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Symphony X is an American progressive metal band from Middletown, New Jersey. Founded in 1994, the band consists of guitarist Michael Romeo, keyboardist Michael Pinnella, drummer Jason Rullo, lead vocalist Russell Allen and bassist Michael LePond.

They achieved some commercial success with the 2007 album Paradise Lost and the 2011 album Iconoclast, which reached number 76 on the Billboard 200.

The albums The Divine Wings of Tragedy and V: The New Mythology Suite were partially recorded in The Dungeon, Romeo's home studio. The Odyssey, Paradise Lost, Iconoclast and Underworld were fully recorded there and produced by Romeo himself.

HistoryEdit

Symphony X and The Damnation Game (1994−1995)Edit

In 1992, Michael Romeo (formerly of the bands Phantom's Opera and Gemini) recorded a demo album in his apartment which was sent to various record labels.<ref name=":0">Template:Citation</ref> The tape attracted attention in Japan with the now-defunct record company Zero Corporation.<ref name="officialromeo">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="alloutguitar1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In April 1994, a new version of The Dark Chapter, which featured Romeo and keyboard player Michael Pinnella, was released by Zero Corporation.<ref name="alloutguitar1" />

When asked by Zero Corporation if he had a band in the same genre,<ref name=":0" /><ref name="officialromeo" /> Romeo recruited bassist Thomas Miller, drummer Jason Rullo, and vocalist Rod Tyler, with Pinella remaining on keys.<ref name="progmetalblog">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Together, the band recorded a demo tape entitled Danse Macabre some time in 1994.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It is unclear if the tape was intended for Zero Corporation alone, or if it was sent to other record labels for consideration. Two songs from the demo would be recorded for the band's self-titled debut album, which was released by Zero Corporation in December 1994.<ref name=":1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Romeo explained the band's name in a 2008 interview; "the music we were coming up with had the keyboard thing and the guitar, and some classical elements, so the word 'Symphony' came up and ... then, somebody said 'Symphony X' and we were like, 'yeah, that's cool' it is that kinda thing, and the 'X' is the unknown and all the other stuff we do."<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

After the release of Symphony X in 1994, Rod Tyler left the band due to creative differences and was replaced by current singer Russell Allen,<ref name="FAQ-7">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> who Tyler had previously introduced to the band.<ref name=":1" /> The band's second album, The Damnation Game, released in August 1995.<ref name=":1" /> Both albums were released in Asia through Japanese company Zero Corporation, and were later released in Europe under license to German company Inside Out.<ref name="alloutguitar1" />

The Divine Wings of Tragedy and Twilight in Olympus (1996−1998)Edit

The Divine Wings of Tragedy, recorded in 1996 and released in November of the same year by Zero Corporation in Japan, proved to be successful for the band, generating interest outside of Japan and within wider circles in the metal community.<ref name="alloutguitar1" /> The album would have a European release in March 1997, again through German label Inside Out. In a 2008 interview, Romeo recalled "it felt like we were a ‘real band’ now, we really had our thing going and more and more people were getting exposed to it."<ref name="alloutguitar1" /> The album was positively received, with AllMusic praising Romeo's "pyrotechnic displays" and describing Pinella and Miller as "equally competent on their respective instruments".<ref>Template:Citation</ref>

Following the release of The Divine Wings of Tragedy, drummer Rullo left the band for personal reasons.<ref name="FAQ-7" /> Romeo would later recall there was some tension in the band at the time between drummer Rullo and bassist Miller.<ref name="alloutguitar1" /> The band recruited a new drummer, Thomas Walling, to replace Rullo and recorded Twilight in Olympus in 1998.<ref name="alloutguitar1" /><ref name="FAQ-7" /> The album was released in February 1998 via Zero Corporation in Japan and simultaneously via Inside Out in Europe. The album released to favourable reviews, though Romeo has since voiced his concerns that the album was "rushed"<ref name=":8">Template:Citation</ref> due to pressure from Zero Corporation as well as "rushing back into the studio to get stuff done with [Walling]," continuing "I think of all our albums, that's not one of my favourites mainly because of that reason - it's kinda rushed. Some of the stuff on there is not what it could and should have been."<ref name="alloutguitar1" />

