Jump to content

Official Dream Theater Thread


Tick
 Share

Recommended Posts

AVFtTotW was in heavy rotation this past week, probably my most played DT album since maybe Black Clouds. No favorites yet, Answer the Call could certainly be in consideration. Transcending Time is a well balanced song by their standards, has a lot of Rush elements and a good melody. It's probably the one that first caught my attention after just a couple listens.

 

I enjoyed the documentary on the Bluray. They all seem content with the band's trajectory. I suspect Portnoy may have been a bit heavy handed as producer, they all seemed pretty relaxed and enjoying themselves. Strong personalities are fun for those with strong personalities. Rarely for anyone having to engage with them daily.

 

Haven't seen the documentary but I get the feeling that Portnoy and the other guys are just different mentalities 'energy and interests'-wise. Very tenuous theory and a sweeping statement but he seems like he loves getting stuck into all these projects and having a lot on his plate.

The other guys all seem a little bit more introspective maybe needed for the intricate music they play. Not that MP's drumming isn't intricate.

You'd say that most drummers would be a bit more extrovert but Mr Peart kind of showed that's not the case.

But in some youtube interviews he basically said he'd be out drinking/socialising with other bands (e.g. his mates in Anthrax to name one band...) and when DT got together one or 2 of them would be on their phones whilst at a meal rather than chatting.

Putting 2 and 2 together - different personalities. Probably saying the obvious.

 

Good luck to them all I say! DT keep going and MP gives us quite a few quality projects (Flying Colors, Winery Dogs, Sons of Apollo....the list goes on).

Don't know about the others but pretty sure he's still mates with John Petrucci as they've done some stuff together since.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good luck to them all I say! DT keep going and MP gives us quite a few quality projects (Flying Colors, Winery Dogs, Sons of Apollo....the list goes on).

Don't know about the others but pretty sure he's still mates with John Petrucci as they've done some stuff together since.

 

Portnoy and Mangini are friends, well before Mangini took over the kit duties. Petrucci and Rudess performed with MP on the latest Liquid Tension Experiment 3 album.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

Edited by Entre_Perpetuo
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

not too make excuses for James but hearing him live these days he really doesn't have the notes like he used too. and i just think he's singing lower to save his health, lol

 

Mick

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

I see no comparison between this and Octavarium since half that album stinks and A View is consistently very good beginning to end.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

not too make excuses for James but hearing him live these days he really doesn't have the notes like he used too. and i just think he's singing lower to save his health, lol

 

Mick

 

He's almost 60. I wonder how much longer he can sing live. Rob Halford is 70 and he's figured it out. Maybe James can do the same. It seems like he does the best things he can to take care of his voice.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

not too make excuses for James but hearing him live these days he really doesn't have the notes like he used too. and i just think he's singing lower to save his health, lol

 

Mick

 

He's almost 60. I wonder how much longer he can sing live. Rob Halford is 70 and he's figured it out. Maybe James can do the same. It seems like he does the best things he can to take care of his voice.

 

Basically, quit playing anything from Images and Words or Awake live, and he can ride it out.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

not too make excuses for James but hearing him live these days he really doesn't have the notes like he used too. and i just think he's singing lower to save his health, lol

 

Mick

 

He's almost 60. I wonder how much longer he can sing live. Rob Halford is 70 and he's figured it out. Maybe James can do the same. It seems like he does the best things he can to take care of his voice.

 

Basically, quit playing anything from Images and Words or Awake live, and he can ride it out.

 

Does anyone want to see a Dream Theater show where they don't do anything off those two albums though?

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

I see no comparison between this and Octavarium since half that album stinks and A View is consistently very good beginning to end.

 

Lol I don't mean quality wise, I mean like, tone, feel, a little bit of structure. You've got your 20 minute epic to close it out, your heavy and mildly chaotic extended length opener, Transcending Time is kinda the I Walk Beside You of the album. Answering The Call reminds me a lot of Panic Attack and Never Enough. Invisible Monster correlates to the slightly darker but rather pop structured tone of These Walls. These aren't quality correlations, just like mood, atmosphere, intent sort of correlations. Obviously Octavarium has its own world its living in, but I think AVFTTOTW lives in a rather similar space. The production also reminds me a bit of it, much rounder drums, almost wetter, and lots of deep hues on the chugging, with Jordan having some similar kinds of keyboard tones.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

not too make excuses for James but hearing him live these days he really doesn't have the notes like he used too. and i just think he's singing lower to save his health, lol

 

Mick

 

He's almost 60. I wonder how much longer he can sing live. Rob Halford is 70 and he's figured it out. Maybe James can do the same. It seems like he does the best things he can to take care of his voice.

