As a way tribute to their fans and to get new material heard, power metal band Symphonity have released an ep containing a new studio track and a collection of songs from a show recorded live in Athens in April 2025, marking the return of long time drummer Martin “Marthus” Škaroupka.
The origins of Symphonity go all the way back to Czech guitarist Libor Křivák who at the age of 16 formed his first band, Otter in 1994. Over time the band’s name changed to Nemesis and in 2003 their debut album Goddess of Revenge was released. Following some band personnel changes, the band changed names to Symphonity and based on live performances and reception, the band was signed to Limb Music Products. Voice from the Silence was released in 2008 , followed by King of Persia in 2016 after a series of lineup changes. Marco Polo: The Metal Soundtrack was released in 2022 and followed by Marco Polo: Live in Europe in 2024. In between lineup changes and albums, the band played numerous festivals across Europe and was supporting Rhapsody of Fire until the Covid-19 pandemic shut down the tour with 5 shows to go.
For the live Beyond Olympus songs, the band chose to record an uninterrupted or edited segment of a show in Athens during their time supporting Tarja Turunen and Marco Hietala. Guitarist Libor Křivák handled the live recordings and the entire ep which includes the new studio track, was mastered by SImone Mularoni.
The new studio track “Out and About” kicks off the ep and for this song the band chose to craft a song about the life of a band on the road dedicated to their fans instead of their usual fantasy or concept album themed topics that power metal is known for. For me, the dominant keyboards in the intro part of the song was a bit of a surprise but then the familiar galloping fast riffs in power metal came in and order was restored. David Åkesson’s vocals are clear, strong, smooth, and he shows great range, a perfect fit for power metal. The rhythm section provides a solid foundation for the song as it races along at a fast, if a bit predictable pace. The song is filled with little guitar flourishes here and there and drummer Martin “Marthus” Škaroupka is very busy throughout. Keyboards providing some symphonic elements come in later in the song and move things a bit toward symphonic side of power metal, but that is relatively short-lived. As a first exposure to Symphonity, the song shows they can hold their own in the power metal world.
The first thing I noticed about the live tracks is how loud the drums were in the mix, which is a bit distracting. The opening track, “Evening Star” is a standard, fast power metal track but does show not only how well David Åkesson’s vocals hold up in a live setting, but also the tightness of the band and proficiency as musicians. Libor Křivák has some great guitar parts in the song and the near 8 minute long track never drags and seems to be a much shorter track than it is.
Libor Křivák has a great guitar opening for “In the Name of God” and the bass work from Tomáš Sklenář is evidenced in the early verse sections where he is largely supporting the vocals. This track also highlights the quality of the live mix as all the instruments are clear and not overwhelmed by the vocals, which are also clear. This is one of those mid-tempo power metal tracks that sticks with you, very catchy, and the guitar intro and outro work incredibly well.
As if traveling back to the 80s-90s metal, “Dreaming of Home” introduces Symphonity’s view of a power ballad. While the early part of the song does come across a bit strained, once the full band comes in the song takes on a new life and the guitar solo from Libor Křivák fits well within the song. “GIve Me Your Helping Hand” closes out the live set and is well worth the wait. Fast riffs and drums and a breakneck pace are sure to leave crowds wanting more.
Choosing to just record the live set and not pick songs from individual shows highlights the confidence of the band in their own abilities and is a cool thing, especially for those who were at the show. I was able to get a soundboard recording of a Metallica show I was at, so I know how special that can be as a memory.
As Beyond Olympus fans wait for a new studio full length, releasing a new track with a recording of a live set is a great way to not only keep their audience happy but when it’s done this well, is a great way to bring in those who haven’t heard the band before.
Rating: 7/10
Written by John Jackson
Tracklist
1. Out and About
2. Evening Star (Live in Athens 2025)
3. In the Name of God (Live in Athens 2025)
4. The Gates of Fantasy (Live in Athens 2025)
5. Dreaming of Home (Live in Athens 2025)
6. Give Me Your Helping Hand (Live in Athens 2025)
Release Date: December 5th, 2025
Record Label: Limb Music
Band Members
David Åkesson – lead vocals
Libor Křivák – lead guitar
Tomáš Sklenář – bass guitar
Martin “Marthus” Škaroupka – cymbals & drums
Weblinks
Band site: https://www.symphonity.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SYMPHONITY/
Teaser video for “Out and About”:
Video for “In the Name of God” (live 2023):