IMAGES AND WORDS

I'm a relatively young prog fan and this album was my first introduction to prog. If I would rate it then I would give it 5 stars. Till now I've discovered many genres of prog and other music that was unknown to me before. Today I look to this album more objectively while I still consider it a fine example of prog metal. I even rate it higher than stuff by other bands like SYMPHONY X (repetative, boring riffs, unimaginative music)... Is it really necessary to label the songs on "Images And Words" prog/not prog or metal/not metal? IMO "progressive" is not measured only with the amount of complexity or virtuosity. What is more impoartant to me is the "progressive" attitude - to do a work of art, to break new ground, to be imaginative, to be eclectic, to take care of musical form, structure and development... I think this album has the imagination and creative energy that lacks their later albums except "Scenes From a Memory". All songs on IAW aren't progressive but every track sounds inspired and well-rounded. Thus the album may not be a prog masterpiece but it is an "excellent addition to any prog rock collection", indeed!