Dream Theater - Systematic Chaos (W/Dvd) (Spec)
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Free Music Notes for Systematic Chaos (W/Dvd) (Spec)
Free Music Review: Ok, 4.5 stars, but if I have to choose I'd rather give 5 than 4...
Hit: 5 Stars
I apologize to first-time listeners of Dream Theater; this is really a review for that eclectic, divided, passionate, and partially psychotic group of people (of which I am a proud member of) known as "long-time Dream Theater fans." Forgive me. Also, like many DT songs, this review is long.
I read on one of these reviews that those who use Constant Motion and Dark Eternal Night (samples off of the Roadrunner site) as a reference for what the rest of this album will sound like will be surprised. That couldn't be more true.
This album is NOT another Train of Thought. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It is way more diverse. I think it has some of the heaviest moments in Dream Theater history, but collectively as an album, it is not the heaviest one. I think that title is still reserved for Train of Thought.
For those wondering how this compares to Octavarium, it is more heavy, but is more progressive throughout. Aside from the title track of that album, Octavarium was Dream Theater's conscious attempt (from what I have read) at shorter, more focused songs. So unlike Octavarium, this CD is more...as I said...progressive throughout (with the possible exception of Forsaken, which is more of a straight-forward rock song).
For those wondering how this compares to the Images and Words era, I'd like to make an observation. Like a legion of DT fans, I feel Images and Words was one of their most brilliant albums. But if you listen to it today, it's obvious that it was still filled with many early 90's cliches in tone and musical styling (take Pull Me Under, Another Day, Surrounded, and Wait for Sleep, for example). This album DOES take from a lot from artists today and in the past. I will admit that. The Tool and Metallica influences are obvious. There is even a bit of Evanescence (I think) in Forsaken. But I view this in the same way I view Images and Words: inclusive of the stylings of the time period, but still original in its overall construction. Of course, there's tons of room for debate. I have this feeling that Images and Words was more eclectic; they had less idea what they were doing. So the result was something that was more original, but also much harder to understand. Systematic Chaos, on the other hand, is more "accessible"...and I don't think that's a bad word.
The point of that last paragraph was this: I hear a lot of "Images and Words" type moments in this album (mostly in the instrumental sections). Really, I do...and when they come, they are SO WELCOME! But don't expect the entire album to be like that. They do reserve the right to grow as a band (in fact, I wouldn't respect them if they DIDN'T). Expect some Liquid Tension-esque moments, and some influence from Petrucci's solo stuff. All good things in my book. BUT, also expect some heavy distored singing, some thrash-inspired moments, and some overall "messy" sounding stuff. If that stuff turns you off, you should be happy to know that 90% of the album is not like that. However, if you feel that a Dream Theater album has to be totally perfect, or its not worth buying, you might get annoyed by this album here and there.
That being said, I am actually a bit irritated with the parts of Constant Motion that sound almost exactly like Metallica (even more than "As I Am: does in Train of Thought). But that song is still good, aside from those parts. I feel like they could have easily filled those moments with something else. And I don't know why the didn't. But I tend to give them the benefit of the doubt, so I assume they had some reason in mind.
Let's talk more about the album itself. This album has more of a fantasy-based theme to it. Watching the included DVD, you can tell Petrucci returned to writing his fantasy-based lyrics for this album. The result is something I haven't heard in Dream Theater before. The whole album is kind of a tasty homage to some of the fantasy-based albums of the 70's and 80's, without being ANYWHERE near as cheesy. And that is pretty cool to me. Rudess' keyboard effects sound ever cooler too.
To quickly address Labrie's singing, since this seems to be a hot topic, either you like what he does with the new stuff or you don't. Simple. It's about a 50-50 mix of clean singing and grungier singing. I personally don't like to nitpick to that extent.
Overall, this album is probably closest to Awake, with moments from Images, Scenes, and Train of Thought. Feel free to disagree.
