Dream Theater - Octavarium
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Free Music Notes for Octavarium
Free Music Review: A Marvel Of Production and Art
Hit: 5 Stars
Being around DT since 1991, and in fact having a private almost "garage band" recording of James Labrie's first sessions with this band "live"...I feel so close to this group of men it is as comparable as my love for YES.
But I NEVER dreamed the band would make it this far in a world saturated with pathetic-pop-rap driven garbage. But then DT doesn't need to be accepted by the masses...as they have their own masses- a group of very intelligent sophisticated and spoiled FANS that are seemingly endlessly saturated by the band's unselfish nature (and Mr. Portnoy's obsessions)!
I ran the album through after waiting 2 weeks deliberately to see reviews. I typically have done this since "Falling Into Infinity", because over time...and different listenings...the listening value changes. In this case I was stunned to see some rather negative reviews about the "softer" sound after such negative reviews for the grungy studio-run-through "Train of Thought with it's fierce metal edge!
Dream Theater is uncanny as a band and very intelligent, of course driven by the nadness of Portnoy/Petrucci. I snuck up on DT this time. I played the massive title track FIRST. Imagine my surprise when track 1 started the way "Octavarium" ended. The sound of Jordan on one key, and some electronic subtle noise. I realized then that by accident, I discovered this album is quite literally one massive conceptual piece. The placing of tracks only enhanced my feeling, as the band put "The Answer Lies Within" in the second slot. I encourage buyers to program their CD players to play "Octavarium" starting with the title track and program the remaining sequence to follow. An almost eerie cohesion appears upon doing this.
Of course one could say "the beginning of 'the Root of all Evil' was truly announcing the album, and Jordan announced the end with the end notes in the title track." I found it FAR more pleasurable of an experience to switch the sequence.
The production and mastering by the amazing "DOUG!" makes the album level and almost perfect in it's mix. In contrast to ToT, in which some spots exploded out into one's ears, this album is levelled and adjusted so that the band is so cohesive, the only thing that really through me was the section with John Myung nearly reprising a bass-line from Yes' "Heart of the Sunrise." The album is not surprising to me in that it's better than "Falling into Infinity", but otherwise because of it's content- cannot really be compared to anything the band has done! That is the reason why the album is incredible. Keeping their integrity, with heart and soul- Dream Theater does it again. Only "Images and Words" moved me more with the exception of the suite proper of the 40-minute "Six Degrees."
Magically gifted, the album is reminiscent of Yes and ELP and everything that DT does better. I love every song. I find no error in this project, and hats off to John and Mike for toning down the instruments respectively to let the band- and Orchestra in and of itself- shine through. God bless Dream Theater and their vision!
Free Music Review: Trapped Inside This Octavarium!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
And I mean that in a very good way! This album is amazing. Most people don't realize how much thought and creativity was put into this album. From start to finish, little tricks and twists are put into the music, things that you would have to really research to understand. Lets go over some of these tricks. A lot of the album has to do with the numbers 5 and 8.
1. On the back of the album, you see piano keys off to the side, there are 8 white keys and 5 black keys...
2. The CD itself has a 5-pointed star inside an octagon on it...
3. When you open the booklet, on the first page there is a kid holding a "can-phone" (you know, a can on one side attached to a string that attaches to another can on the other side...) and you can only see 3 of his fingers. Then, on the last page, you see him holding the can on the other side and you can see 5 fingers. 5+3=8...
4. On another page, there are 2 dominoes: one that equals 5 and one that equals 8...
5. On another page, there is a spider (8 legs...) inside a maze with 8 openings (but no exit)...
6. On another page, you see an Octopus (8 legs...) chasing 5 fish...
7. Now here's the biggest and most interesting trick/twist: The lyrics for Octavarium. The song goes through all 8 songs (including itself)... Here is the excerpt:
Our deadly sins feel his mortal wrath
Remove all obstacles from our path
*(The Root of All Evil)
Asking questions
Search for clues
The answer's been right in front of you
*(The Answer Lies Within)
Try to break through
Long to connect
Fall on deaf ears and failed muted breath
*(These Walls)
Loyalty, trust, faith, and desire
Carries love through each darkest fire
*(I Walk Beside You)
Tortured insanity
A smothering hell
Try to escape but to no avail
*(Panic Attack)
The calls of Admirers
Who claim they adore
Drain all your lifeblood while begging for more
*(Never Enough)
Innocent victims of merciless crimes
Fall prey to some madmen's impulsive designs
*(Sacrificed Sons)
Step after step
We try controlling our fate
When we finally start living it has become to late
*(Octavarium)
Trapped Inside This Octavarium!
