TRAIN OF THOUGHT

Dream Theater, in Train of Thought manages to produce a high-quality playing standards as always. And alongside this virtuosity, there is still something missing (as always when it comes to Dream Theater).

It's like "every man for himself" when it comes to DT's music; Petrucci starts a supersonic speed guitar solo which probably can't be pulled off by any other human being in the world, and accomplishes it perfectly, yet it seems too pointless to me. Same for Myung, Portnoy and Jordan. I can't really label it, but let me try; DT's music seems to lack harmony and sensuality. Compare Dream Theater's lineup one-to-one with Genesis, Pink Floyd, Eloy, etc. Dream Theater's members will not be outtalented, or perhaps they will beat many legendary bands on this comparison, but the music, especially progressive music, involves more than just the talent of members of the band.

This here sums up "Train of Thought" for me. It's a very well fit exemple for the words above. Though I can't say that this album is bad, it's still non-essential. "Vacant" and "Stream of Consciousness" are the highlights of the album, and without them this album would fall down a couple of levels of quality.

My note is 3 stars, but fans of technical music (which I find emotionless and cold) may rate this one higher than I did. But fans of symphonic music, don't endeavor to add this album to your collection, wait it to come to you.