Symphonity – ‘Beyond Olympus’ EP

(Limb Music)

There’s a certain expectation that comes with a band like Symphonity. Known for their cinematic scope, heroic melodies and unapologetically grand take on symphonic power metal, they don’t exactly do things by halves. Beyond Olympus may be an EP rather than a full-length album, but it still carries that larger-than-life attitude, even if most of its runtime is rooted firmly on the live stage rather than the studio.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first, there’s only one brand-new studio track here. Normally, that might raise an eyebrow or two, but in this case, it works more as a statement than a shortcut.

Where this EP really earns its stripes, though, is in the live material recorded in Athens. There’s something poetic about Symphonity unleashing their mythological, epic sound in Greece and the energy of the crowd comes through loud and clear. These aren’t sterile live recordings either, they’re raw enough to feel authentic, yet clean enough to showcase the band’s technical skill. The guitars remain razor-sharp, the rhythm section drives everything forward with authority and the vocals rise to the challenge, hitting those high notes without sounding strained or overly polished.

What stands out most is how well Symphonity’s material translates to a live setting. The songs feel bigger, more urgent, and more emotional when backed by an engaged audience. Choruses hit harder, solos feel more dramatic, and the overall atmosphere adds an extra layer of intensity that studio versions can’t always capture.

‘Out And About’ the sole new studio track on Beyond Olympus has a lot riding on it and thankfully it delivers. This is Symphonity in confident, cruising mode, upbeat, melodic and packed with that familiar symphonic sheen. The guitars sparkle with neoclassical flair, while the orchestration adds scale without smothering the song’s momentum. It’s not a sprawling epic, but that’s part of its charm; this one feels direct, punchy and purpose-built to get stuck in your head. A strong reminder that the band still has fresh fire in the studio.

Recorded live in Athens, ‘Evening Star’ immediately benefits from the atmosphere. The crowd response lifts the song, giving it an emotional weight that surpasses the studio version. The vocals soar impressively, especially during the chorus and the band sound tight yet energised. There’s a warmth to this performance that really suits the song’s melodic, almost romantic tone.

‘In The Name Of God’ is Symphonity leaning fully into their epic power metal roots. This one hits hard live, with thunderous riffs and commanding rhythms driving things forward. The chorus lands with real authority, amplified by the crowd’s enthusiasm. The live setting adds grit and urgency, making the song feel more intense and dramatic than ever.

One of the more theatrical tracks in the set, ‘The Gates Of Fantasy’ thrives on the stage. The symphonic elements feel grander and the guitar work shines during the instrumental passages. There’s a real sense of escapism here, it enters classic Symphonity territory and the band clearly relish performing this one. It’s immersive, powerful, and tailor-made for a live audience.

A change of pace comes with ‘Dreaming Of Home’ which brings a more emotional, reflective mood to proceedings. Performed live it adds vulnerability, with the vocals carrying genuine feeling rather than studio polish. The crowd’s presence enhances the atmosphere without overpowering it, making this one of the most heartfelt moments on the record.

‘Give Me Your Helping Hand’ closes the EP on an uplifting note, this track feels celebratory and unifying. The audience interaction is front and centre and the band sound like they’re feeding off that energy. It’s melodic, hopeful and leaves things on a high, a fitting end to an EP that’s as much about connection and performance as it is about new material.

Beyond Olympus isn’t an EP for casual listeners looking for a heap of new material. Instead, it feels like a celebration, a snapshot of Symphonity at full power, honouring their past while teasing what’s still to come. For long time fans, this is a rewarding listen that reinforces why the band commands such loyalty. For newcomers, it’s a strong introduction to Symphonity’s live prowess and epic musical vision. Sometimes, one new song and a killer live performance are more than enough.

7/10

Essential Track – ‘Out And About’

Review by Woody