WHEN DREAM AND DAY UNITE

Not their best work, for sure, but it's a great start for a great band. It contains all the elements one should come to expect from Dream Theater: the virtuostic solos and complex song structures. One thing that surprised me about this album is the shortness of the songs. The longest song here is "The Killing Hand", which clocks in around the nine minute mark. On this release, John Myung's bass is louder, something I enjoy, as he is one of the most talented bassists around. Vocalist Charlie Dominici isn't quite as good as his successor, James Labrie, but his voice is by no means bad. He reminds me of Geddy Lee and Jon Anderson. I recommend this album for Dream Theater fans, although I don't think it would make the greatest introduction to the band. Highlights are the epic "The Killing Hand", the instrumental "Ytse Jam", one of my favourite instrumentals, and the keyboard driven "Only a Matter of Time".