Not gonna listen - but is this a good or a bad ?


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Power metal: the most powerful of all the metals.
http://www.last.fm/user/octaquarium

*Sigh* With these people leaking them on the internet they should just not make any pre-release issues of these albums... or be quicker to officially release them... I'm not spoiling either...


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http://www.last.fm/user/Spydrfish

www.youtube.com/Spydrfish
www.youtube.com/Spiderpisces

T-Bo ... definitely a good

And it doesn't spoil it for me. It just makes me even more eager to get my hands on the entire thing.

Not even gonna pretend the first thing I did was anything but listen to the song. Damnit hurry up and release the album I wanna get my hands on this irresistable piece of musical awesome.


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Needs more cowbell

Unfortunately, FROST* has had to pull out of the 2 European shows they were scheduled to do with Dream Theater in June:
--- June 18th in Lisbon Portugal
--- June 23rd in Munich Germany

(FROST* will still appear at the 2 UK shows earlier in the month)

However, I am pleased to announce that NEAL MORSE will now be DT's Special Guest at the June 23rd Munich show (in addition to the already announced show the next day in Gelsenkirchen, Germany)

Opening act replacement for the Lisbon show is still TBA....


_________________
Power metal: the most powerful of all the metals.
http://www.last.fm/user/octaquarium

Pre-ordered.  Listened.  Fantastic.

Get it.  Get it NAO.  And I got a great deal on the 3CD set on Amazon, too.

I can only find the first cover song, and I really like it. They stick pretty close to the original but just turning the "heavy" dial up a bit... and some killer solos/fills from petrucci that definitely weren't on the original...

Still my favourite DT cover remains To Tame a Land, from the Kerrang Maiden tribute album. That does everything a cover should do!

And here is the first review I've read so far:

http://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=222886


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What is a tumble dryer for???

in a flash-smoothly-sneaky counterattack, I present the 1st review I saw from the new DT...
http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=7956

everyone knows that I am disappointed by the 2 previous DT albums, but I'll save my judgment for this new one after I listen to a couple of songs on prOgulus.
only hoped for better lyrics and a listenable bass.... if the reviews are true....


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"I thought what I'd do was, I'd pretend I was one of those deaf-mutes..." "or should I?"

Quite a return to form! There's not much over-the-top soloing on this one, it's all done VERY tastefully, and Labrie just owns, especially at the ending of The Count of Tuscany!


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Power metal: the most powerful of all the metals.
http://www.last.fm/user/octaquarium

After a couple of listens I would argue the lyrics are an improvement.  They just seem so much more personal this time around, and usually compliment the emotion of the music.  Lyrics were probably the biggest drag on SC, sorry In the Presence of Enemies was just corny, this time they are genuine.  Portnoy's songs especially.  As for Myung... yeah still underutilized.


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Needs more cowbell

>>> SPOILER ALERT, DO NOT READ IF YOU WANT TO BE SURPRISED OF ELEMENTS IN THE SONGS!!! <<<


With a Crack of Thunder, the Rain begins to fall, as subtle gloomy keys fall behind them . . .

An ominus chorus from the synths bring the impending doom . . .
Then a rumble of Double Bass and Riffage cuts through the din . . .

Then the PRocking begins!

From the Link Ray gave (but the pre-release reviews have been positive), I was ready to believe, to a point,
what the Italian arm-chair reviewer had said, but how can you come to such quick judgement of negitivity after
JUST receiving the CD?

I'm sorry, I know all have their own opinions but every song, truthfully, was a great experience to go through,
yet again, everyone has their own ear, the least fave, only because this is going on my 2nd listen, is the Last,
that few here already like is "The Count of Tuscany", that is the only one that will have to grow on me, but I
will get to that one . . .

(Sorry that I get Harsh, just seemed like the "Italian Dude" wanted to Hate the Album at the get-go, after 1
listen, instead of listening a few times, then giving some "Instructive Criticism", but instead of a review, it was
more like a Hammer to a Ceramic Tea Pot).

