[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Valensian Sky Surveillance wrote: [/QUOTENAME]I fucking have to like this band, everybody tells me so. I got Scenes From a Memory, but didn't listen to it yet. If I like it, I'll get this new album.[/QUOTE]
Definitely listen to Scenes, and Awake, many times, before buying the new album. I also suggest Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence, especially for the second disc. The first disc is good too, but I don't think the DT catalogue would be lacking without it. Octavarium is an incredible album too, so give that one a try at some point (the title track is worth the price of admission alone). In fact, I should just say, listen to their catalogue from '92-'05 before listening to the new album.
I say this, because I feel like Systematic Chaos is the first DT album to tread little new musical ground. Much of it is derivative of their older stuff. It has 3 or 4 good songs, but it doesn't offer anything that the other albums don't offer... with the possible exception of the last two tracks.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]iGSM wrote: [/QUOTENAME]I know nothing of Dream Theater. Educate me.[/QUOTE]
Simple start: Scenes From A Memory. By the sixth listen, you'll stop asking "what the hell was that?". It'll sink in, one track at a time. Prepare for a sublime musical journey. James LaBrie's voice may not agree with you at first, only because it's so different than anything in the mainstream. Guys like him and Geoff Tate from Queensryche are definitely an acquired taste, but well worth the effort.
People will argue that bands like Dream Theater can be technical for the sake of being technical. But there is not one note of the Scenes album that isn't tastefully crafted. It is sheer musical perfection. It may take some listeners years to realize this... but the best albums are the ones that take time to appreciate.
Okay, I'm done evangelizing for now!
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I fully agree with you there. And the new album was intended to cover a lot of familiar sounds or ideas, that's something Mike Portnoy told during the recording process. So, no big surprise there. They just improved a lot of experiments from the past, resulting in this great new album.
Most easy album to get into DT is Falling into Infinity. Although it's not their best (by far) it is the most "catchy" album. Live albums are also pretty good starters in my opinion. Actually, that's how I got into them, first DT album I listened to more than once was "once in a livetime". Although the vocals are indeed rather hard to get into on this album, it's still pretty good.
Most easy album to get into DT is Falling into Infinity. Although it's not their best (by far) it is the most "catchy" album. Live albums are also pretty good starters in my opinion. Actually, that's how I got into them, first DT album I listened to more than once was "once in a livetime". Although the vocals are indeed rather hard to get into on this album, it's still pretty good.
After a second listen, here's my review:
1. In The Presence of Enemies part 1 - The intro is just a bunch of technical, unmusical babble. It suddenly slows down, and the guitar melody is the only nice part of this song, which overall is just plain derivative of other DT/Petrucci epics.
2. Forsaken - A very strong song, powered by a grand-sounding chorus. Some of the lyrics in the verses are a bit cringe-worthy, but other than that, it's a definite keeper.
3. Constant Motion - The verses sound like an outtake of Metallica's Master Of Puppets, or whatever by Pantera. Sure, it has a catchy chorus, but overall it's a horribly derivative song in so many ways, complete with Petrucci practically saying, "Look how fast I can play!" Not only that, but his solo begins with almost the exact same guitar line as on Above To Crash from Six Degrees, just in a different key. Next.
4. The Dark Eternal Night - Again, a catchy chorus, and the instrumental this time (with absolutely no relation to the song itself) has plenty of time changes. It's a bit less technical than in the previous track, but it's still pretty unmusical overall. And again, the chorus repeats at the end. I'm not impressed. Next.
5. Repentance - The next part of Portnoy's AA saga, which uses the riff from This Dying Soul from Train Of Thought. The riff sounds cool with drums. Although the minor chords keep modulating for the last few minutes of the song, it isn't tiresome. It's a melodic piece, and the effect works well... something they haven't tried before. I'll take it!
6. Prophets Of War - Did they pay Muse for this one? This track has some good moments... one of the stronger tracks on the album, but I still like Knights Of Cydonia more.
7. The Ministry Of Lost Souls - Definitely the most original and strongest song on the album. It's epic, without the cliches (unlike the next track), although it could have done without some of the middle section. The modulating guitar melody at the end is without a doubt one of the best moments in DT's entire catalogue.
8. In The Presence of Enemies part 2 - There are some great moments during the first half, but then there's an instrumental which has little relevance to the song, and yet another recurring theme from a previous track, followed by a big crashing finale. Yawn. At best, it's half as effective as the title track on Octavarium.