 

Basically, quit playing anything from Images and Words or Awake live, and he can ride it out.

 

Does anyone want to see a Dream Theater show where they don't do anything off those two albums though?

 

Would I rather see James not be able to sing Voices or absolutely kill Barstool Warrior? Voices is the better song... but it lives and dies by that vocal, and if James can't do it anymore, I'm afraid it could be really frustrating to watch.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Also, Mangini sounds much more Portnoyish on this album than any of the others he's been on. I don't just mean the drum sound, but the actually part writing seems to have a very Portnoy sensibility about it, hi hats and china cymbals hitting you from all directions at odd intervals, quick flashes of tom runs or snare rolls nearly in between the beats. Obviously we've known all along he can play this kind of stuff, but this is the first I've heard him write parts like this. Even on DoT when he stepped up his game, it was still a very straightforward loud and fast approach. Not that he lacked nuance, but he didn't really exhibit it to the degree of Portnoy best parts. On this new album he absolutely does.
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

not too make excuses for James but hearing him live these days he really doesn't have the notes like he used too. and i just think he's singing lower to save his health, lol

 

Mick

 

He's almost 60. I wonder how much longer he can sing live. Rob Halford is 70 and he's figured it out. Maybe James can do the same. It seems like he does the best things he can to take care of his voice.

 

Basically, quit playing anything from Images and Words or Awake live, and he can ride it out.

 

Does anyone want to see a Dream Theater show where they don't do anything off those two albums though?

 

Would I rather see James not be able to sing Voices or absolutely kill Barstool Warrior? Voices is the better song... but it lives and dies by that vocal, and if James can't do it anymore, I'm afraid it could be really frustrating to watch.

 

Then don't do Voices anymore. He can do The Silent Man and Space Dye Vest without much trouble. He could probably do something like Caught In A Web without much of a problem. Images would be a little harder to pick from. But it's their biggest album so they will probably do something off it no matter what. Do they down tune live? It's not as noticeable to me as it was with Rush.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

not too make excuses for James but hearing him live these days he really doesn't have the notes like he used too. and i just think he's singing lower to save his health, lol

 

Mick

 

He's almost 60. I wonder how much longer he can sing live. Rob Halford is 70 and he's figured it out. Maybe James can do the same. It seems like he does the best things he can to take care of his voice.

 

Basically, quit playing anything from Images and Words or Awake live, and he can ride it out.

 

Does anyone want to see a Dream Theater show where they don't do anything off those two albums though?

 

Would I rather see James not be able to sing Voices or absolutely kill Barstool Warrior? Voices is the better song... but it lives and dies by that vocal, and if James can't do it anymore, I'm afraid it could be really frustrating to watch.

 

Then don't do Voices anymore. He can do The Silent Man and Space Dye Vest without much trouble. He could probably do something like Caught In A Web without much of a problem. Images would be a little harder to pick from. But it's their biggest album so they will probably do something off it no matter what. Do they down tune live? It's not as noticeable to me as it was with Rush.

 

Ah I would love to see those three.

 

I wonder, it seems like range is more of an issue for him than power, could he pull off The Mirror? Or Lie?

 

As for Images And Words, yeah that's a tough order, but how about Wait For Sleep, just to say you hit the album. Frankly I love the song, and James can absolutely still sing it just fine.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Also, Mangini sounds much more Portnoyish on this album than any of the others he's been on. I don't just mean the drum sound, but the actually part writing seems to have a very Portnoy sensibility about it, hi hats and china cymbals hitting you from all directions at odd intervals, quick flashes of tom runs or snare rolls nearly in between the beats. Obviously we've known all along he can play this kind of stuff, but this is the first I've heard him write parts like this. Even on DoT when he stepped up his game, it was still a very straightforward loud and fast approach. Not that he lacked nuance, but he didn't really exhibit it to the degree of Portnoy best parts. On this new album he absolutely does.

