TRAIN OF THOUGHT

"Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence" may have had some heavy songs in "The Glass Prison" and parts of "The Great Debate" and the title track, but this disc is all heavy, less pillow.

Now, "As I Am" starts off a bit with the intro that was the previous disc's outro, and although it's a failed attempt at catchy lyrics and choruses, it's still pretty heavy and Petrucci dominates not just this track, but the entire album. "This Dying Soul", however, takes it up a notch, and then breaks it. This continues Mike Portnoy's Twelve-step Suite that detail's said drummer's alcoholism and his attempt to snap out of it. The progressive elements here are astounding and Rudess lights up the boards.

Rudess' amazing skills continue in "Endless Sacrifice" after a nice, slow intro. The instrumental sections are absolutely fantastic and showcase the technical abilities of Petrucci, Rudess, Portnoy and Myung. Definitely one of my favorites off the album. Although, "Honor Thy Father" has the best drum intro I've ever heard, and as a drummer, I've attempted to duplicate it, with dismal results. The song is all about Portnoy's father, backed by a headbanging-inducing riff that carries through just about the entire song.

"Vacant" is a nice change of pace from the constant bust-your-head metal unleashed on here, before the band goes instrumental on "Stream Of Consciousness", one of the greatest instrumental tracks ever and possibly one of my favorites by the band. Finally, "In The Name Of God" concludes in stunningly epic fashion, with fast guitars, fast keys, epic chords and an F0, being played by Jordan Rudess' nose.

Overall, this is a fantastic album, but extremely heavy, for heavier than "Awake" and "Systematic Chaos". Obviously, though, this is not for everyone, but if heavy metal is what you crave, this album is an excellent disc for you.

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