To conclude, I got into Dream Theater because the albums I first heard seemed, well, perfect. I never felt I wanted to change much, if anything, in them. I respected that, and in my mind, it elevated them to God-like status. That bubble burst a long time ago, only because they have become so versatile, that no one can really be a huge fan of every single one of their influences. Although that may have made their albums less "perfect" in my mind, it's oddly made me respect them even more. I don't buy DT albums because I'm looking for something perfect anymore. I buy them because I am always anxious to know what a great band that isn't afraid to explore will do next. And if you feel similarly, then you should definitely buy this album. And if you DON'T feel like that, you should listen to the first track or any of the last four (completely through), and then make your decision (not that the other ones aren't good also). After all, I'm not here to brainwash you into becoming a believer in all of their works.
And, the extra DVD is great. I like to see them goofing off in the studio. I haven't heard the mix in 5.1, but I'm sure it sounds good.
Free Music Review: Systematic Greatness
Hit: 5 Stars
I will be honest, when I first listened to Dream Theater's new album I didn't got it, I simply didn't like as much as I always do I just didn't dig it, I listened the first 3 songs and stop it it was difficult because I was expecting something more like octavarium (which I really love) but it was so different..... after 15 years of being a Dream Theater fan I could not believe I did not dig the new album, so 2 days later I knew I must give another chance this time I would listen to it without specting some sound or something specyfic I was just there lying on the couch listening to Systematic Chaos as if I have never listen to it and happily things started to change man something happened I was blowned away by the album I listened from start to finish then without delay watched the DVD version and upload the whole album into my IPOD and since that very date (about a month or so) I just keep playing and playing Systematic Chaos without stop and every time there is something new, something better I don't know I simply love this album, every aspect of it, once again DT gives us one helluva album
Systematic Chaos brings everything DT is, you will get prog songs, slow songs, metal right into your face songs, epic moments, man you get everything you want to listen and so much more (special version of the album is a must)
From start to finish Systematic Chaos is an amazing experience due to all the elements that are perfectly mixed.... the intro on the opening track, "In the prescence of the enemies pt.1" is really one of the most amazing intros DT has offered the whole sound is fantastic... "Repentance" with all the dialogues (so different in DT catalogue) or "Ministry of lost souls" with all that feeling through all the song absolutely amazing, I just simply keep going on but it will be better if you give it a try.
As we already read on other reviews everyone is complaining about Mike's singing and ok he is not a great singer and maybe not a good backup singer but he got guts, energy and the attitude to sing the way he does and man it does not sound that bad I really like it..... sorry man how can I give a complaint when I really love this album and every one DT release, seems I am not that objective at times...
As I have stated on my other DT reviews every DT album is so different one from the other, but everyone is so great, so brilliant and deserves not to be compared and Systematic Chaos its not an exception, 8 songs on the album and everyone is very different from the other, obviously you can listen to references of recent DT albums like Octavarium, Six degrees or ToT, but that is why every DT album is that great they have the older or classic sound but at the same time the songs are so different that became instant classics... once again if you want metal listen to ToT, if you want epic listen to Scenes or Six degrees but if you want all those sounds mixed at the same time I really believe you must listen to Systematic Chaos, this is the album in which DT gave us everything they are, not completely metal or totally prog, but the perfect mixture of Dream Theater's sound, but again so new and different than the previous albums, that the only thing you can do is enjoy and love the entire album.
I always say that every DT album is the best maybe because its new stuff but that is the truth every one is the best when they are released so now it is time to see the test of time to know how good this album really is... I had always said Images & Scenes are the best albums on DT catalogue and I will defend that always but it is getting harder and harder to do so because Dream Theater keeps releasing impressive albums, obviously that is why I love Dream Theater music, they challenge themselves on every album and so they challenge the fans... for me this is the first time that a DT album took so long to dig on me but believe me it really worth the time I invest listening all day long... Systematic is DT's new masterpiece.
It will be easy to say that my favorite tracks are In the prescence of the Enemies pt.1, Prophets of War and Forsaken, because those were the first songs I really dig but being honest at this point every song on the album is a favorite.
I must mention James's vocals they are outstanding it seems like he is getting better with age, I love what he did on Octavarium, Images or Scenes but in Systematic Chaos he gave impressive vocals so different that any he has performed I really love the way he sang on the slower songs, the faster songs even though those parts where Mike is singing too, I think they are perfectly balanced... what can I say about John, Jordan, John & Mike they are the kings and it is stated on every album or every live performance, for me Dream Theater is the perfect machine an it is just getting better and better.