 

 

In my brief review the one thing that really stood out from the get go was how good Mangini played on this album. Clearly his best since joining DT for my taste. Diverse parts and phrasing 100%. It felt like he finally really had a big hand in the writing process and his drums sonically have never sounded better than on this new album.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agree that this is the first post-Portnoy album where my ears didn't miss his playing. Mangini is perhaps finally settling in. Lyrically, there's still some shoe horned words and phrases that irk me but I've warmed up to most everything on the album at this point. The bluray doc gave a bit more context to what is going on here as well, and I think it instantly elevated my appreciation for the songs. I rock climb so some of the footage playing during the title track on the bluray obviously 'spoke' to me.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

AVFtTotW was in heavy rotation this past week, probably my most played DT album since maybe Black Clouds. No favorites yet, Answer the Call could certainly be in consideration. Transcending Time is a well balanced song by their standards, has a lot of Rush elements and a good melody. It's probably the one that first caught my attention after just a couple listens.

I enjoyed the documentary on the Bluray. They all seem content with the band's trajectory. I suspect Portnoy may have been a bit heavy handed as producer, they all seemed pretty relaxed and enjoying themselves. Strong personalities are fun for those with strong personalities. Rarely for anyone having to engage with them daily.

 

Haven't checked out the Bluray yet. Definitely liking this album more than the Distance Over Time. Really liking Sleeping Giant A LOT.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

not too make excuses for James but hearing him live these days he really doesn't have the notes like he used too. and i just think he's singing lower to save his health, lol

 

Mick

 

Oh I totally agree, and I think it’s very smart and applaud him for doing it. That doesn’t make me miss his most epic moments less, but I understand that those days are gone.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

not too make excuses for James but hearing him live these days he really doesn't have the notes like he used too. and i just think he's singing lower to save his health, lol

 

Mick

 

He's almost 60. I wonder how much longer he can sing live. Rob Halford is 70 and he's figured it out. Maybe James can do the same. It seems like he does the best things he can to take care of his voice.

 

Basically, quit playing anything from Images and Words or Awake live, and he can ride it out.

 

Does anyone want to see a Dream Theater show where they don't do anything off those two albums though?

 

I wouldn't care. I've seen enough of that anyway and it's all been very well documented even if I hadn't. I'll be the first to admit the band (like Rush) has spoiled me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

I see no comparison between this and Octavarium since half that album stinks and A View is consistently very good beginning to end.

 

Lol I don't mean quality wise, I mean like, tone, feel, a little bit of structure. You've got your 20 minute epic to close it out, your heavy and mildly chaotic extended length opener, Transcending Time is kinda the I Walk Beside You of the album. Answering The Call reminds me a lot of Panic Attack and Never Enough. Invisible Monster correlates to the slightly darker but rather pop structured tone of These Walls. These aren't quality correlations, just like mood, atmosphere, intent sort of correlations. Obviously Octavarium has its own world its living in, but I think AVFTTOTW lives in a rather similar space. The production also reminds me a bit of it, much rounder drums, almost wetter, and lots of deep hues on the chugging, with Jordan having some similar kinds of keyboard tones.

 

I'm not really seeing that other than maybe timbre. Jordan seems to be allowed do a bit more which I've always thought was a good thing. In fact, my favorite Jordan albums are Six Degrees, Octavarium and The Astonishing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

I see no comparison between this and Octavarium since half that album stinks and A View is consistently very good beginning to end.

 

Lol I don't mean quality wise, I mean like, tone, feel, a little bit of structure. You've got your 20 minute epic to close it out, your heavy and mildly chaotic extended length opener, Transcending Time is kinda the I Walk Beside You of the album. Answering The Call reminds me a lot of Panic Attack and Never Enough. Invisible Monster correlates to the slightly darker but rather pop structured tone of These Walls. These aren't quality correlations, just like mood, atmosphere, intent sort of correlations. Obviously Octavarium has its own world its living in, but I think AVFTTOTW lives in a rather similar space. The production also reminds me a bit of it, much rounder drums, almost wetter, and lots of deep hues on the chugging, with Jordan having some similar kinds of keyboard tones.

 

I'm not really seeing that other than maybe timbre. Jordan seems to be allowed do a bit more which I've always thought was a good thing. In fact, my favorite Jordan albums are Six Degrees, Octavarium and The Astonishing.

