TRAIN OF THOUGHT

This record implies a several change of sound for the band. I suppose this fact may have annoyed lots of fans back in the day it was released. In my case I just got into DT in 2008 so I listened to their albums in random order and just for that reason I never got really dissapointed with most of their catalogue

Six Degrees is in my opinion DT's weakest release so anything they may do after it would sound right to my ears. On that double album the band showed a progressive side ( although really weak , that 42 minute epic does nothing to my ears) and on the other side they released heavier tunes and ballads that I couldn't enjoy. Just a year late the band comes with this.

And I must say I am amazed. I usually do not like my music that heavy but for some reason I could remember the lyrics and the riffs got stucked in my head.The music is a lot more simple when talking about structure but it's still with that incredible interplay.This album is all about Petrucci and Portnoy , Ruddess's keys do not play a major role and guess what , I think that had a very good result on the record since the band seems more cohesive than in their last album and the much acclaimed SFAM. I don't think there is a highlight on this record since all the tunes are really enjoyable and energetic. Let me tell you that this atribute is quite rare on this band.

I feel guilty of giving this album 4 stars since it's not as progressive as Awake and if we are judging them in a progressive rock site probably I should rely on progressiveness when rating. However this is far from being an average metal release since there are 4 viruosos on here. I see the record as technical heavy metal and not prog metal.Pink Floyd and Yes influences are left apart and that's for good. Moreover , no DT album has entretained me like ToT.

I ll probably regret of this in the future but there is plenty of time to rewrite reviews.