By the way no matter the impressive albums other amazing bands release as Symphony X, Threshold, Silent Force, Rhapsody, Pain of Salvation (bands that I really really love) Dream Theater answers with a better album, this time Systematic Chaos, as if they were trying to prove who are the kings of progressive rock.. after 20 and more years is there still any doubt about it???
I am really looking forward to see if they will come on tour here to Mexico I would love to listen Systematic Chaos live¡¡¡
By the way DT fans do not wait any longer and order your copy of Dream Theater book sounds it will be fantastic¡¡
Free Music Review: Getting Better With Age
Hit: 5 Stars
I always find it interesting to read the reviews after Dream Theater releases an album. In short, you never get any type of consensus from the fans. If they release a heavier album, half the fans want it to be more orchestral and moody. If they release a melodic album, half the fans want something heavier. If they play too fast, some people want them to slow it down. Playing too slow, on the other hand, causes the speed demons to turn their heads. Too much keyboard - not enough keyboard. Too much Portnoy, too much Petrucci. Not enough Petrucci, not enough Rudess. Bring back Kevin - and on, and on, and on, and on. Honestly, it's tiring.
But, you know what - behind it all is an army of hard core fans (mostly, dare I guess, musicians themselves who, by all measurements are always the harshest critics) who, whether they know it or not, are giving this band the highest form of praise you can ever give: In a word, VIRTUOSITY. These guys can spread themselves across such a wide range of styles that they have, along the way, picked up fans of all shapes, sizes, and musical tastes. So the fact that Dream Theater can never please them all at once is a testament to their artistic range, their musical talent, and, yes, their virtuosity.
Should I tell you about Systematic Chaos? Well, if you haven't guessed it yet, I loved this album. I am a fan of their more melodic works like Scenes From A Memory and the second disc of Six Degrees and, yes, even of the oft slammed Space-Dye Vest. That's not to say that Train of Thought doesn't have a coveted place in my collection. But I just happen to like the "catchier" albums a little more. So where does this one fit? Well, quite honestly, right in the middle. Every song has it's own set of big brass ones. But mixed in between are the signature catchy hooks that made this band so famous. I've seen many comparisons to many of their different albums in the various reviews, but the closest I could come is somewhere between Six Degrees and Octavarium - probably closer to the former than the latter.
I do have a few specific comments regarding the songs:
1. In The Presence Of Enemies Part I is a great opener featuring fast, high-energy riffs and the beginnings of a structured epic. The problem is that it doesn't go anywhere (clearly because it was recorded as one song with the closer). In any case, it's a good enough tease for the album that follows.
2. Forsaken is the catchy single. It is, in my opinion, the most listenable song on the album from the standpoint of wanting to hear it over and over again.
3. Constant Motion is, by far, my least favorite song on the album - mostly because it is a total rip-off of Metallica. They do it well, but this is not at all an original song. Dream Theater falls into this trap every so often, but never so obviously as this, in my opinion.
4. The Dark Eternal Night is a solid song with ripping solos, speedy runs, and dark but decent subject matter (feels a little Iron Maiden in it's story). Not a lot to remember, but definitely a lot to appreciate. My only problem here is with Jordan's "signature" ragtimey piano interlude. Jordan - enough already! I feel like he's trying to make this his trademark and, unfortunately, it's already been taken by Rick Wakeman. I wish he would drop the "piano in the western saloon" bit and break away on his truly original continuum instead.
5. Repentance is good, although too heavily influenced by Pain Of Salvation's "Be" album. I like the narratives, but POS did it just a little better.
6. Prophets Of War is another heavy tune with a great message. Not one of the stand-outs, in my opinion, but a solid contributor.
7. Now we're getting somewhere with Ministry Of Lost Souls. Some nice guitar work in the slower beginning parts, with one of the best vocal melodies toward the end that I have ever heard them build to.
8. And, finally, the rest of the first song. Again, great vocal melodies with an epic feel and an intense conclusion. But the song definitely loses some of its drive by being separated from it's start. Still, the album feels strong and complete with this one finishing it off.