1998 saw the first live performances for the band, which had been organised prior to the release of Twilight in Olympus.<ref name="alloutguitar1" /> Their first official show was in Osaka, Japan on June 23, 1998,<ref>Template:Citation</ref> which was soon followed by a world tour. Following the initial run of Japanese shows, bassist Miller and drummer Walling both left the band due to their unwillingness to tour.<ref name="FAQ-7" /> Original drummer Rullo rejoined the band,<ref name="alloutguitar1" /><ref name="FAQ-7" /> and the band recruited touring bassist Andy DeLuca before finding a permanent replacement in Michael LePond.<ref name="officialromeo" />

A compilation album, Prelude to the Millennium, was released by the end of 1998. It featured a re-recording of "Masquerade" from the first album Symphony X, featuring Russell Allen on vocals.

V: The New Mythology Suite and The Odyssey (1999−2005)Edit

The band's fifth album, V: The New Mythology Suite, released in October 2000.<ref name="alloutguitar1" /> The album would mark the band's first worldwide release on a major record label, Inside Out, who had licensed Symphony X's previous albums for European releases.<ref name="alloutguitar1" /> The album was their first concept album, dealing with the myth of Atlantis.<ref name=":2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Romeo stated the band wanted to focus on the record as a whole rather than any one particular song.<ref name="alloutguitar1" /> The album features touring staples such as "Evolution (The Grand Design)", "Communion and the Oracle" and "Egypt", and prominently features a number of classical music pieces.

The band supported the album with a European and South American tour shortly after its release.<ref name=":2" /> The band's first live album, Live on the Edge of Forever, was recorded on the European leg of the tour in Élysée Montmartre, Paris and was released in November 2001.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 2002, the band released The Odyssey, an album prominently featuring a 24-minute-long musical interpretation of the Homeric epic, the Odyssey.<ref name=":3">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The album was again released worldwide by Inside Out, and was the first album to be recorded entirely in Romeo's home studio The Dungeon.<ref name=":3" /> The album was particularly successful for the band, again expanding their audience on an international scale.<ref name=":4">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The band supported the album by touring North America with Blind Guardian, which marked some of the first North American shows for both bands.<ref name=":3" />

In 2005 Symphony X was featured on Gigantour, a summer festival headlined by Megadeth with Dream Theater, Nevermore and Anthrax. Two Symphony X songs from the tour, "Inferno" and "Of Sins and Shadows", are featured on the Gigantour DVD and CD-set, released in September 2006.<ref name="blogcritics">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="amazon2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Paradise Lost (2006–2010)Edit

File:Sx-russell-3-small.JPG
Vocalist Russell Allen performing in San Juan, Puerto Rico on May 27, 2007.

The band's album Paradise Lost, an album thematically inspired by John Milton's epic poem of the same name, was recorded in Romeo's studio throughout 2006. The recording process was delayed numerous times due to water damage in The Dungeon, as well as an extended touring cycle.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The album finally released worldwide on June 26, 2007 through Inside Out. The album has darker musical themes, with use of heavy riffs and classical motifs.<ref name="getreadytorock">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A limited number of albums from certain vendors contained a special DVD, which consists of footage of the band's live performances.<ref name="myspace">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Paradise Lost debuted at number 123 on the Billboard 200 album chart in the United States, selling 6,300 copies in its first week. The record also debuted at number 1 on the Top Heatseekers Chart.<ref name="billboard">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="sales">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Following the release, the band embarked on a 14-month world tour, including a tour through all of Europe with Dream Theater in the fall of 2007.<ref name="plpress">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The band also revealed plans to perform in Japan and other Asian countries, as well as appear for the first time ever in Russia, India, and the Middle East.<ref name="plpress" />