 

It may be Jordan's more active role I'm latching onto. I'm listening again right now. Answering The Call still reminds me a lot of Panic Attack and Never Enough.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

I see no comparison between this and Octavarium since half that album stinks and A View is consistently very good beginning to end.

 

Lol I don't mean quality wise, I mean like, tone, feel, a little bit of structure. You've got your 20 minute epic to close it out, your heavy and mildly chaotic extended length opener, Transcending Time is kinda the I Walk Beside You of the album. Answering The Call reminds me a lot of Panic Attack and Never Enough. Invisible Monster correlates to the slightly darker but rather pop structured tone of These Walls. These aren't quality correlations, just like mood, atmosphere, intent sort of correlations. Obviously Octavarium has its own world its living in, but I think AVFTTOTW lives in a rather similar space. The production also reminds me a bit of it, much rounder drums, almost wetter, and lots of deep hues on the chugging, with Jordan having some similar kinds of keyboard tones.

 

I'm not really seeing that other than maybe timbre. Jordan seems to be allowed do a bit more which I've always thought was a good thing. In fact, my favorite Jordan albums are Six Degrees, Octavarium and The Astonishing.

 

It may be Jordan's more active role I'm latching onto. I'm listening again right now. Answering The Call still reminds me a lot of Panic Attack and Never Enough.

 

I'm not hearing it, but listen for it the next time.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

I see no comparison between this and Octavarium since half that album stinks and A View is consistently very good beginning to end.

 

Lol I don't mean quality wise, I mean like, tone, feel, a little bit of structure. You've got your 20 minute epic to close it out, your heavy and mildly chaotic extended length opener, Transcending Time is kinda the I Walk Beside You of the album. Answering The Call reminds me a lot of Panic Attack and Never Enough. Invisible Monster correlates to the slightly darker but rather pop structured tone of These Walls. These aren't quality correlations, just like mood, atmosphere, intent sort of correlations. Obviously Octavarium has its own world its living in, but I think AVFTTOTW lives in a rather similar space. The production also reminds me a bit of it, much rounder drums, almost wetter, and lots of deep hues on the chugging, with Jordan having some similar kinds of keyboard tones.

 

I'm not really seeing that other than maybe timbre. Jordan seems to be allowed do a bit more which I've always thought was a good thing. In fact, my favorite Jordan albums are Six Degrees, Octavarium and The Astonishing.

 

It may be Jordan's more active role I'm latching onto. I'm listening again right now. Answering The Call still reminds me a lot of Panic Attack and Never Enough.

 

Never Enough is a bad song though. Answering The Call is awesome. It would be funny if when they were writing the album they thought "what if Never Enough was a song people actually wanted to hear?" and Answering The Call was what they came up with. The intro to The Alien reminds me more of Panic Attack.

Edited by J2112YYZ
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

I see no comparison between this and Octavarium since half that album stinks and A View is consistently very good beginning to end.

 

Lol I don't mean quality wise, I mean like, tone, feel, a little bit of structure. You've got your 20 minute epic to close it out, your heavy and mildly chaotic extended length opener, Transcending Time is kinda the I Walk Beside You of the album. Answering The Call reminds me a lot of Panic Attack and Never Enough. Invisible Monster correlates to the slightly darker but rather pop structured tone of These Walls. These aren't quality correlations, just like mood, atmosphere, intent sort of correlations. Obviously Octavarium has its own world its living in, but I think AVFTTOTW lives in a rather similar space. The production also reminds me a bit of it, much rounder drums, almost wetter, and lots of deep hues on the chugging, with Jordan having some similar kinds of keyboard tones.

 

I'm not really seeing that other than maybe timbre. Jordan seems to be allowed do a bit more which I've always thought was a good thing. In fact, my favorite Jordan albums are Six Degrees, Octavarium and The Astonishing.

 

It may be Jordan's more active role I'm latching onto. I'm listening again right now. Answering The Call still reminds me a lot of Panic Attack and Never Enough.

 

Never Enough is a bad song though. Answering The Call is awesome. It would be funny if when they were writing the album they thought "what if Never Enough was a song people actually wanted to hear?" and Answering The Call was what they came up with. The intro to The Alien reminds me more of Panic Attack.

