Episode 31: Russell Allen (Symphony X)

For over thirty years, Russell Allen has had one of the most powerful voices in heavy metal music.  Through his work as frontman for progressive metal titans Symphony X, performances with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, solo work, and a number of collaborations, Allen has come to be known the power, grit, and versatile nature in which he delivers his vocals.   Those vocals are usually for lyrics based in history, following a theme or concept, especially when considering the tremendous catalogue Symphony X have created over the last three decades.  With his most recent solo release, though, Allen is using that voice to raise awareness for a cause that is especially close to his heart. Released earlier this month to coincide with Autism Awareness Month, “Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)” was written about his daughter who is on the autism spectrum.  The song’s lyrics reflect upon Ava’s journey through life from the perspective of a loving father who has helped her navigate the challenges that arise for individuals with autism and their families.  A deeply personal and emotional recording, writing “Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)” proved to be a therapeutic and cathartic experience for Allen, with the hope that other families in similar situations will find solace in his words knowing their shared experience. I had the chance to speak with Russell about his experience as a parent of a child with autism, and a number of other topics including:his family’s journey navigating an early autism diagnosis, the importance of early intervention services, and when the thoughts of writing a song like “Love Her Like I Do” started.his composition of the song, the lyrical content referencing different behaviors that are common for people with autism, his own reservations about sharing such a personal story, and the tougher experiences of being a parent of a child with autism. Symphony X’s recent South American tour, what its like being on a metal cruise, a progress update on the new Symphony X record, and confirmation that it will have a theme or concept.what people can do to become more educated and aware about autism and a PSA to parents of children with autism to utilize free services available to them in their home states.Russell was a pleasure to speak with and I thank him for sharing such a personal story with me, and the world, as a means to raise awareness for a cause that is so very dear to both me and him.  As a special educator who has worked with students with autism for nearly two decades, I jumped at the chance to speak with Russell about this song.  My hope is to see “Love Her Like I Do (Ava’s Song)” become an anthem for individuals with autism and help to foster a society that embraces them as the unique individuals that they all are – and if you listen to the lyrics Russell penned for his daughter, that would make his dream come true, too.