FALLING INTO INFINITY

From all Dream Theater albums this the one that gets probably the least attention (maybe except their first album "When Dream and Day Unite") but I consider It an overlooked gem. Sure there are some commercial tracks that can put off some of the most hardened 'progheads' but the album also consist some of the best songs in DT catalogue.

If you're a fan of John Myung, then this is the album when you can hear him the most. He really shines on most of the tracks. It is evident in the opening song, "New Millenium", which is basically driven by Myung's bass, or rather, Chapman stick (he used it during FiI sessions). It is also one of the best songs in the album, although it has some commercial vibe to it in the choruses, it also incorporates many odd time signatures and some of the 'catchiest' riffs John Petrucci has ever come up with.

Besides "New Millenium" there are at least three other songs that make this album a worthy listen for any progressive rock fan - a short instrumental "Hell's Kitchen" is one of the band's best. It shows that the song doesn't have to be 12 minutes long and contain furious guitar solos to be a classic. The song segues into "Lines In The Sand" which truly is one of their best epics, although the vocals in the chorus did put me off at first listen, there is some truly masterful guitar work. The solo in the middle section of the song is not only one of the best by JP, but in my opinion, one of the best EVER.

The other classic from the album is "Trial of Tears" - a beautiful song that incorporates everything that I love the most about DT. Beautiful intro, great build up and some of their best soloing the middle of the song and I mean ALL members, not only John Petrucci. Even John Myung has his moments. The song is not about furious speed playing and pyrotechnics - it's about feeling. And that's what I love the most about the band. Beautiful track.

The other songs are unfortunately not so good - songs like "You Not Me" or "Burning My Soul" rank among the band's worst ever. But the good ones are in my opinion enough to call this album "an excellent addition to any prog music collection". 4 stars.