlanta in may for the second time!
ROCK ON!!!! from ARGENTINA
“Fuego, si, Fuegoooo!!!”
Symphony X is the greatest band in the world. Thanks for actually taking time to COMPOSE and ARRANGE music.
I love this song! I’m not one for music videos, but it wasn’t too bad. You guys are one of my favourite bands. Anyway can’t wait to see you in April at Nokia Theater. Thanks for the new album, and I can’t wait for when you release a new one!
Thanks a lot,
Dr. Marc Rosen
The best video I’ve seen in a long time! SX GREAT JOB!
It’s fantastic to finally see one of the greatest ensembles of musical talent since Zappa to finally be getting some of the attention and publicity they truly deserve. As far as I’m concerned Symphony X are the kings of metal, all of their albums are top notch plus they made Dream Theater sound amateurish on tour. Here’s hoping they’ll keep making amazing albums for the long term future.
Nice video guys, congratulations!! ^^
come to Chile again, that Juny 12th night was awesome
take care
Hi everyone, Symphony X is my favorite metal band since I was 13, and seeing this video is the besto thig that I can did this day. I want to thank Symphony X and Headbangers for this excelent video, and I want to pray cus’ I want to see this video on MTV Mexico and Iwant to contact with Russell And Romeo.
Videos won’t work for me
Never mind. Saw you guys in Newport, Wales and you blew me away (and DT off the stage). Sound and performance was stunning. I went as a fan already but exepected the band to be pretentious, couldn’t have been further wrong. Seeing RA doing his ‘voice solo’ the crowd were in stitches, and seeing his preacher routine “Do you see the light?” 
Come back soon, support set wasn’t long enough!
Symphony X is the next best band since Dream Theater. The Ball should learn to play more bands like this, over that heavier sounding, growling junk. And I am NOT talking about bands like Opeth or Bullet for my Valentine, these bands rock…..I am talking about those bands with the one cord and that constant growl…just junk. Later all.
cool video for one of the best band on planet!
This album is the best thing to come out of ‘07. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to see Symphony X in April!
awesome video. im a huge symphony x fan and luv the serpents kiss video to. this is gr8 as its basically the album artwork in motion. the song just couldnt b any better. the album of the year as far as im concerned. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!
One truly heavy video. Can’t wait for the complete movie to come out featuring Russell Alan as the dark lord himself.
This band deserves nothing less than a true piece of art to suport their music.
Rock on. See you live in Europe!
Congrats….excellent video, great band
The best band in the world! This is the sickest video I have ever seen! It’s like Symphony X does Mordor from LOTR..hahaha. EPIC among all imaginable. They truly capture “Paradise Lost” in all its aspects. Kudos to the special effects team and all those involved in creating one hell of a “damned” looking earth! Superb Job. First it’s The Odyssey, now Paradise Lost….whats gonna be next….i hope an epic album on Beowulf, haha lol. Superb Job Gentlemen! FATALITY…YOU WIN!
Wow! They finally did it. A video! Not only that, but two! These guys have been rockin’ the world of prog and symphonic metal for years. I’m really proud that Symphony X has reached the merit of acheivement that they really do deserve! Keep it up Sym X!!!! Prock on!!!!!!!!!
I was stunned at Michael Romeo’s virtuosity!awesome!
Woo Hoo! Sym X- The Best Band In The World!
Some audio commentary would’ve been great to go with this. Thanks MTV!
That chick that plays an angel is hot.
I just have a few words to say….Symphony X, best metal band EVER!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much guys!!!!!!!!
I’m so glad to see Symphony X showing Balls at Headbanger’s! It’s about time for this exquisitely gifted band to strut their assault on a large scale. Keep kickin’ X!
Now,this must have been an expensive video - but if there’s one band that deserves it - that’s SYMPHONY X!! But one thing I can’t understand whatsoever, is that WHY, oh why don’t they have a DVD?!?!? The shitiest bands on the planet have 2 or 3 DVDs but one of the best out there still won’t release it:-( C,mon guys you’ve been teasing your fans for far too long…. Strength and honor!!!
That was sooo cool….
So for anyone that has watched this video, you really need to go see them live if you can. Trust me, you won’t be waisting your time or money.
