OCTAVARIUM

Everyone has a story about how they were introduced to this type of music. As a teenage back when this album came out, I was more influenced by the Pop and Punk traditions of the day. I remember talking to my mate about who the best guitarist was. Having no idea at the time I threw out many a bad name only to be recommended I try John Petrucci of a band called Dream Theater.

One look at the tracklisting and I knew I was in for something completely different (how the hell can you write an 11 minute son..... 24 MINUTES!?!?"

At the time it was huge for me to be listening to music on such a different level to what I had been listening to. Concept albums, Easter Eggs, Shredding. I was new to it all. Looking back now that I am close to 10 years through my musical journey, it's good to put everything into perspective.

1. The Root of All Evil - It still rocks to this day with a heavyish drive and great musicianship. Brilliant way to start the album

2. The Answer Lies Within - When I first heard it I thought it was fantastic! Listening back through it now though and it feels a little tedious. Just your average ballad to calm things down from the first track.

3. These Walls - Much like "The Answer Lies Within" it was a regular on my playlist back in the day. These days it is just a song that contributes little to the prog world. A very good rock/angst track.

4. I Walk Beside You - Again with the tediousness ageing of songs. It's a U2 rip-off and I'm not a U2 fan.

5. Panic Attack - Awesome piece of music. Much like what the track name is it sums up the feeling one would have if suffering from anxiety or any type of nervous shock. Great musicianship to drive the point home and Petrucci is awesome

6. Never Enough - Reading a lot of reviews on here this is a Muse knock-off. If this is how Dream Theater knock off Muse I'd happily listen to an album full of Muse knock-offs. The riff is brilliant, the solo kicks arse, James actually sounds good and if I didn't find out this was actually a bitch to the fans by Mike Portnoy, I would enjoy it a lot more

7. Sacrificed Sons - On first listen - WOW 11 MINUTES! Now: It kind of meanders and doesn't get to the point quick enough. Sure it's still a good song, I just find it hard to remain focussed on the song when listening to this album again.

8. Octavarium - I'll let a lot of the other reviews speak for this one. It's simply a masterpiece. No ifs or buts about it I still listen to this song in full on a weekly basis.

The idea that the one test a new album hasn't faced yet is time is a good point. When I first listened to this I had prog-coloured glasses on losing myself in it. Put it perspective however, it is still a very good album with some kickarse songs on it, and the title track alone is why one should buy this record.

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