Legendary SYMPHONY X guitarist Michael Romeo‘s upcoming solo album, “War Of The Worlds, Part II” will be released via Inside Out Music on February 4, 2022. The official video for the album’s second single ‘Metamorphosis’ – once again produced by Wayne Joyner – can be watched below.
Michael Romeo comments on the new single: Here’s another one from my new solo album ‘War of the Worlds, Part 2. This time we have the track – “Metamorphosis.” Whereas ‘Divide & Conquer’ had a more ‘straight-ahead’ feel, this one has a few more twists and turns going on. Hope you enjoy it!
“War Of The Worlds, Part II” can be pre-ordered as a Limited Gatefold 180g 2LP, Limited 2CD version in an eco-friendly 6-panel Pocket Pac with a 16-page CD-Booklet (CD 2 features the instrumental version of the album) and as a digital album.
In his groundbreaking work with Symphony X, Romeo established himself as one of heavy metals most exciting maverick guitarists. Influenced by the likes of axe gods Randy Rhoads, Yngwie Malmsteen, Dimebag Darrell and Uli Jon Roth, he’s also steeped in the works of Beethoven, Ravel and Stravinsky. But there’s yet another side to the New Jersey axe wizard and composer, one who’s enamored of film score giants such as Bernard Herrmann, John Williams, Danny Elfman and Hans Zimmer. Romeo put it all in a Cuisinart for his first musical homage to H.G. Wells, and with “War Of The Worlds, Part II”, he’s flipped the switch to infinity and beyond.
“The title feels a little more prophetic than usual”, he says. “Just by taking a look around at what’s going on in the world. For the most part, there’s a strong sci-fi element to the album, but on a few songs I’m kind of like, ‘Maybe the aliens can just sit this one out while we fight among ourselves…ha.’”
For “War Of The Worlds, Part II”, Romeo welcomed a couple of returning players — drummer John Macaluso and bassist John “JD” DeServio — but the album marks the first time he worked with Croatian singer Dino Jelusick.
“I go way back with John and JD, so they were the obvious choices, but this time I wanted to try something different with the vocals,” Romeo says. “Dino came highly recommended, and he totally nailed it! He really brought an exciting element to the music.”
Summing up the album, Romeo says, “It takes the first record deeper into the journey. It’s H.G. Wells with modern-day sci-fi, and there’s a lot of super-heavy cinematic music and, obviously, lots of guitars. Put it on and forget where you are. Let’s go somewhere else. The real world will still be here.”
“War Of The Worlds, Part II” Track-list:
Disc 1:
1. Introduction, Pt. II (02:37)
2. Divide & Conquer (04:46)
3. Destroyer (05:34)
4. Metamorphosis (05:53)
5. Mothership (02:23)
6. Just Before the Dawn (05:01)
7. Hybrids (06:14)
8. Hunted (04:32)
9. Maschinenmensch (09:03)
10. Parasite (04:33)
11. Brave New World (Outro) (03:36)
12. The Perfect Weapon (Bonus Track) (07:41)
13. Alien DeathRay (Bonus Track) (04:31)
Disc 2:
1. Introduction, Pt. II (02:37)
2. Divide & Conquer (Instrumental Version) (04:46)
3. Destroyer (Instrumental Version) (05:34)
4. Metamorphosis (Instrumental Version) (05:53)
5. Mothership (02:23)
6. Just Before the Dawn (Instrumental Version) (05:01)
7. Hybrids (Instrumental Version) (06:14)
8. Hunted (04:32)
9. Maschinenmensch (Instrumental Version) (09:03)
10. Parasite (Instrumental Version) (04:33)
11. Brave New World (Outro) (03:36)
12. The Perfect Weapon (Instrumental Version) (Bonus Track) (07:41)
13. Alien DeathRay (Bonus Track) (04:31)
“War Of The Worlds, Part II” recording lineup:
- Michael Romeo / Guitars, Keys/Orchestra, Cello, Sax
- Dino Jelusick / Vocals
- John “JD” DeServio / Bass
- John Macaluso / Drums
