OCTAVARIUM

Octavarium has a sophisticated album cover, name and a 24-minute long opus so why not have high expectations? After the previous ultraheavy "Train of Thought", some fans hoped for return to a more balanced sound taking input from rock while not lacking any virtuosity. This wish had been fulfilled; Octavarium sounds not so uncompromising; I'm glad to hear prominent keyboards in the mix and have a myriad of classic prog-metal/prog-rock moments.

The music also has accessible elements; when the singer sings a catchier melody, the guitar and keyboards are more restrained.

"The answer lies within" is an extreme of that with the metal guitar being absent and Rudess playing like a classical music professor. "This walls" is one of the most well known compositions of 00's by DM, it is well constructed and accessible; I would say a prime song for the hit single. The cheesy strings needn't have to be there though. "Panik attack" is the first really upbeat and very heavy song, Portnoy enjoying the drumming storm. I feel some "Muse" influence here, indeed there is a grandiosity in the voice and instrumentation.

"Octavarium" is a classic DM number with full of progressive rock content and great Rudess solos and organ playing. Did you hear the IQ-inspired part in the middle? Then a perfect guitar/synth attack in the 17th minute? The end is a bit DM-cliche; however the positive feeling remains.

One may object to DM soften and calm down but for me it doesn't constitute any problem as playing and composition remain solid.