METROPOLIS PART 2 - SCENES FROM A MEMORY

The prolonged solos and giant instrumental sections could possibly be one of the best parts of this album. One of the main parts of progressive rock is showcasing each players ability. Personally, I think they could have even more solo time, including some for John Myung. That doesn't come often and it would be really cool to feature him some more, and make him stand out, because hes a really underated great player.

The only tiny thing I might agree with from some the worse reviews, is James Labrie is not the greatest progressive rock singer of all time. His melodies and lyrics are catchy. His voice does get kind of annoying. But that doesn't even cut off half a star. My band gets the same deal.

As for the particular album itself, it was the first album with Rudess who makes a remarkable debut. Listen to Fatal Tragedy for a great taste of his future synth playing, or Liquid Tension Experiment will do it for you. I disagree strongly with the common opinion of "fitting as many notes in a measure as he can". He is a great musician and deserves all the credit.

John Petrucii and Mike Portnoy deliver as usual. Espicailly on the high point of the album, but less progressive, The Spirit Carries On. Also, you see Rudess and Petrucii combining for some of there first great signature duet unison/harmonizing solos.

Pure masterpiece.