MMXX - Sons Of Apollo

I was drawn to these guys entirely because of their name. Let me say that first. I was always fascinated by Greek mythology when I was growing up, I even briefly considered getting Poseidon tattooed on my thigh for a brief moment. So a modern rock band calling themselves "Sons Of Apollo" was definitely something I wanted to experience for myself. Eventually I landed upon their newest album, MMXX, which was ever-so-creatively named after it's year of release. The band itself is a supergroup of sorts, featuring 5 members whose credentials are far too long for me to even consider cataloguing here. Just know that these guys have been around the block once or twice and know a thing or two about playing rock and roll. Knowing all of that going into MMXX, I was excited to sink my teeth into it.

The opening track from the record, "Goodbye Divinity" grabs your attention almost immediately. The  band members appear in the video one by one playing the hell out of their seemingly-unwieldy instruments. The drummer is surrounded by an endless kit, the bassist and guitarist both have double-necked instruments for some reason, and the keyboardist has 3 keyboards stacked on top of one another. Imagine my surprise when the singer didn't appear with 3 mouths. In fact, the top YouTube comment on the video reads "Was really disappointed the lead singer not showing triple microphone." The amusing video only carries the song so far, as the endless intro completely lost my interest by minute 3. Yes, its nearly 3 minutes before you even see the lead singer. This was certainly foreshadowing more boredom to come, as the record contains only 8 tracks, with a total runtime of over 58 minutes. The last track of the record is over 15 minutes long on its own. Perhaps the band should consider a name change to Sons Of Extravagance?

I really don't know what else to add about this record. I do love the percussion parts, I will admit. The drummer has some killer fills and I love listening to his technique. It's the rest of the band's components that I have issue with. You would think that with this much talent, they would be able to hold my attention for more than 3 minutes at a time. But when one song its just an eternal guitar solo leading to forgettable lyrics, it leaves you disappointed. Like going to Olive Garden and filling up on salad and breadsticks. Sure, it sounds great at first, but when you get back in your car you just feel like your missing something. Well that's what this album is. Bottomless breadsticks. Sounds exciting on paper, but it probably isn't what you really need in your life. Keeping this in mind, picking a favorite and least favorite will be difficult because every song on this album sounds the same as the one before it. So wish me luck. Though I do have to give honorable mention and a special shout out to "Desolate July," a touching tribute to a beautiful soul. RIP David Z.

Needless to say, this record was certainly not what I was hoping it would be. It lost me 3 minutes in, and never truly regained my full attention. It just wasn't for me at all, and that's okay. No record is made for every single person in the world to enjoy. However, these guys most definitely have their following, so check them out and see what you think for yourself. If the demon-lovechild of Pink Floyd and Dragonforce is something you think you would enjoy, by all means. If that doesn't work for you, maybe think of them as an angry Dream Theater. Before I continue beating the dead horse, why don't I wrap it up here? Because unlike Sons Of Apollo, I know when to end it. Sorry, I just couldn't resist getting one last shot in.

MMXX - Sons Of Apollo

1 - 17 - 2020

1. Goodbye Divinity

2. Wither to Black

3. Asphyxiation

4. Desolate July

5. King of Delusion

6. Fall to Ascend

7. Resurrection Day

8. New World Today

Favorite Track: King of Delusion

Least Favorite Track: New World Today

Rating: 4.8