If this album is a listener's first experience of Dream Theater, then they may be less critical than I am. But it's just because Dream Theater have such a vast and incredible catalogue, and they have left my standards for them incredibly high. This album simply doesn't stand up to what they've offered us in the past. They have used their technical brilliance to create things like Images And Words, Scenes, and Octavarium. But the majority of this album has them stooping down to using their technical side almost purely to show off their chops. We've known since 1992 that they have good chops. No need to beat a dead horse, guys. And while I'm at it, just because you write long songs doesn't make you a progressive band. I define progressive bands as those who continuously take their music into new directions. So then I guess this must be the least progressive DT album ever. Six Degrees was progressive. This wasn't. Overall, thumbs down. 4/10.
I'll be sure to download their next album before I buy it... assuming I'll like it enough to buy it.
P.S. Should I have the balls to post this on the DT/MP forum?
1. In The Presence of Enemies part 1 - The intro is just a bunch of technical, unmusical babble. It suddenly slows down, and the guitar melody is the only nice part of this song, which overall is just plain derivative of other DT/Petrucci epics.
2. Forsaken - A very strong song, powered by a grand-sounding chorus. Some of the lyrics in the verses are a bit cringe-worthy, but other than that, it's a definite keeper.
3. Constant Motion - The verses sound like an outtake of Metallica's Master Of Puppets, or whatever by Pantera. Sure, it has a catchy chorus, but overall it's a horribly derivative song in so many ways, complete with Petrucci practically saying, "Look how fast I can play!" Not only that, but his solo begins with almost the exact same guitar line as on Above To Crash from Six Degrees, just in a different key. Next.
4. The Dark Eternal Night - Again, a catchy chorus, and the instrumental this time (with absolutely no relation to the song itself) has plenty of time changes. It's a bit less technical than in the previous track, but it's still pretty unmusical overall. And again, the chorus repeats at the end. I'm not impressed. Next.
5. Repentance - The next part of Portnoy's AA saga, which uses the riff from This Dying Soul from Train Of Thought. The riff sounds cool with drums. Although the minor chords keep modulating for the last few minutes of the song, it isn't tiresome. It's a melodic piece, and the effect works well... something they haven't tried before. I'll take it!
6. Prophets Of War - Did they pay Muse for this one? This track has some good moments... one of the stronger tracks on the album, but I still like Knights Of Cydonia more.
7. The Ministry Of Lost Souls - Definitely the most original and strongest song on the album. It's epic, without the cliches (unlike the next track), although it could have done without some of the middle section. The modulating guitar melody at the end is without a doubt one of the best moments in DT's entire catalogue.
8. In The Presence of Enemies part 2 - There are some great moments during the first half, but then there's an instrumental which has little relevance to the song, and yet another recurring theme from a previous track, followed by a big crashing finale. Yawn. At best, it's half as effective as the title track on Octavarium.
If this album is a listener's first experience of Dream Theater, then they may be less critical than I am. But it's just because Dream Theater have such a vast and incredible catalogue, and they have left my standards for them incredibly high. This album simply doesn't stand up to what they've offered us in the past. They have used their technical brilliance to create things like Images And Words, Scenes, and Octavarium. But the majority of this album has them stooping down to using their technical side almost purely to show off their chops. We've known since 1992 that they have good chops. No need to beat a dead horse, guys. And while I'm at it, just because you write long songs doesn't make you a progressive band. I define progressive bands as those who continuously take their music into new directions. So then I guess this must be the least progressive DT album ever. Six Degrees was progressive. This wasn't. Overall, thumbs down. 4/10.
I'll be sure to download their next album before I buy it... assuming I'll like it enough to buy it.
P.S. Should I have the balls to post this on the DT/MP forum?
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Sir GH<br><h6>ah yeah</h6> wrote: [/QUOTENAME]
P.S. Should I have the balls to post this on the DT/MP forum?
[/QUOTE]
There's more people over there having similar complaints about the album. Funny how people on that board can complain about their favorite band and do not get slammed for it :)
However, at the moment I'm going with the majority and give the album 9/10. It may not be that progressive and innovative, it does kick some serious ass though!
Damn, the album takes the #2 position in the Dutch charts this week! Nice to see them doing so well.
P.S. Should I have the balls to post this on the DT/MP forum?
[/QUOTE]
There's more people over there having similar complaints about the album. Funny how people on that board can complain about their favorite band and do not get slammed for it :)
However, at the moment I'm going with the majority and give the album 9/10. It may not be that progressive and innovative, it does kick some serious ass though!
Damn, the album takes the #2 position in the Dutch charts this week! Nice to see them doing so well.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]willem-jan wrote: [/QUOTENAME][QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Sir GH<br><h6>ah yeah</h6> wrote: [/QUOTENAME]
P.S. Should I have the balls to post this on the DT/MP forum?
[/QUOTE]
There's more people over there having similar complaints about the album. Funny how people on that board can complain about their favorite band and do not get slammed for it :)[/QUOTE]
Haha, yeah... good observation!