1st, A big thanx to MTV2 for putting this video on there HBB show.
It looks like the guys had a pretty good time making it. Can’t wait to see the next one they do.
“The knife of time carves another line around these eyes”
Symphony X–Sea of Lies
wow men! this one fine piece of work, but still I think that previous video is much more finer. what bothers me in this video is the scene where angel puts a smile on his face. i don+t know, its something like britney spears would do. this band is amazing in any way. you can compare them with Mozart or Beethoven. dont say Im crazy for saying that.
I have always had a passion for Progressive metal, & Symphony X has definitely been at the top of that list.
They truly kick some serious ass live!! But now thier talent for another media has been discovered & unleashed via MTV….Truly amazing video befitting a great song.
Cant wait to see them in Cleveland in April
Great “making of” video. I’m so happy to see Symphony X on something like this.
Does this mean it’s cool to watch MTV now?
SYMPHONY X KICKS MAJOR ASS
THIS BAND DESERVES THIS AND MUCH MORE
GREAT VIDEO!!!!!!!!!
It is awesome that such a fine cd gets this exposure. Saw them open for Dream Theater and will see them headlining. I am not really a fan of their previous work (I like the Odyssey though) but the new cd slays. Best cd of 2007 IMHO. Great song, great vid (unedited would be better) and great cd.
Well, it’s about time that these guys receive some much deserved attention and good fortune. I was in a NJ based Queensryche Tribute w/ Mike Lepond back in 2004-2005, and I can honestly say that I have never met a more humble person as well traveled as Mike. He’d come over my house for practice and you’d swear you were in the company of your local electrician, and not an accomplished musician that has toured the world with some of the biggest bands of our time. I’m so happy for these guys, and if you ever have the opportunity to meet them after a show you’ll know exactly why. Best wishes and continued success!!!
This just seems like a dream. ive been supporting this band and listening to their GREAT material since 2001, and it is great to hear them get some airtime and recognition. at first i was a little hesitant to hear them on MTV of all places, but i know this band in not sellout material. they have never made a bad CD (except their first one, but it wasn’t musically bad, the singer just sucked), and they are awesome live. i also credit them with helping to get me into classical music. cheers and nothing but respect to a bunch of great musicians. peace-
I will always be wearing my Symphony X baseball jersey and rocking at the front row of every SX concert in Toronto (been there for Gigantour and the tour with Echoes of Eternity).
Look for me. I’m the arab guy.
ooooh yeah, both video’s are so great, it’s good to see that there are still real musicians out there
hope to see you guys again in Belgium
take care
Awsome video, im very glad you guys are starting to get more exposure. It has been long over due. Ive seen you 5 times in Chicago, now please come to Japan!
Russ, Jason, and Mike-X3, Can’t wait to see you guys play again… See you in Fort Worth, Texas!
I am so happy to see this new video!! It is a classic! I will fly to LA to see them since they are passing by Vegas! Fantastic band and the new cd just rules!!!! These guys deserve some recognition for being one of the greatest bands in the world!!
Really cool video to go along with the cover art to their latest CD. Check Symphony X out. You want regret it!
Great video - hopefully this is just the beginning of the LONG OVERDUE recognition these guys deserve. 10 years is a long time, thanks for sticking it out all these years guys. I’ve seen them live 8 times and had the pleasure to speak with Russell, Romeo & Pinella for a few min here & there at a few shows and a signing they did for Paradise Lost in NJ, what a great bunch of guys. They love their fans as much as they love writing the best music out there, and it’s clear in every show. They give nothing less than 110% every time they step on stage. By far the best prog metal band ever.
Most underrated band ever!! Congrats guys! i hope you make it big like you deserve.
Awesome video! Seem like a lot of fun!
I hope this video will get a lot of airtime, ’cause this band deserve nothing else.
Cheers! / Axl from the progressive metal band Edge of a Circle
Great video! really love the new album!
see you on your next visit to sweden!
keep up the good work!
incredible musical talent, really impressive, keep going
rock on,there are lots of “fans to be” out there,so keep with the good music,you going to go all the way$$$$$$$$$$$
Awesome!!!!!
Friggin’ Sweet!!