So that's my take, for whatever it's worth. I love the fact that the fans are, yet again, mixed on this one. I hope they never all agree, because it will mean that Dream Theater has fallen into complacency and predictability - and that can never happen. But here's the most important thing - and please listen closely. I have seen a lot of different people who were fans since Awake or even Images. Well, I was a fan since the Majesty days. Truthfully, I followed these guys before they were ever signed and have been a die-hard fan ever since. And one thing I can say for sure is that they have all individually grown as musicians and, more importantly, have done the same as a band over their 20+ year career. These guys work hard at what they do and they are always honing their craft. I don't think we'll ever see them just sit back and take it easy and stop learning their instruments. And that's why their albums always evolve - in some cases even past their fans. But that's a good thing for the music business and, if we can all learn to appreciate it, a good thing for us.
Here's to another 20 years! May the rest of their career be as long as this review...
Free Music Review: very very excellent prog-metal.
Hit: 5 Stars
When it comes right down to it, ALMOST all of Dream Theater's albums are great in some way or another, although I must say I have not yet heard a note of _Octavarium_ for some reason. Underlying all of their higher-order changes across the different years and recordings is a pretty decisive commitment to super-tight progressive metal, a genre that would have significantly different meaning but for DT's influence. So with that in mind, I am not going to say "well this release was so and so and this release was amazing and..." or anything like that. Unless you are uptight, you probably like all DT's albums if you like DT. And so _Systematic Chaos_ is interesting because it is so...Dream Theater, which is like saying it is so prog-metal, which is what we all think about when we think of DT. This is outstanding, the kind of fiery AND technically difficult prog-metal that shows their spirits have nary been depleted by age, and they can really nail prog-metal craftsmanship in a way that no other band can. In the making-of documentary Portnoy talks about how he wanted to make an album that was just "really cool" which in a way sounds like a modest goal. But as weak and trivial as that sounds, this album is really cool and that's sort of what their catalogue all about anyway -- polished, well-produced music with superlative technical chops, songwriting ability, and emotional grip. This disc also marks DT's first use of fantasy/adventure/monster lyrics in a long time, which is because it makes for good prog lyrics.
"In the Presence of Enemies", with Psalm 23 references and based on a Korean graphic novel, is epic progressive metal in the echelon of "Metropolis pt.2" and "A Change of Seasons". Although its two parts open and close the album, in my view it is best listened to with the tracklisting reprogrammed to place them together, and that is perfection. The instrumental prelude is an overture for various themes, like the sick 9/8 prog-chug and a very memorable, very soaring melodic lead by Petrucci. The second part "Resurrection" brings LaBrie in, leading with brilliant vocal lines, and a voice that seems to get better with age. There is an intense surge towards a cliff-hanger ending, with blazing scales and Labrie singing of "redemption...redemption for humanity." Part II goes forward with the quiet-to-soaring "Heretic", the exhilarating speed metal (with proggy refinement) of "Slaughter of the Damned", the climax of emotional intensity and technical prowess on "The Reckoning", and the masterful resolution of "Salvation", which is Labrie's finest moment in years.
While the major epic is in the "classic prog-metal" category, the other tracks are more eclectic and give the album amazing balance. First there is the dark vampire song "Forsaken", with haunting piano theme framing a great, heavy power ballad of sorts. "Constant Motion" is seven minutes of the best pure prog-metal kickazzery they've got. "The Dark Eternal Night" is about a mummy risen from his tomb (or something like that!), where a cement-heavy odd-metered riff is raked through myriad rhythmic permutations each time it is brought to bear, with an interlude that is a swirling vortex of fugue-like metal, ragtime, and metallic jazz, and opaque walls of coiling riffs like "The Dance of Eternity". "Repentence" has a somewhat Tool-like initial riff, but the main verses and arrangement are an intricate ostinati and Rudess' piano very prominent. The second part has an interlude of vocal samples from guests (Mikael Akerfeldt, Jon Anderson, David Ellefson, Daniel Gildenlow, Steve Hogarth, Chris Jericho, Neal Morse, Joe Satriani, Corey Taylor, Steve Vai, and Steven Wilson) speaking of something for which they are sorry. Then a sea of rising and falling "ahh"s with crescendoing with full-band and classical piano carries the song to its end. "Prophets of War" has almost a dance-like beat at first, laser synths beaming around, and a shouted chorus of rebellion accompanied a muscular prog-riff to match. "Ministry of Lost Souls" is a sixteen-minute mega-ballad that uses every second it has to build beautifully.