 

Oh I like Never Enough a lot. I definitely see what you mean though about the intro to The Alien and Panic Attack.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

I see no comparison between this and Octavarium since half that album stinks and A View is consistently very good beginning to end.

 

Lol I don't mean quality wise, I mean like, tone, feel, a little bit of structure. You've got your 20 minute epic to close it out, your heavy and mildly chaotic extended length opener, Transcending Time is kinda the I Walk Beside You of the album. Answering The Call reminds me a lot of Panic Attack and Never Enough. Invisible Monster correlates to the slightly darker but rather pop structured tone of These Walls. These aren't quality correlations, just like mood, atmosphere, intent sort of correlations. Obviously Octavarium has its own world its living in, but I think AVFTTOTW lives in a rather similar space. The production also reminds me a bit of it, much rounder drums, almost wetter, and lots of deep hues on the chugging, with Jordan having some similar kinds of keyboard tones.

 

I'm not really seeing that other than maybe timbre. Jordan seems to be allowed do a bit more which I've always thought was a good thing. In fact, my favorite Jordan albums are Six Degrees, Octavarium and The Astonishing.

 

It may be Jordan's more active role I'm latching onto. I'm listening again right now. Answering The Call still reminds me a lot of Panic Attack and Never Enough.

 

Never Enough is a bad song though. Answering The Call is awesome. It would be funny if when they were writing the album they thought "what if Never Enough was a song people actually wanted to hear?" and Answering The Call was what they came up with. The intro to The Alien reminds me more of Panic Attack.

 

Oh I like Never Enough a lot. I definitely see what you mean though about the intro to The Alien and Panic Attack.

 

The lyrics for Never Enough really bring it down for me. I have no interest in a grown man writing lyrics that sound like a whiny teenager. The same with I Walk Beside You. I don't listen to Dream Theater to hear pop tunes. We have Phil Collins for that stuff.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've figured it out.

 

This album is basically Octavarium 2, the same way ADTOE is basically Images And Words 2. I've been really getting into it today. It's very dense, and the melodies I lamented not being there I'm slowly finding. They're subtle. James isn't doing anything mind-blowing, but he doesn't do anything bad either.

 

I see no comparison between this and Octavarium since half that album stinks and A View is consistently very good beginning to end.

 

Lol I don't mean quality wise, I mean like, tone, feel, a little bit of structure. You've got your 20 minute epic to close it out, your heavy and mildly chaotic extended length opener, Transcending Time is kinda the I Walk Beside You of the album. Answering The Call reminds me a lot of Panic Attack and Never Enough. Invisible Monster correlates to the slightly darker but rather pop structured tone of These Walls. These aren't quality correlations, just like mood, atmosphere, intent sort of correlations. Obviously Octavarium has its own world its living in, but I think AVFTTOTW lives in a rather similar space. The production also reminds me a bit of it, much rounder drums, almost wetter, and lots of deep hues on the chugging, with Jordan having some similar kinds of keyboard tones.

 

I'm not really seeing that other than maybe timbre. Jordan seems to be allowed do a bit more which I've always thought was a good thing. In fact, my favorite Jordan albums are Six Degrees, Octavarium and The Astonishing.

 

It may be Jordan's more active role I'm latching onto. I'm listening again right now. Answering The Call still reminds me a lot of Panic Attack and Never Enough.

 

Never Enough is a bad song though. Answering The Call is awesome. It would be funny if when they were writing the album they thought "what if Never Enough was a song people actually wanted to hear?" and Answering The Call was what they came up with. The intro to The Alien reminds me more of Panic Attack.

 

Oh I like Never Enough a lot. I definitely see what you mean though about the intro to The Alien and Panic Attack.

 

The lyrics for Never Enough really bring it down for me. I have no interest in a grown man writing lyrics that sound like a whiny teenager. The same with I Walk Beside You. I don't listen to Dream Theater to hear pop tunes. We have Phil Collins for that stuff.

 

I think they aren't the best fit for DT, but they still make it work. I think the real sin with Octavarium is they sound too much like the artist's they're taking "inspiration" from. Like, Never Enough and Panic Attack especially are blatant Muse ripoffs. You can even pinpoint the exact parts of the exact songs they were copying! But, given how much I love those Muse songs, and given DT does add extra virtuosic musicianship to the equation that Muse doesn't match, I do still get a lot out of the DT songs.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...