BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS

I disagree with the majority of people who claim that the prog giant has awaken from its lethargy. To my taste, Systematic Chaos is an underestimated album with clever ideas and adequate technicality. So,I would say that the band continues its good efforts. Black clouds and Silver linings is their new interesting effort. Let's say a couple of things for the new tracks. A nightmare to remember:Maybe the most interesting song in this album. Dark atmosphere accompanied by heavy riffing. Furthermore, the serene part is not boring and fits with the concept of this song. The last 3-4 minutes are an epic though. I like very much the black metal drumming in the end of the song. The only black spot in this is the not so successful wanna-be growling from Portnoy. Apart from this very good song 5/5. A rite of passage:Yes, it is catchy but it does not lack of quality. Especially when the thrash rhythm fades in, you cannot hold your head or foot from banging. Interesting lyrics about masonry, a not so known issue.Between the 5th-7th minute,Rudess performs a weird keyboard solo but you will be used to it. Another pleasant song 4/5. Wither:I like it because it is not the typical ballad. It has a different taste than the mellow boring love songs.LaBrie also performs satisfyingly(will he perform like this,live?I doubt so). A radio hit maybe, but in the good way. Because I am not a fan of these songs I put 3.5/5. The shattered fortress:As a part of the Portnoy's saga of alcoholism, it will remind you previous songs from Train of Thought, Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence and Systematic Chaos. I find the mix and the new elements very rigidly combined, that is why it is the second favorite song of mine.Because it is not a total new idea I rate it with 4.5/5 Best of times:The lyrics are very touching even more if you have experienced your father's death. But I find the minutes 3-5 very annoying due to the happiness that this song transmits. Maybe it is LaBrie's type of singing, maybe it is the music, I do not know. After this, the surrounding music which reminds me a classical music song but I don't remember which,the song gets better and better and Petrucci's astonishing solo gives the epic tone for finish. Overall, it is the weakest song on this album.3/5. The count of Tuscany: I have read all the previous reviews and expected of something above divinity level. Of course it is a very nice song with complex structures, catchy refrains and the always perfect perfomance, but it is not the best song. I like the ambient(if we can call it like this) after the 10th minute. The lyrics are not so clear about who is this notorious count but whatever. Summarizing, one of the best songs so it deserves 4/5. In retrospect, another solid effort from the progressive giants. Maybe it is their best 'child' after Train of Thought for the new millenium. Keep the good job, and please minimize the soft songs. New progressive emphasizes on the rough edge of this idiom. Symphony X did it brilliantly with their Paradise Lost CD(yes, they have 2 ballads in his CD but what ballads!).