What?: DT's 7th album, the first without Mike Portnoy on drums.
Why?: Habit. I come away from every Dream Theater album thinking it will be my last, but I always give in and get the next one... I was suckered in this time thinking a new drummer might change things up a bit.
Tell me more!:
I've listened to this album so many times over the last few weeks and it just doesn't stick. Maybe I'm not made for listening to the traditional Dream Theater million-ideas-per-song album? Maybe the melodies aren't catchy enough? I don't know what it is, but every listening is both too familiar, but also fresh...
Don't get me wrong... I find something to enjoy in every listen. Modern day Dream Theater is very slick. Everything is clear, the riffs are solid and chugging, the keyboards and strings aren't lost in the mix. They've thrown everything at this album: throat singers, choirs, strings, and it all sounds great.
But it's all a bit... flat? And LaBrie's vocals still send unpleasant shivers down my spine, that can't be helped. It's not his fault.
While I wouldn't say the new drummer had made as big a difference as I would have liked, I think this album has seen a shift back toward more progressive music as per their earlier albums, which should be encouraged, especially as it's combined with DT's recent heavier sound.
There are numerous moments in this album where I'm reminded of Vince DiCola's keyboard heavy prog soundtracks, or classic game soundtracks in general. All of which are clearly 70s prog (Yes!) influenced ("Breaking All Illusions!" is a great example). All of which I should love. But...
Almost every song is too long, with too much going on, and all so perfectly produced, that the notes, the riffs, the lyrics, all merge into one giant mess, and it fades to the background of my conciousness as I stare out the window, or read my book. Sometimes a catchy balladesque chorus, or particularly heavy or strange riff will catch my attention briefly, but it always fades again.
Maybe a semi-fan could bring a hacksaw to this album and cut it into 4 minute songs, like someone apparently did to some recent Metallica albums? I think I'd enjoy that more.
I'd listen to this again. Lots of times, but I wouldn't really be listening.
4/10
