Dream Theater - Train of Thought
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Free Music Notes for Train of Thought
Free Music Review: Petrucci Goes Off
Hit: 5 Stars
I have always enjoyed Dream Theater's music dating back to the first time I heard "Pull Me Under" on the radio. Each CD they release seems to stand alone in its own unique way. They are not a slave to fashion or doing the "in thing" which I really appreciate. And without a doubt Dream Theater is one of the most talented bands in the world. You could argue that each member is one of the best at their craft. They are truly amazing. Having said that, I tend to run hot and cold with their music. Sometimes it is a bit mellow for me, other times too technical. I love what they do, but I have never considered them to be one of my favorite bands. Then I picked up this CD and I have not stopped listening to it. First and foremost, the guitar work is incredible. John Petrucci simply goes off on this recording. If you like guitarist like Paul Gilbert of Racer X, Roland Grapow of Masterplan, Ronni Le Tekro of TNT and Yngwie Malmsteen, you are going to love this CD. The guitar work is unmatched. It stands alone.
The music itself is extremely heavy, especially when compared to the last recording "Six Degrees", but it still carries a light touch at times mixed in with plenty of great keyboard work. Singer James LaBrie appears to have the same gift that Freddie Mercury had. He appears to get better as a singer as he gets older. He sounds great and compliments the music very well.
The music is heavy and all seems to come out of the key of "E" with distortion. That gives it an overall grunge feel, but the similiarities to Grunge there. There is some serious song structure and arrangement that leaves you wondering how they could ever repeat these songs live. I hope this next sentence does not offend anyone, but for some reason musically I found myself thinking back to my old Megadeth CD's, like "Rust in Peace" and "Countdown to Extinction". In fact, on the second track "The Dying Soul" (it should be noted that this song is a continuation of "The Glass Prison" from "Six Degrees"), James LaBrie's voice was distorted on some of the parts in such a way that it sounded like Dave Mustaine. And yes, the old metal head in me really enjoyed that. Maybe that is what I like about it so much. It is a perfect blend of old school guitar work, new world grunge distortion and attitude, and master musicianship (is that a word?).
There are a total of seven songs and you get 69 minutes of music. Thus, we are talking about five songs over 10 minutes in length. There is an eleven minute instrumental called "Stream of Consciousness" that is very melodic and kind of a departure musically from the other songs. "Vacant" is also a three minute ballad that leads into the instrumental that I think was recorded when Mike Portnoy (Drums) and John Petrucci left the room. It to is a departure from the rest of the music, but it introduces the instumental and is certainly a Dream Theater kind of melody.
The other five songs are heavy. Probably the heaviest stuff they have ever done. "Endless Sacrifice", my personal favorite on this CD, starts out slowly with acoustic guitarist work, then explodes into the chorus and later into some great metal riffs that will leave you banging your head against the wall...or in my case against the head of the poor guy sitting next to me on a flight back to the United States from Malaysia.
Anyway, I love this CD. I think it is the best work this band has ever done. If you like the days of great guitar playing and long leads, I think you are going to agree.
Free Music Review: The many faces of Dream Theater
Hit: 5 Stars
Dream Theater proves their diversity yet again.I've been a fan of Dream Theater for over 10 years. I've waited with excruciating anticipation before each of their releases to hear what they are doing new. Each time, they did not fail to surprise me. This time is no exception, although this direction was hoped for. This album is a very welcomed milestone on their path of musical evolution.
Between the tracks "Fatal Tragedy" and "Home" from "Metropolis Pt. 2" and "The Glass Prison", "The Great Debate" and "The War Inside My Head - The Test That Stumped Them All" from "Six Degress of Inner Turbulence", we can see Dream Theater preparing for an album of this type of power. However, this is far beyond what I could have imagined coming from these guys. This album is overloaded with energy.
The technical skill of these musicians has to be at their highest so far, to be able to pull this album off (especially if they are planning on playing it live). James Labrie does not seem to be intimidated to try new techniques with his voice, to push his vocals or to use technology to enhance them. John Myung really does take center stage on this album. You can hear how talened this musician really is. John Petrucci continues to astound with overwhelming ability that is sure to raise the bar for other guitarists. Jordan Rudess does not take a back seat on this album and supplies the ambience that separates this progressive metal album from just highly technical heavy metal. Mike Portnoy seems to be right in his element with this album, and continues to demonstrate justification for why he is considered one of the best drummers alive.
A portion of the music on this album seems to be inspired somewhat by previous songs. At least on one occassion you can pinpoint the exact source that the music draws inspiration from. At other times its a bit more difficult to tell. The example of obvious inspiration would be a vocal riff from Metallica's "Blackened" in the song "This Dying Soul". Other times throughout the album, I was reminded by certain melodies of early Dream Theater (perhaps "Images and Words", but more likely "Awake").
Regardless of where Dream Theater drew their inspiration, this album is uniquely theirs. There are still the elements present in the music that would immediately give away the fact that this album can be nothing other than a Dream Theater album.