CD 1:

1. A Nightmare to Remember
Sends frickin' shivers up my spine! Wow (as reviewed from YOUtube --->) This is sort of the "Octavarium"
of the Album, really Brutal to Sublime Passages, The Chorus where LaBries Vox flows with the melodic melody of
the Music, Gorgeous.  This to me is the beginning of James prowess throughout the Album, so I have to say that
the 1st Reviewer says "Labries voice is gone", sorry the guy is smoking crack . . . and I mean someones BUTT
Crack. LaBrie covers every emotion on this album beautifully, he is STILL the Voice of DT confirmed(!).
Now I know there will be some that hate Portnoy's "Grunting", but it was a "Surprise", but it fit for me, So this
soo called "Singing" from the reviewer is unfounded, yet he forgets his actual singing in Transatlantic (not bad,
but it was probably his 1st full vocal lines) . . .
Another surprise was his "Blast Beats" at the end . . . just another element that was stunning.  
Petrucci plays in fine form in every song, awesome Riffage to Solo's that "fit", and yes, MUCH less noodling!
Again, Rudess has some cool sounds and gets to sound heavily brooding on this track with the "Riffs of Doom".

2. A Rite of Passage
The "Single" I guess. Since the 1st listen from the Free Download, its Arabic Melody and Chorus has been stuck
in my head . . . and singing it to myself constantly! Its the Song with the "Hook" (including that I have already put
it on a Compilation). I love the Story as well.

Quote:

"what is really unforgivable is Jordan Rudess. I often find myself skipping song after song because of the clownish sounds that Jordan uses."

The Reviewer at the Link I think, let this song "speak" for the Album as a whole, because of the "Solo's from left
field" and the crazy sounds Rudess adds to it.  Well I like it, I like the strange, so its a plus for me, my Prog taste
has no bounderies so I am open to what people throw into the mix.

3. Wither
Great Ballad, DT has always done these well, its a Ballad . . . but its a Dream Theater Ballad, this could very well
be their 1st "Radio" single if they could get it out there, and possibly turn some heads to the "Prog Metal Genre".
I think its a beautiful song, and again the music goes through alot of emotions here without showing off.

4. The Shattered Fortress
I tell you, I "Smiled" with each suite entwined in "Backwards (In-)Chronicologic Order":
D. "The Glass Prison" (Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence)
C. "This Dying Soul" (Train of Thought)
B. "The Root of All Evil" (Octavarium)
A. "Repentance" (Systematic Chaos)
. . . because thats the way I would have done it, all the way through it just frickin' PRocked!
This is AA Recovery with attitude! This should give you enough positive reinforcement and "Affirmation of Life"
in spades, more than nicotine, caffine or alcohol! Bill W. would be proud (I use none yet need this positive
reinforcement in my life, drunk on "self-pity") . . . love this song for what it says and Musically.

5. The Best of Times

Quote:

"Even When Rudess tryes to be more romantic and naife, like in the beginning of "The Best of Times", he ends to be just cheesy"

Again, smoking crack.  The mood conveyed by Rudess in the opening is very moving, almost moving me to
tears. Then the song turns into "Happy Memories" musically(!) as Portnoy lives through his past with his Late
Father.
Even though I had a rough childhood, it made me think of those Good Times as well, and this song makes me
smile. LaBrie has many great moods here, as well as Rudess, Majestic and Epic.  Petrucci's melodies are really
beautiful here, very inspired. A great Tribute to anyone that has lost a Father (: .

6. The Count of Tuscany
I'm still trying to figure out if the "Story" is a Analogy for "something" (Think "Hotel California") or what the story
is really about. Again just from the 1st listen (TBoT is just ending on my Headphones) this is the one that will
have to grow on me, but I really LOVE the opening Acoustic Guitar, and the surprising "Atmospheric Guitar Solo",
This really has Petrucci trying another approach, almost re-inventing himself . . . he's "Holding back"
The entwining melodies of each musician after the opener is really fantastic and seems to just grow . . . so as I am
hearing it as I write, much more enjoyable the 2nd time around.