Dream Theater is still arguably the top master in its field and _Systematic Chaos_ helps their reputation considerably. I'm sure there are a lot of dream theater fans who hate it but those fans needs to be way less uptight or just get a life because they probably think Shadow Gallery has a few good albums.
Final note: the special edition is very much worth the extra few dollars both for the great making-of documentary DVD and the highly attractive slipcase.
Free Music Review: Give yourself up to me...
Hit: 5 Stars
So, my story for this album is kind of an interesting one. I've been a fan of Dream Theater for many years now, but like many I was less than thrilled with the last couple of albums they put out. "Train of Thought" was boring, stale, and mechanical, and "Octavarium", while a much stronger effort, didn't really hold my interest for long. So, that sadly resulted in very low expectations for this album. In fact, I almost passed up on it entirely. However, after finally picking it up, many repeated listens, and an excellent live show last year, I am glad to say that they've really bounced back. This is by far the strongest album they've made in many years. Not their best by a longshot, but still a huge step up.
Like "Train of Thought", it's mostly pretty dark and heavy, but unlike that album, it's full of great diversity and interesting musicianship and songwriting. Bookended by the super-huge two-part epic "In the Presence of Enemies", it covers plenty of ground in-between. The album has a sort-of single in "Forsaken", which is crunchy goth-tinged metal. Plus the lyrics are about vampires, and vampires are always money in the bank (and Halloween's coming up, so don't forget to add it to your "monster mix"). "Constant Motion" is good and thrashy, with a lot of Metallica influence, and some more aggressive half-screamed/half-rapped vocals which Mike describes as them "turning into Biohazard". Pretty cool stuff.
"The Dark Eternal Night" is easily one of the most intense and experimental things they've ever done. Sounding like a mad cross between Mudvayne, Mr. Bungle, Machine Head, and Symphony X, it comes roaring from your speakers like the beastly creature its lyrics describe. This song was surprisingly good live too. I wasn't sure James would be able to pull off those vocals, but it wasn't half bad.
The next three songs chill things down a bit. "Repentance" is moody and atmospheric, and features cool spoken word bits from a lot of cool people, like Mikael Akerfeldt, Daniel Gildenlow, Corey Taylor, Neal Morse, and many others. "Prophets of War" is a really catchy Muse/Queen hybrid, with excellent politcal lyrics, and an awesome rap/spoken word interlude from Mike (maybe my suspicions were correct, and he and Aesop Rock are the same person after all...ok, maybe not). Anyway, despite being pretty blatanly derivative, it's a really fun song.
"The Ministry of Lost Souls" is perhaps my favorite of the album. It's huge and epic, with grand sweeping melodies, and some of the coolest and most emotional lyrics they've ever written. IMO, this is hands-down one of their best songs to date.
And finally we have the even bigger "In the Presence of Enemies". I have to admit, this song took a pretty long time to grow on me as a whole. There are some instrumental parts, mainly in part 2, that could probably stand to not be there, but overall this song has a lot of cool stuff. Heavier parts, softer parts, nifty chanting (fun for a live show, of course). It's not perfect, but it's a heck of a ride. Plus, John Petrucci proves again that he's one of few people who can write spiritual/religious themed lyrics that don't make me queasy.
Anyway, this is just a great effort on Dream Theater's part, and I really hope they keep this quality up for the next album. Ok, so they still sometimes go overboard on the instrumental stuff, and they still sometimes wear their influences much too blatantly on their sleeves, but overall this is excellent songwriting. If you've never liked Dream Theater before, this probably won't change your mind, but for the longtime fan there's plenty to enjoy. Also, the making-of DVD is worth checking out as well, with footage from the recording sessions, lots of interesting tidbits about the writing process (complete with James hilariously and unknowingly confusing telepathy with telekinesis), and of course Mike's usual goofy antics. All in all, a great buy.
Oh, and just a random thing: A while back, I read a review somewhere that said that with this album, they were attempting to appeal to the "mallcore crowd". Now, I've been out of high school for a few years now, and as such have mostly lost touch with said "mallcore crowd", but if they're now listening to 10-minute epics full of fast solos and odd time signatures, then things must have really changed. Who knew, huh?