As I said, this is a very welcomed and excellent addition to my Dream Theater library. Now that they have done an album of this power (which will carry for a very long time), perhaps they might (as they seem to never stay in one place) do another album more inspired by Images and Words (like Metropolis Pt. 2) before they do another album like this one. Although, I will be waiting in anticipation for them to outdo themselves once again with another heavy ensemble, when they do top this album down the road (the same way I am waiting for them to outdo "Metropolis Pt. 2" with another concept album).
My recommendation for any fan of Dream Theater is to buy this album as soon as you possbily can. You won't regret it. Just don't expect "Images and Words" here (think more like evolved "Awake"). For fans of progressive metal in general, you should definately give this album a try. Fans of heavy metal (and even nu-metal) should not hesitate to buy this album.
The energy present may be more than some might be able to handle. Be sure to play this one loud.
I'd give this album 10 stars if it were available.
Free Music Review: Arguably Dream Theater's Best
Hit: 5 Stars
This was the first album from Dream Theater that I bought. I had heard that John Petrucci was an amazing guitarist who never fails to include a lengthy and incredible solo. You see I had just bought Contraband by Velvet Revolver, and while it was a very good album, Slash (who when he is given something to work with is just as good as Petrucci) only has two good solos. Train of Thought was kind of misleading because the sound featured on here is nothing like their big albums "Images & Words" and "Metropolis Pt. 2." This album is has a dark, heavy sound and Petrucci's rhythym guitar work sounds similar to Korn, Limp Bizkit, and System of a Down, but unlike those bands, this music is never noise but is impressive throughout.1. As I Am 10/10- The radio single from the CD never received any airtime. A quiet intro gets louder and goes into LaBrie's pounding lyrics. "From the doubtful I demand, TAKE ME AS I AM!" is the highlight of this song, but has good performances by the entire band.
2. This Dying Soul 9/10- Over 11:00 long, never gets boring. Has a long band jam that features many solos by both Rudess and Petrucci. The only problem is that the song sounds more like two or three songs because there are no smooth transitions between solos.
3. Endless Sacrifice 10/10- Another song over 11:00 long, but has another lengthy instrumental section with a great playing by Petrucci and Portnoy, but Rudess shows how amazing he is with his keyboard work.
4. Honor Thy Father 6/10- Has a sound like Korn or Limp Bizkit with rap-like lyrics and guitar solos that are more noise than pleasure. Portnoy and Myung help this song and make it somewhat worthwhile.
5. Vacant 10/10- All by itself would get maybe a seven, but is set up as an intro to "Stream of Consciousness." Features Eugene Friesen on cello and has haunting vocals by LaBrie.
6. Stream of Consciousness 10/10- An instrumental song and THE only song EVER MADE that would still get a perfect score if the grades were out of 100 instead of ten. Incredible perfomances make an eleven minute song seem like 3 minutes and leaves the listener wishing it could go on forever. John Myung on bass takes the spotlight on this one with a great solo, but Petrucci has at least five solos, all PERFECT, Rudess and Portnoy are amazing too but do not have any solos, but don't let that fool you, they are just as evident as Petrucci is. Possibly the best song EVER made by Dream Theater.
7. In the Name of God 10/10- If "Stream of Consciousness" is Dream Theater's best song ever, than this takes a close second. The political lyrics may turn some off, but LaBrie delivers a heartfelt performance, and the lyrics don't come off as phony or false. Has another long instrumental section that is EXCEPTIONAL. Is over 14:00 long, but again seems like 3 or 4 minutes. Pounding guitar, bass, and drums at the end fade away into Rudess' piano solo, and is similar to the ending of Faith No More's "Epic," but this is much much better.
Once again Dream Theater proves that they have more talent in Petrucci's finger than do every other band combined that was formed after the grunge revolution. (Except for Velvet Revolver, they are really good, but no contest when compared to Dream Theater). This is a MUST HAVE for any Dream Theater fan, even with the heavier sound. For people just getting into Dream Theater, buy images and Words first, then get Train of Thought. You will not be disappointed.
Free Music Review: How is this selling out?
Hit: 5 Stars
Tsk tsk, people. How could someone even think that by Dream Theater making this album, they are selling out? The songs are too fast and too long. Their muisicianship is superior to almost any other band out there. How could someone even set a comparison to Linkin Park or any other popular nu-metal band out there? How musically proficient is Linkin Park? How long are Linkin Park songs? I'm not dissing on Linkin Park or anything, but there is just no comparison.Dream Theater is evolving and expanding their horizons, so I guess if you are a narrow-minded person or if your musical tastes don't expand past one genre of music, then I guess you wouldn't like or at least appreciate this album.
The guitar playing is very heavy and has that nu-metal influence, but Petrucci sounds better and faster then a lot of nu-metal bands. Plus, his solos are very fast and complex. It's just amazing and breathtaking hearing him play. How could you give this album 1 star when Petrucci is musically sound? How many guitarists can play like he does?