[QUOTE]Damn, the album takes the #2 position in the Dutch charts this week! Nice to see them doing so well.[/QUOTE]
Mainstream appeal... uh oh... I don't like where this is going!
P.S. Should I have the balls to post this on the DT/MP forum?
[/QUOTE]
There's more people over there having similar complaints about the album. Funny how people on that board can complain about their favorite band and do not get slammed for it :)[/QUOTE]
Haha, yeah... good observation!
[QUOTE]Damn, the album takes the #2 position in the Dutch charts this week! Nice to see them doing so well.[/QUOTE]
Mainstream appeal... uh oh... I don't like where this is going!
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Sir GH<br><h6>ah yeah</h6> wrote: [/QUOTENAME][QUOTE][QUOTENAME]willem-jan wrote: [/QUOTENAME][QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Sir GH<br><h6>ah yeah</h6> wrote: [/QUOTENAME]
P.S. Should I have the balls to post this on the DT/MP forum?
[/QUOTE]
There's more people over there having similar complaints about the album. Funny how people on that board can complain about their favorite band and do not get slammed for it :)[/QUOTE]
Haha, yeah... good observation!
[QUOTE]Damn, the album takes the #2 position in the Dutch charts this week! Nice to see them doing so well.[/QUOTE]
Mainstream appeal... uh oh... I don't like where this is going!
[/QUOTE]
Nah, it'll drop out of the top 40 next week. DT fans buy CD's at the day of release, and nobody else knows the band, so why should they buy the album....
But after all these years of releasing good music, I'm definitely happy for the guys to sell some albums. It could be due to the new label as well, that they finally get some airplay/promotion etc.
P.S. Should I have the balls to post this on the DT/MP forum?
[/QUOTE]
There's more people over there having similar complaints about the album. Funny how people on that board can complain about their favorite band and do not get slammed for it :)[/QUOTE]
Haha, yeah... good observation!
[QUOTE]Damn, the album takes the #2 position in the Dutch charts this week! Nice to see them doing so well.[/QUOTE]
Mainstream appeal... uh oh... I don't like where this is going!
[/QUOTE]
Nah, it'll drop out of the top 40 next week. DT fans buy CD's at the day of release, and nobody else knows the band, so why should they buy the album....
But after all these years of releasing good music, I'm definitely happy for the guys to sell some albums. It could be due to the new label as well, that they finally get some airplay/promotion etc.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Sir GH<br><h6>ah yeah</h6> wrote: [/QUOTENAME][QUOTE][QUOTENAME]willem-jan wrote: [/QUOTENAME][QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Sir GH&lt;br&gt;&lt;h6&gt;ah yeah&lt;/h6&gt; wrote: [/QUOTENAME]
P.S. Should I have the balls to post this on the DT/MP forum?
[/QUOTE]
There's more people over there having similar complaints about the album. Funny how people on that board can complain about their favorite band and do not get slammed for it :)[/QUOTE]
Haha, yeah... good observation!
[QUOTE]Damn, the album takes the #2 position in the Dutch charts this week! Nice to see them doing so well.[/QUOTE]
Mainstream appeal... uh oh... I don't like where this is going!
[/QUOTE]
Just wait till the money really gets to their heads. You'll be seeing Dream Theatre lunchboxes and appearances on Jay Leno!
P.S. Should I have the balls to post this on the DT/MP forum?
[/QUOTE]
There's more people over there having similar complaints about the album. Funny how people on that board can complain about their favorite band and do not get slammed for it :)[/QUOTE]
Haha, yeah... good observation!
[QUOTE]Damn, the album takes the #2 position in the Dutch charts this week! Nice to see them doing so well.[/QUOTE]
Mainstream appeal... uh oh... I don't like where this is going!
[/QUOTE]
Just wait till the money really gets to their heads. You'll be seeing Dream Theatre lunchboxes and appearances on Jay Leno!
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]willem-jan wrote: [/QUOTENAME]
Nah, it'll drop out of the top 40 next week. DT fans buy CD's at the day of release, and nobody else knows the band, so why should they buy the album....
But after all these years of releasing good music, I'm definitely happy for the guys to sell some albums. It could be due to the new label as well, that they finally get some airplay/promotion etc.[/QUOTE]
DT gets airplay?
I thought that the day DT gets any airplay their fans will turn their backs on them and call them "sell outs".
Nah, it'll drop out of the top 40 next week. DT fans buy CD's at the day of release, and nobody else knows the band, so why should they buy the album....
But after all these years of releasing good music, I'm definitely happy for the guys to sell some albums. It could be due to the new label as well, that they finally get some airplay/promotion etc.[/QUOTE]
DT gets airplay?
I thought that the day DT gets any airplay their fans will turn their backs on them and call them "sell outs".
People at Dream Theater forums and Queen forums have something in common... they can be pretty uncritical... just for very different reasons.