OCTAVARIUM

This year saw Dream Theater's eighth album, Octavarium, enter the scene. Yes, it must be said, this is indeed the band's most "commercial" album to date, but that doesn't mean much here. It is still an incredible album as you can see by the rating I give it. Excellent album, basically from beginning to end.

The band's playing is still in top form here. The band melds incredibly with each other. Also, this is the band's first effort where they concentrated on writing shorter songs. Luckily, it does pay off. This is not to say that their albums like Six Degrees are bad with longer songs. I love that album. They are the two different spectrums of Dream Theater's music.

The Root of All Evil: Very strong opener. From the moment the listener hears the opening riff, he or she learns two things: 1) This is the third part in the AA series, and 2) this is going to be a great song. And it is. One of the better songs on this album.

The Answer Lies Within: Here is where the album calms down, and it shows that Dream Theater is capable of writing absolutely beautiful songs. The piano is lovely, albeit simple. LaBrie shows time and time again that he is extremely talented at singing slower songs, and that he is not just a heavier singer.

These Walls: A slightly more commercial song than Root of All Evil, but still very good nonetheless. Petrucci is a madman on the guitar. This must be noted. As of right now in history, he basically cannot be beat.

I Walk Beside You: Eh, my least favorite song on the album. Everyone is right when they say that this sounds like a U2 song. Now, this might be fine, if it wasn't for the fact that I don't really like U2. Maybe if I did, I'd like the song a bit more. Still, it isn't bad, it's pretty good.

Panic Attack: Ah, here we go. This is one of the best Dream Theater songs ever. The time signatures are all over the place, and Rudess's piano works well, even in a heavier type song. Portnoy is insane. Just listen to this song, especially towards the end. Just listen, and you'll probably understand. Never Enough: Many people have compared this song to the band Muse. I've never heard the band, so I can't agree or disagree, but I can say that this is a very good song. The singing is very different, but it fits well with the message coming across in Portnoy's lyrics. Thought provoking lyrics, on that matter. But, yeah, great song besides.

Sacrificed Sons: Yep, here it is. The most touchy subject to come out of the last who- knows-how-long. LaBrie handles it very well with his lyrics, and the music itself is extremely meaningful to the matter at hand. If the previous song was thought provoking, this is emotion evoking, especially for those who experienced this firsthand. Executed extremely well.

Octavarium: The band can right all the 6 or 7 minute songs they want, but nothing can touch their epics. The continuum is fantastic, and it takes off, and you find yourself going for a ride. It is my belief that this is the most time-passing epic ever. Honestly, 24 minutes will pass by before you know it. Every time I listen to the song, I am absolutely shocked that 24 minutes went by. Also, the song isn't as heavy as many of their songs. It has a distinctly softer feel, and it's brilliant. Absolutely fantastic epic.

Pick up this album if you're curious. This is a very strong album, albeit commercial, as I said before. 4/5 stars.