Symphony X released their first music video for the song "Serpent's Kiss" on July 28, 2007.<ref name="metalunderground">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It was followed by a video for "Set the World on Fire", released on January 11, 2008.<ref name="headbangersblog">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The band toured North and South America from October to November 2008, and toured Asia in February 2009.<ref name=":6">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Iconoclast (2011–2013)Edit

On March 1, 2010, an update on the Symphony X official website announced that the band had recorded most of their next album, and that Romeo and Allen were working on lyrics; Romeo was getting ready to start tracking the album.<ref name="metalunderground2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="metalunderground3">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="blabbermouth">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The album's name and lyrical concept were revealed on January 29, 2011 in an interview with Allen on Metal Messiah Radio: the follow-up to Paradise Lost will be titled Iconoclast and will have its lyrics centered around "machines taking over everything and all this technology we put our society into pretty much being our demise."<ref name="Blabbermouth.net">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On February 25, 2011, Symphony X played the first show of their 2011 tour in Stuttgart, Germany, where they performed two songs from the upcoming Iconoclast: "End of Innocence" and "Dehumanized". Some days later in Antwerp, Belgium, they debuted "Heretic". During their show in London, England, the band played yet another new song titled "Prometheus".

Iconoclast released in Europe on June 17 and in North America on June 21, 2011, the band's first release through German label Nuclear Blast.<ref name="Nuclear Blast">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The album was available as a Standard Edition as well as a 2-CD Digipack. Iconoclast debuted at number 76 on the Billboard 200 album chart in the United States, selling more than 7,300 copies in its first week. The record also debuted at number 7 on the Top Hard Rock Chart, number 19 on the Top Rock Chart and number 13 on the Top Independent Chart.<ref name="billboard100">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="recordsales">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Dead link</ref> The album showcases the highest chart position and the most first-week sales in the band's history up to that point.<ref name="recordsales" />

On February 27, 2013, it was announced that drummer Jason Rullo had been admitted to hospital due to heart failure.<ref name=":5" /> Rullo spent a week in hospital before being released home to undergo a rehabilitation program that would take 3–6 months under doctors' care.<ref name=":5">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> John Macaluso joined the band on tour for their South American and European dates, giving Rullo time to recover.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Underworld and band hiatus (2015–2018)Edit

File:Symphony X 2016a.jpg
Vocalist Russell Allen and bassist Mike LePond of Symphony X performing in Israel, 2016

The band began recording the drum tracks for their ninth studio album on September 9, 2014, and planned to release the complete recording by the spring of 2015.<ref name="blabber">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> LePond stated they had ten songs written and that the album would contain either nine or all ten of them.<ref name="blabber" /> He also stated all lyrics and instrumental tracks were composed and ready to be brought together, and that the album would be less heavy than Iconoclast: "If I had to compare, I would say that it's a combination of The Odyssey and Paradise Lost — something in there. It has a lot of classic Symphony X elements in it, which I think a lot of our fans were missing for a few years. So I think our fans will really like this one. It really just focuses on solid songwriting."<ref name="blabber" /> As of December 11, 2014, recording of the drums, lead vocals, rhythm guitar, and bass were complete. With the keyboards, guitar solos, background vocals, and some miscellaneous odds and ends being done in the coming weeks.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On April 10, 2015 the band announced the mixing and mastering of the new album was complete.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

On May 18, 2015, the band announced the title of the album would be titled Underworld, and a release date of July 24 through Nuclear Blast.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The first single from the album, "Nevermore", premiered on May 22.<ref>Archived at GhostarchiveTemplate:Cbignore and the Wayback MachineTemplate:Cbignore: Template:Cite AV mediaTemplate:Cbignore</ref> The band released the second single, "Without You", on June 19, which was made available for digital download.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The band embarked on a world tour following the release of the album.<ref name=":6" />

