OCTAVARIUM

I was very sceptical about this album after the release of train of thought. That album was way too dark and not really dream theater. Octavarium is much more like it; i love this recording. Although not quite as technical as i am used to hearing from these guys, the songs are great and very well written. To be honest, i can't believe so many people are bashing songs like "the answer lies within", "i walk beside you", and "these walls". I love all of these songs. Answer is another great slow piece, i walk beside you is very heartfelt (i actually really like this song) and these walls is just awesome. This album reminds me of what dream theater is all about; intelligence, musicianship, and diversity. I am brought back to memories of images and words, awake, change of seasons, falling into infinity, scenes from a memory, and even six degrees. I have been a fan of dream theater since images and words and have always loved their way of mixing heavy metal with great slow ballads that are truly heartfelt. I did not like the way train of thought was so dark, so heavy, and so depressing. Octavarium captures the things that i have always liked about dream theater and is refreshing and truly a progressive masterpiece. Every song on this album is great. I don't have a complaint for any of the songs. At first, the title track did not seem as cool as the other songs, but as i lay down to go to sleep the other night, i decided to listen to it. That did it. Octavarium is a really cool song with some wonderful parts to it. Also, if you want a really great interpretation review, check out adam's review up above. I think he really knows what he is talking about. Octavarium is a truly great, deep album and i can't seem to stop listening to it. Worth every penny and more than deserves my five star rating.

P.S. Influences? What would our favorite bands be without influences? Dream theater certainly stands out on their own regardless of influences and are masterful at incorporating their influences into their own music.