Dream Theater is back!
The above statement could seem obvious but it somehow makes reasonable sense here, Systematic Chaos has a kick ass attitude and nerve that is unmistakably...this album has a statement to make.
Some of the creativity and memorable inputs that I missed on Octavarium have been resurrected and all in all this is a very dynamic and balanced disc, bringing in elements that are classic
Dream Theater while also breaking into new waters.
The lyrics are of high standard and reflect on interesting topics of self-control, war, sorrow and battling inner demons...there is a very close connection between music and lyrics on this, their ninth studio album.
The album starts and ends with the two-parted opus
In The Presence Of Enemies, all in all almost 26 minutes that really grow on you. I'm very fond of the way Jordan Rudess' adds keyboard layers in the first passage that evolves down a very dynamic path.
The second part is gloomier and more atmospheric, enriched by a groovy and heavy section handled vividly by
James LaBrie while
Mike Portnoy's versatile drumming keeps the whole thing together.
Forsaken is quite mellow but its vampire theme and moody piano makes it unsettling none the less, the melodic refrain and dramatic keys support each other nicely.
I would be very surprised if
Constant Motion wasn't included in the bands forthcoming setlist, a superb and rather classic
Dream Theater track.
The rhythm section is pulsating vibrant and fits the title nicely. John Petrucci's fierce and crushing riff attack makes you want to pull the air guitar out of nowhere and join in.
The band seems to have thrown about everything into this one, experimenting guitar solo followed by an over the top key solo, intense bass structuring and drum fills in abundance...and never does it seem to loose focus, systematic chaos indeed.
The Dark Eternal Night is
Dream Theater being aggressive in a slightly different manner; love that apocalyptic title by the way.
Normally I very very seldom find vocal distortions to work out but here I have come to accept it as a natural ingredient, with lyrics and a groove this mean it kind of makes sense.
The brilliantly oblique and ultra heavy build-up sends an adrenaline rush right in your direction, the melodic chorus line working as a cool contrast.
Here the band evolves musically, bringing fresh ideas to the table and performing them with true passion and with a technical standard that's incomparable.
With
Repentance Mike Portnoy reveals section eight and nine in the twelfth part Alcoholics Anonymous suite dealing with his own addiction.
This the fourth track is an almost 11-minute calm and emotional journey evolving around a hypnotic rhythm section with the inclusion of a great warm guitar solo.
The acoustic guitar adds a cool relaxed feeling while the key variations keep things evolving. The idea of inviting different guest musicians to handle small spoken parts turns out rather well.
My least favourite track is
Prophets Of War, neat main riff and balanced vocals but it's like the song never really lifts off.
The Ministry Of Lost Souls again underlines that this is a pretty dark shrouded album; the grave atmosphere supports the melancholic lyrics very well. Half way through the track goes into an instrumental section, not that it hasn't got interesting ideas but it somehow looses touch with the songs main body. All in all a nice song that simply becomes a bit too long, ending with it not really ending.
Production is immensely clear and crisp at the same time, so nothing new here and musically it's once again a joy in itself to listen to these guys perform.
The DVD edition contains a pretty entertaining if a bit stretched out documentary about the making of the album; there are treats for the technical minded, background information about the songs and some really funny moments in there too.
And now
Dream Theater and
Symphony X on tour together... a package normally only found in dreams.
Dream Theater sounds as alive and energetic as ever.
Written by
Tommy Monday, July 9, 2007
Show all reviews by TommyRatingsTommy: 8/10Members: 7.37/10 - Average of 4 ratings.
Member ratings
 | juice307
Rating: 9/10
Favorite tracks: In The Presence of Enemies, The Ministry Of Lost Souls... · Read more · |
 | Dark Lord
Rating: 8.5/10
Despite what lots of people say; i belive this is a great album;
Fav Tracks:
The Min... · Read more · |
 | Craig
Rating: 6/10
http://www.angelfire.com/music5/metalcdratings/pageDREAMTHEATERCBREVIEW.html... · Read more · |
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