TRAIN OF THOUGHT

I didn't want to give this album a 5 star rating but as there are no flaws contained in this wonderful album, I did.

This album marked a change in sound for DT by featuring more heavy riffs and darker atmosphere that made it more metal in feeling and texture. While many people believe 'Scenes From a Memory' was the landmark prog-metal album, I say that title lies with this one. Some of the most challenging and demanding solos are on this record. Each song contains a similar structure but they were so unique in the way that they just keep building and building up to the climax that ultimately blows the listener away with a huge solo and virtuosity.

'As I Am' is my least favorite on the album but it's still pretty good. It is similar to 'Pull Me Under' from 'Images and Words' as it really doesn't set the tone for the album. A slow intro is introduced then the speed gradually builds up to the main riffs, which sound like Metallica or something of the sort. Then the guitar solo kicks in, showing what Petrucci had in store for us this time.

'This Dying Soul' is the follow up to the 'Glass Prison'. This song is awesome yet I find it good in small dosages though. The intro adds a little bit of the previous part in the suite and then another technical guitar solo that builds into a wonderful lead, followed by an emulated keyboard line. Like every other track.this one is just epic and emotionally beautiful.

'Endless Sacrifice' contains some catchy riffs in the verse and chorus. The intro is again a slow one.just building slowly like every track, which just makes this album so damn great. The song obviously has solos, and I don't really need to boast about them. you know what you are in for. The melody at the end of this is one of Dream Theater's best, making this an awesome track.

'Honor Thy Father' is a metal song more then a prog song. It's an all out rocker and an extremely catchy song. The lyrics on this song are really cool like on the other ones but there is technically no 'solo' here. Whoa!!

'Vacant/Stream of Consciousness' goes together on this album. Vacant is an orchestrated piece with LaBrie doing vocals duties with a cello doing the accompaniment. It's rather excellent and another unique DT track. Now for 'Stream of Consciousness'.my god, this is one of the best instrumentals ever made. The track title explains the mood of the song and somehow they were able to convey it perfectly. I recommend watching a video of this on youtube and hearing this wonderful song. This track is truly a masterpiece.

'In The Name of God' is such an angry work. This puts a tight lid on the album. It's all the elements they added to their music on this album, just exponentially increased. This contains by far the most technical songs in their repertoire.

This album is one of DT's best. It advanced there sound and the bands notion of trying to make a cd full of epics is fulfilled. Every track just builds and builds so wonderfully. Also, this is their best album lyrically; they're very dark and emotional. The albums artwork contained within is also some of the best I have seen on any album. This is highly recommended for those heavy prog-metalers!.

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