According to singer Russell Allen, the band entered a short hiatus during 2017 in which they did not perform, due in part to his commitment to Adrenaline Mob,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> although it was announced during a January 2018 interview with Metal Nation that the band had plans to get together in the following months and begin writing a follow-up to Underworld.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On July 14, 2017, Adrenaline Mob was involved in a serious vehicular accident, which resulted in severe injuries for Allen and the death of the band's bassist and their tour manager.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In July 2018, according to Romeo, the band hoped to re-group and make another album, but also said that he was giving Allen some time and space after dealing with the aftermath of the accident, and also Allen's touring commitments with Trans-Siberian Orchestra.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Touring and upcoming tenth studio album (2019–present)Edit

The band returned to the stage in May 2019 with a European tour.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In June 2019, Romeo said the band were considering making their tenth album following the conclusion of their tour in August.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In December 2019, the band announced a 25th Anniversary North American tour would take place in May and June 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> However, the shows would later be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web

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File:Romeo and Allen in Carrboro 2022.jpg
Romeo and Allen performing the 25th Anniversary tour in Carrboro, NC in 2022

During bassist LePond's May 2020 interview with Metal Nation when asked about plans for him and the band, he had confirmed that the band was ready to start writing the tenth studio album, a follow-up to their 2015 album Underworld, as soon as the virus slowed down, and that writing would begin in about "a month or so".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Symphony X performed their 25th Anniversary shows in South America and North America, in August 2021 and May 2022 respectively.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

While promoting War of the Worlds, Pt. 2 in early 2022, Romeo confirmed that writing for the next album had begun. Romeo stated "we are working on it",<ref>Template:Citation</ref> noting the process "feels a little slower than normal"<ref>Template:Citation</ref> due to the band's extended hiatus and inability to tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a November 2022 interview, Romeo reiterated that work was continuing but that the band had not yet settled on a theme or vision for the record.<ref name=":3" />

In a 2024 interview with Ola Englund, Romeo again confirmed that the band have been working on new material between legs of their American and European tours.<ref name=":7">Template:Cite AV media</ref> Romeo stated the band have finished writing and have moved on to song arrangement.<ref name=":7" />

In April 2025 the band announced a final tour of North America in support of Underworld.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Musical styleEdit

Symphony X's music includes complex timings and odd meters while incorporating elements of heavy metal and progressive rock.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Their early albums in particular contain strong neo-classical elements reminiscent of Yngwie Malmsteen, Randy Rhoads, and others.<ref name="FAQ-1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The band have been categorized as progressive metal,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> power metal,<ref name="MIPL">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> and neoclassical metal,<ref name="MIPL" /><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> though the band themselves dislike genre labels with Romeo stating they can be "misleading sometimes ... at the core of it all we're a metal band".<ref>Template:Citation</ref>

Symphony X's music is often driven by a particular theme or concept.<ref name=":8" /> Romeo has stated that creating an album with a consistent theme helps the writing process, as the theme will drive the direction of the music.<ref name=":7" /> To date, V: The New Mythology Suite is the only concept album released by the band.

Symphony X is often compared to other progressive metal bands such as Dream Theater, Fates Warning, and Shadow Gallery.<ref name="popmatters">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Solo projectsEdit

Keyboardist Michael Pinnella released a solo album, entitled Enter by the Twelfth Gate, on October 12, 2004.<ref name="amazon1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Another solo album, "Ascension", was released in 2014.<ref name="ascension">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Vocalist Russell Allen's solo debut, entitled Atomic Soul, was released in the summer of 2005. With this album, Allen took a different musical direction from that seen in his work with Symphony X. It was considered by many—including Allen himself—to be a hard rock album.<ref name="progressiveworld">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Also in 2005, he recorded an album called The Battle with former Masterplan vocalist Jørn Lande under the moniker "Allen/Lande".<ref name="metalrules">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The two would later record follow-up albums entitled The Revenge, released May 11, 2007; The Showdown, released November 5, 2010; and The Great Divide, released October 21, 2014.<ref name="hardrockhideout">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name ="thegreatdividereview">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In early 2011, Russell Allen co-founded heavy metal supergroup Adrenaline Mob with guitarist Mike Orlando and drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), who has since left the group.<ref name="Noisecreep">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> They have released three studio albums, Omertá (2012), Men of Honor (2014)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and We the People (2017).

