SIX DEGREES OF INNER TURBULENCE

3.5 stars. So we get a double concept album and i know i've related many times how i'm just not that into concept albums because the lyrics usually take priority over the music. Now the first disc is a very solid 4 stars but man for me things go down-hill on disc two with the orchestration and ballad-like stuff.

The first disc starts off with one of my favourite DREAM THEATER songs in "The Glass Prison". And this really is a taste of what is to come on the next album "Train Of Thought". This song is apparently about an alcoholic(Portnoy) trying to beat his addiction. It is by the way quite heavy. And I really like the way the synths are used in this one especially after 5 1/2 minutes.The bass and drums are booming before 10 minutes then Pertucci and Rudess trade solos. "Blind Faith" is a song I really like as well, especially the melodic guitar solo after 5 minutes. Portnoy is sounding great as Pertucci lays down a more passionate solo 8 minutes in. "Misunderstood" actually reminded me of LED ZEPPELIN the way the acoustic guitar intro plays out. The song really kicks in after 3 1/2 minutes including some frantic guitar playing 5 minutes in. Great tune. "The Great Debate" is a debate about stem cell research. There is a lot of spoken words in this very imformative song that could be summed up by the statement "Are you justified to take life to save life." Myung shines in this one. "Disappear" is a melancholic ballad that is a little experimental for them. It recalls somewhat the song "Space Dye Vest" that Kevin Moore composed and sang on. There are some eerie sounds, mellotron waves and sampling.This is the shortest song on the first disc and the one I like the least.

The second disc is really one long song divided into 8 parts. Six different mental illnesses are dealt with. It all starts with an overture which is an epic piece that blends the styles of orchestral and rock together. Just not a fan. "About To Crash" is apparently about being "Bipolar". It opens with piano and the vocals are great ! This is a straight forward song that sounds incredible.There is some crunch later. "War Inside My Head" is apparently about "Gulf War Syndrome" and I love the intro especially the drumming. "The Test That Stumped Them All" is apparently about "Schizophrenia". This is an uptempo song that smokes. "Goodnight Kiss" is about losing a child and is heart breaking. Check out Pertucci's playing as his guitar cries in anguish. "Solitary Shell" is apparently about "Autism". The drumming continues from the previuos song into this one. It sounds like flute and Spanish guitar in this one. The drumming of Portnoy is the highlight though. "About To Crash (Reprise)" opens with some powerful guitar and i love the vocal parts. "Losing Time / Grand Finale" closes out the album on a weak note in my opinion. Just like disc one the weakest song is the last song. It is supposed to be about a condition where the person mentally seperates themselves from the world.

A good recording but i'll be sticking with disc one in the future.