SYSTEMATIC CHAOS

Track 1 is a very good track, especially the 5 minute intro, where the band sounds at top notch prog-level. Track 2 is just plain rock, it has a catchy chorus but its not what you would expect from the once called gods of prog-metal. I had downloaded track 3 before getting the CD, it does have its moments, specially petrucci's insane riffing on the middle section but the lyrics are quite pointless. I believe that Jordan plays a very limited role on this CD, the consequence is that you get songs that sound a lot like the bands that influenced JP, JM and MP. This is the case with track 3. Track 4 is even heavier than track 3, in my opinion that makes it better. MP shows us a marvelous double bass drum technique, as if he were still 19 years old. The lyrics improve IMO in this one too, the instrumental section here is top quality, but Jordan is again maintained on a very low key. The downside for me on tracks 3 and 4 is the rap-like singing, witch has been around for about 4 albums now, plz guys get rid of it. Track 5 is wonderful musically, James's voice is phenomenal, but the lyrics here disappointed me again. Specially due to the fact that this is the fourth album that includes MP's AA theme. Enough is enough Mike. The repenting voices at the end were a surprise, a good one actually, a very noticeable opeth, PT influence that shines through creating clear skies. Track 6, what can I say, Disco?? opera-dramatic-rock?? similar to "never enough" with a muse influence, IMO not the direction DT should take, but the song has its moments. AHH! Finally, we get to the best part of the CD, Track seven IMO es the best one, all of the great things we like about DT are present in this song, Respectable Lyrics, James's best range of vocals backed by his own harmonies, a fantastic instumental section, and a beautiful JP solo to end this masterpiece. See waht happens when Jordan is unleashed?? Track 8 is the continuation of track one. Just an excellent song. A great instrumental section towards the end. Again, Jordan's symphonic influence clearly improves the writing and compositional arrangements of the other band members.

In the end, i would give the CD 4 stars, i think DT is trying to define the direction they want to take their music after 20 years of giving us the best of prog music. Id be a little worried of the highly religious content on the lyrics, and of the popish and rapish orchestrations, so plz guys when you do decide where youll be headed artistically, make sure you take into account what we have to say about it. After all its us that have supported you during those 20 years of great music!!

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