Trapped Inside This Octavarium!!
Trapped Inside This Octavarium!!!
Trapped Inside This Octavarium!!!!
(End of Excerpt)
There are probably more, but I haven't found them (or don't understand them)... But that was just the concept/packaging of the album... The music, which is what most people will be interested in is just as amazing as the concept. 8 songs that fill up the entire CD for a total of 1:15:44!!! This album is nothing less than amazing in everyway and is probably one of my favorite Dream Theater albums of all time. So I highly recommend this album to old and new DT fans! IT'S AWESOME!!!
~cHAOS
Free Music Review: Very under-rated
Hit: 5 Stars
I dont see why theres such a low rating for this album.. 3 and a half stars? come on.. youre not giving it a chance.
1. Root of All Evil - a great opener.. the second pre-chorus remains as one of the most intense vocal performances ever, this song is, in case you dont know, the third part of the glass prison.
2. Answer lies within - in images and words fashion, the softest song second. its a very quiet ballad-type song, not bad, but easily the 'worst' on here
3. These Walls - I didnt like it too much at first, ill admit, but this song has grown on me.. this song's hook is quite good and has an almost hypnotic feel to it.. very emotional
4. I walk beside you - as everyone has said.. sounds like a U2 song, but you have to admit, its pretty good.. almost.. too happy though
5. Panic Attack - things get heavier and better from here. Panic attack feels like something that could have been on Train of Thought.. it begins with john myung's bass solo, when i saw them live, this song was crazy.. ill admit there isnt much feeling behind the 'heaviness' but its still solid
6. Never Enough - took a while to grow on me.. not much to say.. not bad though
7 - Sacraficed sons - i had to give this one a chance.. starts with a creepy piano riff, and goes into a really slow, emotional-style set of verses. it's chorus is also great. after a long, but very good (unlike some of Dream theater's) instrumental section, it returns to the final verse, which is something worth listening to due to labrie's intense singing and the pounding guitar riff backed by Portnoy's drums.. a great ending, instead of DT's usual 'end with the chorus' style
8 - Octavarium - very strange.. if youre expecting another 'a change in seasons', look elsewhere.. which is what is great.. its unique. after a very long intro (Pink Floyd, anyone?) it goes to a simple section on the acoustic guitar.. it starts with what sounds like an Fminor chord.. then a very cool flute riff.. after this, John switches to a 12 string acoustic for the first 'section' featuring Labrie's chilling vocals.. things take a much 'happier' turn for the second section, despite it being more serious, with Myung's funk bassline.
-After this, things get more distorted, and heavy.. in the third section 'Full Circle' (written by Portnoy) things get strange.. the lyrics consist of a bunch of pop culuture references strung together with a strange chorus.. finally, the song's climax comes.. beginning with an almost spoken-style set of lyrics.. things eventually build up to one of the strangest climaxes everywhere.. crazy, pounding rhythms and James screaming 'Trapped Inside this Octavarium'. as strange as it might be, its very unique.. things slow down for the fifth section.. a quick bit of singing then it fades with an emotional guitar solo
anyway.. im saying give this album a chance.. its quite good.. it might take a bit to get used to though
Free Music Review: Great Piece from Dream Thater
Hit: 5 Stars
It was a matter of arguement of Dream Thater's new studio album. Last two of their studio album devided the fans all over the world generally in two part; first group is included by the fans who likes ToT and 6DoIT albums and next ones who hate those ToT and 6DoIT. Personally, i coundt love them as their past albums but at the same time i believe their essence has a penetrating difficulty, moreover, if anyone can penetrate once, get lost within them.I listened this "OCTAVARIUM" with no expectations. An what i've found? "Root of Evil" is a natural follower of ToT sound. Heavy song but keyboards are more hearable than ToT.Second track "Answer Lies Within" is one of the best in Octa. slowly processing song. Enterence of strack remind ed me Pink Floyd's "High Hopes". LaBrie reaches another peak in this. Excellent. Especially in desperate hours, anyone can find his/her all answers lie within."These Walls" has very great keyboard and guitar parts. It is a qualified new era Dream Thater track. Be careful for Portoy in the silence parts of the song. Impressive."I Walk