METROPOLIS PART 2 - SCENES FROM A MEMORY

This was the first DREAM THEATER album I heard, and by the time I was unfamiliar with 'Progressive Music.' From that first time I was completely blown away by the melodies, riffs, lyrics, etc. of this album, like I was never blown out before. 'Scenes From A Memory' definately deserves the label of 'masterpiece', and it represet the maturity of the bands after four albums.

It all starts with 'Regression', a calmed, relaxed track that leads to the magnificent 'Overture 1928', one of DT's finest instrumentals and even from all Progressive Music in general. It is somewhat short, but full of simbolism. Rigth after that comes 'Strange Déjà Vu' one of the best tracks of this album. Very metalish feeling and grat rythm overall.

Then comes the short and keyboard-based 'Through My Words', which works as a prelude to 'Fatal Tragedy', another great track, with an amazing instrumental part at the end. Right next to it is 'Beyond This Life', in my opinion the weakest link of the album, but, nevertheless, a great song in its own merits.

And then comes the overwhelming and beautiful ballad 'Through Her Eyes', a very emotional track, featuring some of Labrie's best works so far, as well as Ruddess in keyboard, a little more layed-down than usual, which is good. 'Home', the longest track of the album, is the most complex song in it, which makes it really enjoyable after you have listened to it a few times. The instrumental part in the end is really amazing.

On to 'One Last Time', another short song but very good too, with some nice twists. Right after comes the great 'The Spirit Carries On', a very positive-thinking song, with great instrumentation and the special participation of a chorus in the end. Finally, comes 'Finally Free' a great concluding track, where we found out what really happened with Victoria. A song with great lyrics and ery well done overall.

All said, it really doesn't deserve less than five stars.