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Dream Theater - Train of Thought - Elektra
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First be forewarned. This a divisive band playing divisive music. And by that I don’t mean that there’s some kind of controversial messages or hate-driven lyrics. I just mean that it’s “progressive rock.” Yeah, that stuff. This is music that separates the nerds from the cool. Time changes, different keys, needless rhythms, etc. I’m a huge fan of the band and the album. But, if you’re not, be careful. This is an acquired taste. Those around me have said the high-pitched vocals make it sound like 80’s hair metal while others have said that the musical interludes sound like a nightmare. Not exactly high praise.
So here’s what you’re in for. It’s heavy music with interludes that make your head spin. Those sections are like when one of your smarter friends starts trying to explain something really complex to you. Like computer programming or astrophysics or the LA highway system. You get this sense that there’s this really impressive, amazing transcendental thinking behind it, but you’re just barely too stupid to understand it.
This album is heavier than any of their other works (although 1994’s Awake comes close) and you get the sense that this is a calculated change. Even the little sticker on the outside of the cellophane described it at “Progressive metal.” (You know there was a record label-sponsored focus group behind that term.) The opening song, As I Am is a great example of this heavier gauge. Petrucci, Portnoy and the boys go out of their way to play low and hard right out of the gate. It’s the greatest musicians around pulling out every trick to kick your ass. Endless Sacrifice is the song that leaves musician’s jaws on the floor and stereo speakers sore. It seems like every Dream Theater album has one. Only the song Vacant offers a reprieve from over-driven guitars and huge bass drum triplets.
The vocals will most likely remain the highest hurdles to newcomers. LaBrie’s quasi-rap on Honor thy Father will either make you laugh or feel uncomfortable. It seems forced and out of character. There are also a few vocal effects that almost seem cheesy in their attempt to sound evil. But the album will likely bring the band some new fans, most likely metal-lovers looking for the heaviest thing out there.
One last note. The album comes with one of those CDKeys that lets you get to restricted material through the website. There is some great stuff there. An almost 17 minute video shows you’re the recording process, shot through drummer Mike Portnoy’s home video camera. Even if for some reason you didn’t enjoy the one hour and nine minutes of incredible music this peek into the creative process is worth the cash alone.
Craig K.
Staff Writer
More CD Reviews. . .
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1. As I Am
