MYTHOLOGY

The prerequisites were quite good. Derek Sherinian invited many world-class- musicians, among them Simon Phillips, Steve Stevens and Zakk Wylde. Now the only remaining problem was the song-writing. First, it is great, fantastic melodies, nice ideas and very varied. But on the other hand it really, really less complex than the other Derek Sherinian albums or the Planet X discs. The album is still great but when I compare it to "Moonbabies" by Planet X, what I'm listening to over and over again and still there are new things to discover and only some pieces of melodic structures, which I can remember, "Mythology" can stay in the same class. The problem is, when I'm listening to "Mythology", it's a great experience but afterwards or before listening to it, I'm not really looking forward to it, there's simply no incentive, because I don't have the feeling that I would discover anything new. There are great solos, e.g. "Day of the Dead" or "God of War" (the first solo, the second one is kind of mindless in my opinion), nice riffs, e.g. Alpha Burst (although the few riffs are repeated very often it never drags, what I really like). While heavier this time, there are still the typical Derek Sherinian / Planet X signatures, but less jazzier this time. Songs like "El Flamingo Suave", "Goin' to Church" or "The River Song" are quite original for Derek Sherinian. "El Flamingo Suave", this great flamenco with the nice acoustic guitar and "Goin' to Church", the Gospel inspired song. Both songs have a main riff, which is copied and further melodies are added. But although those Flamenco and Gospel origin, there are still some Planet X and Derek Sherinian motives, might be due to the synthesizer. "The River Song" is also a nice track and the only track in Sherinian's discography with vocals, although they are totally odd! If you like the earlier Derek Sherinian work (keep in mind that it is a bit heavier) or Planet X, this might please you and I made the experience that people who like Dream Theater, also liked this album.