TRAIN OF THOUGHT

Friday night, nothing to do, might as well add to the billions of reviews to this controversial album. I have mixed emotions about this album for a few reasons. First off, this album combined with "A Change of Seasons," was my introduction to Dream Theater. I was duly impressed with 'Seasons' although the covers that plague the second half do not do the title justice. However, I then decided to pick up an actual album. Seeing the cover art to this album on a teenagers t-shirt, I picked it out of pure recognition. My initial feelings were that of dissapointment. Less progressive, less keyboard, grinding guitars, and annoying shrill shriek Labires yanks from his vocal chords. Frustrated, I shelved the album for a few months without hearing the entirety. Impulsively, partly out of boredom, I popped it back into my CD player. Upon a few devoted listens, this album really grew on me. Yes, it is significantly heavier than any other DT album. Yes, Petrucci plays a store of wankerific solos. But even so, it is just so darn catchy. I can't help banging my head and cranking the volume to '11'. Here, Dream Theater has created an album that is distinctly Dream Theater in their rawest form. What bugs me is the lack of keyboards throughout the album (with some exceptions) I still hold that DT were their best with Kevin Moore controlling the keyboard wizardry (although I really love the overture on Six Degrees). This album is more a metal album and than progressive, and those searching for the "prog-metal" sound that characterized "Images and Words" or "Awake" will truly be dissapointed. Those ready to bang their head at a whim will enjoy this record immensly. Those initially turned off by this album, give it another chance. A devoted listen will reveal the greatness of this album. Those looking to orient themselves with Dream Theater, or even classic prog-fans, would be better off with "Images and Words," "Scenes from a Memory" or "Awake." A must have for any serious Dream Theater have. Not their best, but definatlely not their worst.