The bassist does very well with keeping up with Petrucci. Myung keeps the rhythm going and is creative in his playing when Petrucci is doing his solos and it's even fun to switch the focus from the guitar soloing to what Myung is doing on his bass. However, I wish that Myung would have fast bass solos that show off his skill, but there really isn't any. Additionally, sometimes it's hard to hear what Myung is doing when Petrucci is playing all of those heavy riffs.
The drums on this album aren't as complex (it's still pretty complex, though) as on previous albums, but Portnoy plays fast and with a lot of skill. It's fun to listen to his drum fills and Portnoy keeps up the rhythm very well. He also uses a lot of double-bass beats on this album, giving the album that metal flair that is reminiscent of a lot of metal bands, except with more creativity.
Rudess is kind of hard to hear under all of the guitars on this album a little, but he does add the extra flavor that you just don't get with a lot of bands and when you can hear him clearly, Rudess sounds very, very good. He helps add the melody that Petrucci is lacking a bit in this album and basically makes this album better as a whole.
And finally, LaBrie. In my opinion, his vocals get better and better with each album. In previous albums, his vocals take some getting used to since I don't really enjoy his style of vocals, but now he is the only vocalist of his style that I can actually enjoy. He does very well on this album, although sometimes he is absent for big chunks of some songs. I don't really understand how anyone could say that LaBrie sounds like he's rapping. I also listen to rap music (sorry if I offended anybody), and LaBrie IS expanding his vocal ability, but not as far as to go into rapping!
Overall, this is a very good and heavy album. Dream Theater are expanding as artists and fans are just going to have to accept that. Don't freak out and start having sadistic tendencies like breaking the disc or writing 8+ negative reviews just because you only like prog-rock music and can't stand heavier and different music that Dream Theater is expanding to.
I say bravo Dream Theater! Keep up the good work and thank you for not trying to make the same album twice. Thank you for expanding as artists and showing us that you guys know what muisicianship is, even if some of your fans will abandon you for their narrow-mindedness.
Free Music Review: The Best Dream Theater Album
Hit: 5 Stars
I have been listening to Dream Theater ever since I heard a few of the members went to the same high school as me (Kings Park High School) and I have always been a fan. However, I didn't buy all their albums because, even though I truly appreciate their immense talent, I sometimes found their music a little boring, especially on the last few albums. But then....Dream Theater came out with this masterpiece, Train of Thought!!! Holy cow, are these guys pissed off or something? Because they certainly sound and play like it on the album. Petrucci's guitar is really in the forefront here, and he plays like a madman. His solos are blindingly fast, which would mean nothing in other guitarists hands that don't have the sense of melody and timing that he has. They also finally boosted up John Myung's bass playing in the mix, so we finally get to hear how amazing this guy is. He sounds like Steve Harris from Iron Maiden on speed!! And then, of course, there is Portnoy, who portrays such a sense of power with his drum kit...its out of this world. Jordan Rudess is also great, and I really appreciate the fact that he doesn't overplay because keyboards are often overdone in these type of albums. LaBrie's voice is the best I've ever heard him sing on this album...he shows alot of emotion, including...anger?
As far as the songs go, there is not a weak one in the bunch. They are all heavier than any other Dream Theater song, and I can tell these guys are getting back in touch with their roots (I can hear traces of old Metallica, Yngwie, and Rush in the songs). "As I Am" is a "radio-friendly" song, but don't expect to hear it on the radio. It's tight but still has that progressive DT sound. "Stream of Consciousness" is a great instrumental piece, with an epic sounding melody heard throughout. "In the Name of God", which closes the album, powerfully expresses the horrible stuff that's going on in the world right now. All the songs are just killer, and unique beyond any other progressive metal act out there right now.
DT has made me a bigger fan with this album. They finally found some true passion in their music, and they are taking no prisoners. So, stay away from that candy-a**, wimpy bubble gum music I've been hearing on the radio lately, and go buy this album!!!
Here is an update: I'm reading some negative reviews, most of them based on the opinion that "this doesn't sound like DT". Well, DT started out as and, in my opinion, have always been progressive METAL artists, not progressive rock. SO, yeah, this is a progressive metal album, maybe a little heavier than their other stuff, but still DT. If you want to hear progressive rock, go listen to Yes or Queen, or whatever. At least DT hasn't sold out like Metallica. They hold on relentlessly to their roots, even if they have grown a huge fan base that probably also find elevator music appealing. Those people giving this album a bad review seem to be so narrow minded, and old. Seems like the age of the average DT fan is somewhere around 45, and likes to snooze away in his cushy office while getting hypnotized by the opening lyrics of SFAM. Well, maybe this album will change that, and light a fire under those teenage kids who think Lump Buzkut (or whatever its called) is metal, and also hopefully inspire some original technical music again.