Bassist Michael LePond released his first solo album, Mike LePond's Silent Assassins on September 26, 2014. It features guest performances from guitarist Mike Chlasciak (Halford, Testament), lead guitarist, drum producer and Symphony X bandmate Michael Romeo, and vocalist Alan Tecchio (Hades, Watchtower). LePond himself played bass and rhythm guitar.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Michael Romeo's second solo album, War of the Worlds, Pt. 1, was released on July 27, 2018. The album features Rick Castellano on vocals, John DeServio on bass, and John Macaluso on drums.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It was Romeo's first solo album since The Dark Chapter, which was released in 1994. War of the Worlds, Pt. 2 was released on March 25, 2022 with Dino Jelusick replacing Castellano on vocals.

Jason Rullo's first album with new band 3 Rules, Rule of 3, was released in 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The band is composed of guitar player Ron Sanborn and bassist Artha Meadors.

Line-upEdit

Current members

Former members

  • Rod Tyler − lead vocals (1994−1995)
  • Thomas Miller − bass, backing vocals (1994−1999)
  • Thomas Walling − drums (1997−1999; died 2022)

Touring

TimelineEdit

<timeline> ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:18 PlotArea = left:100 bottom:80 top:10 right:10 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy Period = from:01/01/1994 till:{{#time: m/d/Y }} TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4 ScaleMajor = increment:3 start:1994 ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1994

Colors =

 id:Vocals    value:red          legend:Lead_vocals
 id:Guitar    value:green        legend:Guitars,_backing_vocals
 id:Keyboards value:purple       legend:Keyboards,_backing_vocals
 id:Bass      value:blue         legend:Bass,_backing_vocals
 id:Drums     value:orange       legend:Drums
 id:studio    value:black        legend:Studio_albums
 id:Other     value:gray(0.6)    legend:Other_releases
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layer:back
 at:06/01/1994 color:Other
 at:12/06/1994 color:studio
 at:11/06/1995 color:studio
 at:11/01/1996 color:studio
 at:03/13/1998 color:studio
 at:12/15/1998 color:Other
 at:10/09/2000 color:studio
 at:11/13/2001 color:Other
 at:11/04/2002 color:studio
 at:06/26/2007 color:studio
 at:06/17/2011 color:studio
 at:07/24/2015 color:studio

BarData =

 bar:Tyler        text:"Rod Tyler"
 bar:Allen        text:"Russell Allen"
 bar:Romeo        text:"Michael Romeo"
 bar:Pinnella     text:"Michael Pinnella"
 bar:Miller       text:"Thomas Miller"
 bar:LePond       text:"Michael LePond"
 bar:Rullo        text:"Jason Rullo"
 bar:Walling      text:"Thomas Walling"

PlotData=

 width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4)
 bar:Romeo        from:start till:end        color:Guitar
 bar:Pinnella     from:start till:end        color:Keyboards
 bar:Allen        from:03/01/1995 till:end        color:Vocals
 bar:Tyler        from:start till:03/01/1995 color:Vocals
 bar:Miller       from:start till:03/01/1999 color:Bass
 bar:LePond       from:03/01/1999 till:end        color:Bass
 bar:Rullo        from:start till:08/01/1997 color:Drums
 bar:Walling      from:08/01/1997 till:03/01/1999 color:Drums
 bar:Rullo        from:03/01/1999 till:end        color:Drums

</timeline>

DiscographyEdit

Studio albums

Singles

  • "The End of Innocence" (2011)
  • "Nevermore" (2015)
  • "Without You" (2015)

Other albums

ReferencesEdit

Template:Reflist

External linksEdit

Template:Sister project

Template:Symphony X

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