IMAGES AND WORDS

In my mind Images and Words is the quintessential Dream Theater album. The album typifies the progressive metal genre. DT manages to combine (through their astounding musicianship) metal riffs, pounding drums, piecing vocals, sublime keys, and exceptional bass work in the controlled frenzy of odd and constantly changing time signatures. The band manages to take incredibly complex musical structure and meld it into melodies that resonate deep into the ear. What I find most incredible about Images and Words is that fact that, despite its technical proficiency, the album does not lose any of its emotional character. Images and Words represents the aural manifestation of emotion, talent, purpose, melody, and beauty. A must have for any fan of progressive metal or someone who wants to break into the progressive genre. -Graeme