TRAIN OF THOUGHT

Like many DT fans, I embrace the progressive aspects of the band. Something of interest for those who have rated this album poorly. JAMES LABRIE has been quoted as saying that they were more of 'a metal band with progressive tendencies' than an actual prog band... with that in mind, I listened to TRAIN OF THOUGHT again after nearly 2 years... and I loved it!

I did dislike it at first, as I felt the heaviness was compromising their integrity... I felt that perhaps the band was dipping into the Nu Metal pool, and that's absolutely not true. This is a fantastic album, to be included amongst their best (IMAGES AND WORDS, AWAKE, A CHANGE OF SEASONS, METROPOLIS PART II: SCENES FROM A MEMORY, and OCTAVARIUM).

The album is a far more mature approach to this new heavy style than the first disc of SIX DEGREES OF INNER TURBULENCE (the second disc was more of a neo/symphonic prog effort). The prog elements here that DT are known for exist entirely within each song's unique structure. They give style and character to each piece.

Unlike instrumental sections in the past (which were awesome, yet out of place), TRAIN OF THOUGHT manages to capture the band's creativity and at the same time allow for non-prog fans to enjoy the virtuosity.

(and heck, most songs are 10 minutes long... what's NOT prog about that?)

The song writing truly stands out on this album. The lyrics and themes are amongst their most developed. some of the best in the genre!

This will more than likely polarize fans for years to come.

I say this: give the album a chance; allow DREAM THEATER to learn and grow. don't rate them based on YOUR ideas of what they should be. Perception is the key. If you have a set idea of what DT should be, they will never live up to your standards. They know exactly what they are doing!

Although I'm not sure about OCATAVARIUM's "Walk Beside You."

Anyways, enjoy!