I think the main turn-offs for the Album will be Mr. Mikes "Grunting" for some, but I liked it.  But man . . .
do I AGREE with everyone about Myung! This Album is the one that buries his Bass to almost non-existance .
That is just too sad, such talent should be up front with Petrucci.  They will have to re-access this next time
around.

The Re-makes!:

1. Stargazer (Rainbow)- Really good Job! Rainbow is up there with Rush and Kansas for me, and I am a
Ritchie Blackmore Fanatic so this was a treat, though Mudanus Imperium w/Jorn is a bit better, its still an
awesome version.

2. Tenement Funster/Flick of the Wrist/Lily of the Valley (Queen)- Now I have heard these songs at least
once or twice, but even DT doing it, you can Hear that this IS a Queen song, but DT really nails this one!
LaBrie makes it his own until the last few minutes . . . he becomes Freddie Mercury
Yes its LaBrie in there but he does a great job capturing the "feel" of him, probably wanted to emulate
that signature sound because it IS the song, just like Petrucci at moments, emulates the Brian May
signature "Guitar Harmonies" that just have to be added.  This is my Fave remake on the Disc, even
though I know the others by memory and with alot of love.

3. Odyssey (Dixie Dregs)- Its no secret that DT loves the Dregs, The bastards "DT'd it"! They successfuly
made it a Prog Metal version, and again, the notion of Rudess being corny and cheesy, the Man does the
Violin Parts with Keys and his "Continium" with all the subtleties, and where it sounds like Eddie Jobson
(U.K.) stepped in with his Glass Violin . . . wow.  Definately my 2nd Fave.

4. Take your Fingers from my Hair (Zebra)- What an highly unusual song to re-do, and they capture it
beautifuly! I am a Big Zebra fan as well, its a Ballad but a "Zebra Ballad", but towards the end it goes to
left field and thats what DT does at times as well, and Petrucci and Portnoy capture Randy Jackson and
Guy Gelso to a T! My 3rd fave easily.

5. Larks Tongue in Aspic Pt 2 (King Crimson)- The only other folks I could think of to tackle this one would
be Primus! What an awesome version, again its Prog Metal'd and they do a fantastic job! Portnoy doesn't
try to be Bill Bruford (who can!?) but he stands on his own.

6. To Tame a Land (Iron Maiden)- This is one of my all time Fave Maiden Songs (And a "Dune" fan!) and
they really do a great job, LaBrie does not emulate Bruce but does a great job, he changes his tone to fit
the song.
This sadly is the only track that you can hear Myung's Bass because, lets face it, Steve Harris 'just as well
be a Lead Guitarist in any Maiden song and this one is no exception. Awesome way to end the 2nd Disc
(Though my 1st crazy thought was, if you know this song well, you hear a "tinkle" of cymbal at the end,
which Portnoy does . . . I WISHED that he would have, haha, tinkled it again . . . and then as a sort-of
hidden track . . . went into the end of "In the Court of the Crimson King" . . . I would have pee'd my
Pants! . . . hehe, but now I'm inventing my own album).
Hopefully, the more I listen, the more I'll hear John Myung's Bass shining through.

I am completely satisfied! I will listen to this album again and again, its much better than Systematic
Chaos as a whole, the songs are more to heart (as Falcon said) and LaBrie I think is Fantastic throughout
the 2 Discs (T-Bo, damn straight!). Now saying all this:

1. After Prog Nation and subsiquent Headline World Tour . . .
TAKE A DAMN BREAK, spend time with Family, take Vacations, ENJOY Life! and then come back FRESH
with ideas, be inspired and take some time to "form" ideas slower and possibly re-invent the Band(?).
2. When on this break, everyone split up and do your side Projects! Re-fresh yourselves in New directions!

