BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS

Now a lot may disagree with that rating since they aren't the Dream Theater from the, "90's". But that doesn't mean this monster of an album is still great. In fact, 4 of the songs on here are masterpieces. 2 songs are also great, but they don't have the potential to make this album a 5 star rating. I won't talk about the 2 songs that much, but Wither, is just a ballad. Not the best ballad but it can be enjoyable to listen to. A Rite to Passage just isn't a song for me. Others may like it, but I don't.

Okay, the first of the big 4 in my opinion is A Nightmare to Remember. This song is just so great. Starting off with a scary sounding scene to build up into the second part which I think is the best part of the song. Dreamy and peaceful, then transitioning to a heavy metal guitar and synth duel. And at last, it returns to the scary sounding scene to end off the epic track.

Next to come is, This Shattered Fortress, which is in fact a song I did not like at first. It may be the same for the rest who listen to it, but this song grows on you. It is full of wonderful sounding synth. Great song.

The Best of Times is a sort of ballad like song, starting of with an acoustic part at the beginning and then moving on to a heavy yet a softer sounding of heavy. I really like this song. The lyrics are really great and it is just a great overall listen to. All the instruments are fantastic to listen too.

Lastly, the epic, The Count of Tuscany. This is truly the song every Dream Theater fan should hear. And even if you aren't a fan, it is a song I recommend listening to as well as Octavarium. This song has such an epic outro, I could listen to it all day long. This song actually makes me feel like I'm put into another realm. Like, a dream world. I find the lyrics fascinating and the instrumentation is outstanding. Best song on the album, but A Nightmare to Remember is pretty close.

Now the second part of the CD, which is all covers, is a pretty good cover CD. Not amazing, and I shall not go into great detail discussing covers. I do greatly enjoy Odyssey and Larks Tongues in Aspic, Pt. 2. People should give this a listen to. This half of the album is not a must though.

In conclusion, the album has 4 amazing tracks. One (or even 2) I consider masterpiece tracks.This album should be considered to prog metal fans, fans of Dream Theater or people who are just discovering prog metal. Progressive rock fans may not love this album as much as those people, but I suggested giving this album a try. At least the Count of Tuscany, if anything. 4.5/5 Stars.

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