Apr 03, 2005 11:57 AM
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(Updated Apr 03, 2005 11:57 AM)
There's always so much you can write about anything by Dream Theater. I picked this album - being my favourite.
Thought I'll write a ''Live Review'' :-) I have just started playing the album and I will be reviewing each song as it is getting played..
To those who haven't heard Dream Theater(DT) earlier, they are the pioneers of the genre of music now called 'Progressive Metal'. But more than that, they have THE Musician's band for the last decade or so, taking over the slot once filled by Rush. Its probably the most technically proficient set of instrumentalists put together in a band.
Indeed, each of the instrumentalists in the band is arguably the best in business for their respective instruments right now. And John Petrucci (Leads) and Mike Portnoy (Drums) are rated as among the greatest ever in their instruments. Other very unique aspect about this band is the time-shifts in most of their numbers, the layered music they come up with and the terrific interplay between the instruments.
Coming back to the album - its certainly their most listenable album, along with 'Images and Words'. And its a concept album, centered around a therapy session for a man who gets dreams about a girl getting murdered by her boyfriend. I have seen a lot of coverage about the theme of the album, and so I'm gonna focus on the music.
It starts off with 'Regression', that strikes u for its sheer quietness and the simple melody and acoustic section. It really acts as an opener for the power of the rest of the album.
Overture 1928 screams in next, a guitar blitz from Petrucci, Portnoy setting the pace with complex pacing behind the drum kit and interludes from Rudess (Keyboards) and Myung (Bass).
Strange Deja Vu takes off from Overture, a well crafted song - really an extension of the previous number. Its another song with a strong start, the 2 P's coming out very strong again. The medley's involving Rudess are also ones to watch out for.
Portnoy has been blazing all along - with his pace, sheer complexity and shifts. The beauty of his drumming is that not only does he set the rythm, but his drumming is also one of the lead instruments in DTs music.
In Through my Words, all instrumentalists take a break, and its all LaBrie, singing a couple of short haunting verse.
Fatal Tragedy marks a change - the instrumentalists all show restraint in the initial parts of the song. Portnoy is subdued and subtle initially. Its a powerful melody driven by LaBrie's vocals (''We dont know, We dont Care..'' , with excellent shredding from John Myung (Bass).
And then there is a pasue, and the instrumentalists all unleash -> Portnoy kicking it off with his legendary drum sequence. Petrucci follows suite and the 2 Ps and Myung are at it in one of the great instrumental interludes. Just when you think it cant get any better, Rudess joins in with his lightning work on the Keyboards.
''Beyond This Life'' - is Portnoy's song. The song is driven by the lightning foot-drums from Portnoy played at breakneck speed, with excellent interludes from all other instruments, Petrucci in particular adding some lightning riffs.
''Through Her eyes'' - to me is the low point in this album. Its good change from the instrumental blitz of the earlier numbers. But I do think that the backing vocals sound awful.. But LaBrie does sound good on the song..
''Home'' is my favourite number in the Album. Starts of with haunting work on the String. Its the high point from Petrucci. Its not his most technically complex or challenging number but his sublime skills blend so well with the sheer melody of the guitar notes, and all the other instrumentalists revert to a relatively subdued but highly technical backing role. Myung in particualr provides an excellent backing on the bass. Its the longest number in the album..
''Dance of eternity'' - what can I say about this one? Regarded as one of the best instrumental numbers ever. Every one of the instrumentalists stand out - Be it the bass leads, the keyboards or the 2 P's blazing away. If one instrumentalist takes centre-stage in this number, its Myung on Bass. Rudess is extremely impressive on the keyboards as well.
One of the aspects of DT - unlike many other super-groups, with so many lead instruments, the instrumentals all blend so beautifully. The instrumentalists back each other so well in all numbrs, but yet also stand out individually. ''Dance of Eternity'' is one song where this happens more than any other in this album.
'One last time'' and ''The spirit carries on'' are good toned down numbers, with LaBrie taking centre stage with beautiful vocals, with particularly good accompaniment from Rudess. Each of these songs have the haunting ''One Last time...'' chant - that would be built on further in the climatic number - ''Finally free''.
''Finally Free'' - concludes what ''Regression'' started off. Starts off similar to to regression, but develops into a beautiful power-ballad with memorable choruses and crescendos (reminiscent of Pink Floyd).. A beautiful melody with plenty of strong instrumentals to round off one of the great albums..
This is an album that grows on you - especially if you are listening to DT for the first time. You need to listen to it several times, and each time, it gets more and more impressive.
If you haven't heard this album yet, high time you did - especially if you are a musician!