Thats it, go buy it and judge for yourselves, I thought it was a great ride that I will ride it again and again!

so i guess i'm saying . . .

eh, its alright.



Recent Note:

After a 4th listen, this is definately an album I will listen to over and over, and "Count of Tuscany" is freakin'
awesome !!! Rudess and Petrucci, changing their tones for every emotion is truely beautiful. And . . .
You can really hear Myung here, really a fine piece (Lighters/Cell Phones in the air for the epilogue!).  
But the lyrics have me intrigued, is it a Fable, an Alagory . . ."whats the real story"? .



Last edited by MAVIII on Fri Jun 26, 2009 5:01 am; edited 5 times in total
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ART: http://mavartworx.deviantart.com/gallery/ &slideshow
http://mavartworx.progvan.com/ thanxVAN

Yeah, I think that italian dude has got totally the wrong end of the stick. I thought the cd was fantastic throughout, with the single exception of (sorry to sound like a broken record) the lack of Myung. The standout guy for me was laBrie. I thought he did a fantastic job of the vocals, which pleased me greatly as I do like his voice alot. I am sad that he did not contribute any lyrics again - I don't think he has been credited with musical input since ToT I know some people have disliked the use of riffs from earlier songs on "The shattered fortress", but I absolutely loved it. As the final part of such an epic sequence of songs it is only right that it should look back on it's journey, much as I guess, you would when you finally achieve sobriety.

A few weeks ago I had a dream that that huge giant breakdown from The Glass Prison would be the very ending of the entire suite, but I was like "nah, there's no way that can happen, no way." And then it finally came around and I had to change my pants and lift my jaw from the floor.

Also, my FAVE moment on the entire record -

LET ME INTRODUCE
MAH BROTHAAAAAAAAHHHH
A BEARDED GENTLEMAN
HISTORIAN

SUCKIN' ON HIS PIIIIIIIIPE
DISTINGUISHED ACCENT
MAKIN' ME UPTIGHT, NO ACCIDENT

I don't care what the lyrics are, I haven't been able to stop singing them. Wither hits hard for me, that GREAT middle section in A Nightmare To Remember, the "Rush-like" intro to The Best of Times, and the last 9 minutes of The Count of Tuscany are all among the most beautiful, inspiring, and yet awesome sections I've ever heard from these geniuses.

Personally, I didn't think SC was so bad - it was one of those albums that was much better suited for live performance due to the simpler, repetitive songs. That said, this is miles above SC, the artwork is AMAZING (packaging leaves a lot to be desired though). When I think of the name "Dream Theater", generally the art I think of is Octavarium because it always seemed to fit them as a band, but the album art here is really iconic and amazing as well.

Overall, a VERY solid release - there's nothing in it I consider "bad" at all, but some moments are definitely stronger than others (A Rite of Passage is a great song, but why listen to that when I can hear THE SHATTERED FORTRESS?). It's the kind of album you can already tell will be a grower, and who knows, this may displace Octavarium as my favorite DT album and favorite album of all time. I'm probably speaking too soon, but as far as I'm concerned I haven't been this bowled over in a long while.

4.5/5 ...for now.

@Zaii: You know, I've heard a lot of people comment about Myung's place in the album. I certainly can hear him loud and clear through these laptop speakers. I know it took me a while though to be able to listen for him and really pick him out especially when he's playing in the lower ranges. Maybe you're listening through less bassy speakers?


_________________
Power metal: the most powerful of all the metals.
http://www.last.fm/user/octaquarium

Quote:

@Zaii: You know, I've heard a lot of people comment about Myung's place in the album. I certainly can hear him loud and clear through these laptop speakers. I know it took me a while though to be able to listen for him and really pick him out especially when he's playing in the lower ranges. Maybe you're listening through less bassy speakers?

That certainly does have something to do with it, my speakers aren't exactly the greatest but I can normally pick out bass quite nicely, but at no point in listening to black clouds did I think "wow! what great bass playing". I shall listen to it more closely next time to hear what he does.