BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS

In the past years, dream theater released albums that was either love or hate. Some people liked the heavy stuff more and some prefered the old sound of Dream Theater. I am in the first category. I discover Dream theater with Train of thought so it's sure I like their heavy side. But it didn't mean that I don't like the old stuff. Just that I prefer the new one.

This album, I think, is a mix of the old and the new sound of DT.

The opening track, A nightmare to remember is my favourite track of the album. It has his heavy stuff and his beautiful moments. We can see the different voices that Labrie can have. He sings with aggressivity at the beginning but he has a beautiful voice in the interlude. The song sounds between progressive metal and death prog metal(extreme).

A rite of passage is very good even if it seems it was made to be a more accessible song. It has a good riff and the rythm change a lot. The chorus is good and the instrumental part is insane. The Petrucci's solo is great but jordan one sounds weird. Some part of it are good but others not. Another great song to begin this album which seem incredible after 2 songs.

Whiter brings a little bit of light in the album after 2 very dark songs.The song is slow and more emotional. The background keyborad is perfect and they did not try to prove their talent with a great performance. They kept the song simple and it's perfect.

The shattered fortress is probably the least good song of the AA sage because the best parts in the song are the parts from other songs of the saga. The song is not bad but there are not a lot of things new. There is at least a great guitar solo near the end.

After a beautoful intro, the best of times begins with a beat similar to some Rush songs. As the song progress there are different parts that are incredible. Labrie's voice is perfect for the song. The best part of the song is the ending. It is a mix of incridible drumming and a wonderful guitar solo.

I would not compare the count of tuscany with a change of season. The old one is a lot different but the count of tuscany is a great song too. The instrumental part at the beginning is good and the chorus is probably one of the best they ever wrote. There is a break in the song that is similar to the beginning of trial of tears. The slow part at the end is beautiful too.

Finally, it's another great album. It will please the old fan and the new ones. 4.5/5