Michael Pinnella (born August 29, 1969) is an American keyboard player, most notably for the band Symphony X. Michael is one of two Symphony X members to appear on all nine of the band's albums (the other being Michael Romeo).

He has released two solo albums, titled Enter By the Twelfth Gate (2004) and Ascension (2014), mostly composed of instrumental, classical-styled progressive metal.

In 2016, Pinnella ranked #11 in Loudwire's Top 25 Rock + Metal Keyboardists of All Time, praised for being an "essential component of Symphony X’s overarching epic nature".

Biography

Pinnella was born in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey and was encouraged since childhood to follow music. When he was four years old, he started taking piano lessons.

Pinnella's nephew, Chris Pinnella, is a vocalist who worked with Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Equipment

thumb|Michael Pinnella with [[Symphony X at Gods of Metal 2007]]

Pinnella uses the following equipment:

  • Yamaha Motif ES7
  • Roland V-Synth GT

Discography

With Symphony X

With Michael Romeo

  • The Dark Chapter (1994)

Solo

  • Enter by the Twelfth Gate (2004)
  • Ascension (2014)

With Mike LePond's Silent Assassins

  • Mike LePond's Silent Assassins (2014)
  • Pawn And Prophecy (2018)
  • Whore of Babylon (2020)

As a guest

  • Various (Cult of One) – Whiplash (1996)
  • "Strike Me Blind" (Thrashback) – Whiplash (1998)
  • Various (Gone Forever) – God Forbid (2004)
  • "We Will Fly" (Atomic Soul) – Russell Allen (2005)
  • Various (Earthsblood) – God Forbid (2009)
  • "A Vision of You" (Sonic Stomp II) – Mike Orlando (2010)
  • "Sirius" (A Spoonful of Time) – Nektar (2012)

See also

  • Symphony X

References

  • Symphony X Official Website