SYSTEMATIC CHAOS

There is one perfect word to define this magnum opus built by Dream Theater: EPIC. From the first note to the grand finale this is an album that contains everything you could expect it from the kings of progressive metal. The title track on Octavarium was magnificent but the album had some more experimental songs that didn't work. Ironically in Systematic Chaos Dream Theater put their things in order. In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 1 & 2 are a monumental song where all the band (specially Petrucci in his more well written, executed and melodic solos from Scenes from a Memory) take the audience to another level in a constant orgasmic "in crescendo" with a fantasy & fantastic lyrics. Forsaken begins with a beautiful piano and follows with one of the most brilliants riffs that I've listened in this century. It's a kind of a ballad, but with strange and gothic touch with such a tremendous guitar. Constant Motion is classic Metallica heavy-trash metal perfect for open live shows, better than As I Am with Portnoy singing more and better (in his own way) everyday. The Dark and Eternal Night it's similar to The Dance of Eternity, but longer and heavier. The main riff it's a kind of a crazy brain dance and collides against a catchy and epic chorus who reminds me Land of Confusion (Genesis). Repentance it's the IV part of the saga that begun with The Glass Prison (Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence), This Dying Soul (Train of Thought) and The Root of All Evil (Octavarium). It's a song inspired by the more mellow songs from bands like Opeth and Porcupine Tree and the magnificent Petrucci solo seems a homage to David Gilmour. The final is interesting too 'cause it's a long speech made by Jon Anderson, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Steven Wilson and many others. Prophets of War is a new proof for the Portnoy and Petrucci passion for Muse. The best part are the shouts recorded by the fans (very cool). Finally The Ministry of Lost Souls are the more classic Dream Theater song with and excellent Jordan work with the piano. After Scenes from a Memory and Images and Words this is their best work.