Symphony X rocks! In my book Paradise Lost was the best album of 2007. Love it!
For me the best prog metal band for this time!
I love it!!!!
You guys are amazing!! Hope to see you when your back in the states again!
You guys are amazing any day of the week! you put on a GREAT show too, so obviously i can’t wait till you’re coming back to norcal!!!
\m/ (>_
Really, after about 12 long years of forging sacred songs in the void (almost) unseen, this final achievement is just what these masters of progressive metal have deserved form the very beginning.
Keep on like this MJR, and equal that guitar solo Malmsteen!
Not only is this song amazing, but seeing the video and the making of it is awesome! Cant wait to see you all in Hollywood, CA.
-Kenny
Anything Symphony X does is worth watching. This is like a second music video, with outtakes. Awesome.
This is one of teh best videos I have ever seen. Paradsise Lost is not only the ALBUM and I mean that universally, not just in their genre, of 2007 but it’s already a classic. Symphony X is one of the best bands on this planet and deserve nothing but the best
Very VERY cool to see the respect and recognition this band deserves. Every album is absolutely amazing, aesthetically and musically. thanks for a great 10+ years
Symphony X is a fantastic band! I love their album “The Odyssey”!
Truly amazing song!
Michael Romeo, Michael Pinella, Jason Rullo, Russell Allen and Michael lepond are all fantastic musicians
Well Done Symphony X for an awesome Video
Great band, great song, and great video. Frankly this is one of the best metal albums of the decade. Well done guys!
Finally!!! These guys are gettin the recogniton they deserve!!
They are my favorite band, if you think their albums are great…their even better live!!! Go see them play a show you will not be disappointed!!
Very cool video. Great performance and a really good song!
Keep up the great work and Im sure you guys will headline all over the world soon!
/Mangan
Thanks for posting these videos. Symphony X is brilliant. Period.
you are the best band ever! I cant describe my enthusiasm for your excellent music!
stay prime!
The best band, great vids, I hope they’ll rock headbangers!
Fan-fricking-tastic! Thanks so much for sharing. I wear my church of the machine shirt loud and proud!
Hello all,
anything the SymX guys do rocks! I’m not really into videos, but for this one I gladly make an exception ;0)
the ‘making of…’ seems to be mostly about just waiting around a lot [and flying across the pond at that!]
[prog]-rock on..!
Awesome stuff. Great to see SX up here. :D:D
The Greatest Band Ever!!!! Awesome video, ALL HAIL SYMPHONY X!!!!!
Thanks for sharing this video allthough it wasn’t all that informative. It’s great that you’ve been doing these music videos and that you’ve put them here for us to see. I really liked the “Set the World on Fire”-video alot, the theme was pretty awsome. I’d also love to see it in a bit higher resolution.
Cheers, you will allways be my favourite band!
Thanks for sharing this “making of” vid with the fanbase.
Things keep looking up for you guys! It’s been a LONG time coming, and you all deserve it. See you on tour!
Best band ever! Finally they are getting some more exposure like they deserve
Fantastic! Very cool behind the scenes look at the making of….I am really looking forward to seeing you guys once again this spring!! You guys rocked the town last summer!!
Symphony X is the @~%?
Wow, good job to everyone who went into this video, and great job to MTV and Headbanger’s Ball to getting Symphony X to be actually recognized for the Metal Masters they really are.
I love the video, it is excellent and the imagery blows the mind. Kick ass…! Yeah!
Symphony X is THE BEST BAND EVER!!!!!!!
I’ve been a huge fan for years, and I’m happy that you guys are finally getting some real publicity.
You guys rock!
This video is kickass. Good work to Headbangers Ball for finally recognizing these metal giants, and props to Symphony X for making such a sweet album.
You guys rock.
Good luck on the tour and cant wait see you guys in the UK
YOU BOYZZ KICK BIGTIME ASS! GOOD LUCK ON YOUR TOUR!
LEPOND DON’T FORGET US LITTLE GUYS! HAHAHAHAHAHA
Freakin’ awesome stuff.
dude thnax for the new vid i love it but the solo is still cut out its pissing me off
any way thanx for showing us how it was made
(i would have liked it if you could hear peoples voices…)