SYSTEMATIC CHAOS

I am trying hard to get into this album but I am having a difficult time. Obviously, these guys are brilliant and their musical expertise is the best in the buisiness. However, I am almost emabarrased for Dream Theater when I hear the chorus in - In The Presence of Enemies Pts. 1 &2 - to me it's just not the Gods that I always worshipped - it sounds very cheesy and juvenile. Also, what were they thinking when they made Prophets of War? It sounds like Abba, or even worse, Lindsey Lohan! The Dark Eternal Night sounds like something my 17 year old nephew would play in his garage band.

Don't get me wrong, parts of this album like Repentance are exceptional (what a great song!) but most of it sounds mediocre if not bad.

I love Dream Theater, they have been my favorite band for over the past 10 years but I think they should have waited and "gelled" a little while longer and came up with better music.

The intro of In the Presence of Enemies Part 1 is excellent! Many of Petrucci's solos on this cd are breathtaking. Unfortunately the "cheesy" parts of this album kill it. Yes I said "cheesy" - a label not usually given to these Gods of Prog.

Speaking of "cheesy" - this label is usually given to one of Dream Theater's rivals, Symphony X. But, I must say, their new album "Paradise Lost" is AWESOME!!! - Now this is a CD to enjoy.

I never thought I'd say it, but I will - Dream Theater you've been blown away by Symphony X on this one.