Cassandra Syndrome's 2011 sophomore release Satire X, the eagerly-awaited follow-up to 2009's critically acclaimed 'Of Patriots and Tyrants,' weaves a tapestry of feral energy and bold tones. A reference to the 'bread and circuses' of first century Satirist Juvenal, Satire X combines poignant, socially conscious lyrics, exquisite vocal melodies and masterful riffs into a metal-based call to action.

Eschewing the synthesizer-laden stereotypes of symphonic metal, Cassandra Syndrome (formed in 2005) revolutionizes the genre with a unique blend of axe-heavy melodic metal and operatic vocals. The powerful alliance of Joe Cariola's punishing bass, scathing riffs of Jen Tonon's rhythm guitar, and throbbing beats of Jay Jericho's drums create a driving ground assault which weakens your defenses before being met by the searing lead lines of guitarist Chris Kackley. Above it all, radiant as Angelic Death, the resplendent soprano of Irene Jericho soars above the battlefield.

To have Cassandra Syndrome, named for the famed Trojan seeress cursed by the Greek god Apollo, is to see a dark future yet be unable to convince others of the truth. The sonic wrath of Satire X tries to warn us of the specters haunting our steps: poverty, urban violence, misleading media, politically-sanctioned bigotry, and the military industrial complex among others. They attack the mainstream wall of willful ignorance, firing a desperate cry into the winds that all fans of exceptional, unconventional music will savor.