Beside You" is a song with new experiments on vocal parts for Dream Theater. U2-like vocals are waiting to be liked. Not bad. But nothing more than "not bad". "Panic Attack" is a transition song between 6DoIT and ToT.It has only a few "Muse" like vocals on it.They dont dominate whole. Solos are truely excellent."Never Enough" is more "Muse" sounded track. After 03:30 song gets another vision via Petrucci's guitar tricks. "Octavarium" is truely a progressive metal masterpiece.Tribute to the progressive rock legends from Dream Theater. A modern Vintage. It has perfectly orchestrated five parts as "Someone like him", "Medicate(awakening)", "Full Circle", "Intervals", "Razor's Edge". Total running time is 23 min. Flutes, achoustic guitars, electric guitars, lyrics, drums are all awasome. But keyboards have a spesific "peak" on this album. All notes have a self meanings. First part is as an enterance and reminded me Pink Floyd's "Shine on You Crazy Diamond". II.part has a lyric dominated structure till 12:15. After that Marillion/Yes like keyboard tricks and sounds get neo prog fans heads off. Even the end of this part may be given as a lesson is called "how to write a prog song in five steps". "Intervals" has unbelievably great transition to the "Razor's Edge" with most impressive strings. Wonderfull. On "Razor's Edge"processing of song, compability of strings, harmony, polyphony, sound of guitar solo...I say this without any of suspect, it is one of best songs in prog music history not just DT history. The most matured song of DT maybe. It may take time to understand totally but it woths everything.
It is Jordan Rudess, the one getting giant on this album. He has a domination on whole tracks especially "Octavarium". Ashes of my love for DT got alive again with this.
Free Music Review: Sure it's not like other DT albums, but it's great on it's own
Hit: 5 Stars
Ok, so for the first time in a very long time I think the boys in DT have put together a solid front to back COMPOSITIONAL album - no endless masterbatory wanking, no awkward lyrical moments, no moments where you hear one or two guys totally take over the project to the detriment of the others. On this CD everyone gets their time in the sun and at stage front in the spotlight, and this is an excellent thing!!
Ok so that doesn't mean there aren't any uneven moments - track 2 in my opinion is a throw away track that would belong on Jordan's or James' solo CDs and not necessarily on a DT disk. But looking at the rest of the project you need to understand that this is supposed to be not only a retrospective CD covering all their past and all their influences both individually and as a band, which means they need to bring in the sappy ballad that makes 13 year old girls swoon and want to light the Bics up... the rest of the CD makes up for that one misstep. Track 4 isn't my favorite either, but it's fairly solid and would probably be considered one of the best tracks on any other band's CD - reiterate BEST TRACKS ON ANY OTHER BAND'S CD. We forget that sometimes, since we expect such high quality from these guys that when they try to get something accessable in to have as leverage for renegotiating their recording contract we get all pissed off and slag them for it. Shame on you, these guys deserve to be making HUGE MONEY so shut up and just enjoy the rest of the stuff that was written for YOU the DT fan!
Why did I give the CD 5 stars? Tracks 1, 3, 5 thru 8 are brilliant! That accounts for 65 minutes of the total 75 on the CD - what other band out there gives you 65 minutes of even solid music much less brilliance?!?! Even the bands that DT quotes in this CD haven't put out a solid 45 or 50 minute CD ever in their history!!! You need to put things into perspective people!
There are a ton of "homages" in here to all the rock, prog rock and metal heroes - Rush, Muse, U2, Yes, Genesis, Ayreon, Pantera, Steve Morse, Steve Howe, Spock's Beard, Zappa and more! Anyone who thinks that this is lame needs to get back off the crack and listen closely. Listen a lot more than just the first time since I guarantee that you need to listen to this thing at least 10-15 times before you "get it"...
I think from a compositional standpoint this sits up there with Awake and Scenes From a Memory - very very solid with wonderful instrumental arrangements, James LaBrie's best vocal performance ever on a DT recording, great lyrics... it goes on and on.
As a final word - this is DT's "Moving Pictures". This is the pivotal CD that will bring DT the type of attention Moving Pictures did for Rush, Fragile did for Yes, Selling England for Genesis, etc. Just wait - this is a landmark album for these guys.