OCTAVARIUM

i make it no secret in my pleasure at the release of octavarium,eagerly awaited.pretty much knowing the outcome.in one word exceptional.yes dream theaterare my favourite and most enjoyable band,and mike portnoy i idenitfy with on another level from most dream theater fans. yes the opener as expected is lyrically in reference to steps 6 and 7 of the 12 step recovery program(which i have gone through myself).mike portnoy is a true genius to convert his experience lyrically is not only courageous and honest but its bloody rigorous honesty and truth of the highest order. i understand the heavyness and darkness of glass prison and dying soul,they have to be dark because in the roots of alcoholism thats what it is like to experience.the root of all evil is focused around having god remove defects of character on a daily basis,which are the root of evil as they are conected to resentments which are the number 1 killer of alcoholics and the second part of the song is about humilty and asking god to remove my shortcomings. as for the other tracks,they speak for themselves.this band are truly remarkable.since rudess joined the band and mr portnoy got well i believe they have stepped up a level and the music they are writing is the best yet. truly fantastic. god bless bill w and all of his friends,without them i wouldnt have what i have today,and god bless mike portnoy for indirectly passing on the message to which encouraged me to go through the 12 step program,a true inspiration.