IMAGES AND WORDS

Undoubtedly, for most fans of progressive metal, Images and Words is one of the best progressive metal album ever released. 8 great tracks rolled into one album: It has inspired almost all progressive metal bands based here in my contry (Philippines), and has really done a great thing in my listening and musical taste.

Dream Theater's 2nd album, featuring James La Brie on vocals (replacing Charlie Dominici) Kevin Moore on keys, John Myung on bass, and the dynamic duo of Mike Portnoy (drums) and John Petrucci (guitar). Compared to their last album (When Dream And Day Unite), Images and Words is better lyrically, musically and as one cannot miss: vocally. James is like a breath of fresh air for the band. He has that warm, passionate and wide ranged singing voice which is not hard to miss.

The opening tune Pull Me Under starts off with dreamy guitar bits, heavilly tinged with chorus, coupled with Moore's deep spacey synths then, it kicks off with a heavier metal sound, (This is one of prog metal's most memorable riffs) before James springs into action. Then there's Another Day.Dream Theater's greatest ballad IMO. I can't help but fall in love with the lyrics and the saxophone! Heartfelt lyrics sung by one of metal's greatest singer. We march along with Take The Time. I give Portnoy credit for this great drum pattern. I used to incorporate that style heavilly in most of my drum warm ups, practices and actual performance. Another ballad: Sorrounded wins the "melody ringing in your head" prize. Kevin Moore did a great job on the keys, starting off slow, goes up to speed in the middle parts, then slows down before the closing, bringing back the sound where the song started. I love this song not for the lyrics, but for the melody. Side I finished, side II coming up...

My favorite track on this album: Metropolis Pt. I: The Miracle and The Sleeper. A 9 minute, 32 second epic, which later branched to another album ( Scenes From A Memmory). This is Dream Theater unleashed! If I were to choose a single DT song to describe them, its this track, very easily I'd say. It's been more than 10 years, still, this track never fails to amaze me. You've got to listen to it for you to know! We move forward uncovering what's "Under The Glass Moon". Opens sounding like Count Dracula on the prowl, this track reminds me of Yes' "Owner of A Lonely Heart" drum beat. You know, the drum pattern before James sings: "Tell me remind me...." still a great metal track. Oh and don't forget the killer solos! 2 songs left. As we wait for the grand finale, we are taken to a trance as we "Wait For Sleep", with Moores melodic piano and James' beautifully haunting voice. My favorite prog track under 3 minutes. Have you noticed something? I still havent praised the silent man John Myung. Well this next paragraph is reserved exclusively for him and his magnum opus: "Learning To Live"

How can one describe this magnificent track! Lyrically and musically sound, with that haunting feel that only John Myung has. I've watched this bassist guy playing live on DVD, I couldn't help but be amazed. He's playing that dang 6 string bass like he's playing a violin ( FYI: Myung did not start on bass, his first love was the violin). One of DTs greatest tune written by one of metal's finest bassist.

So, I think I've said enough. A fanboy review??? I dont think so. For my closing remarks: To all you progessive metal fans out there.... Your collection is not complete unless you have this great great album. One of progressive metal progenitors: Dream Theater's "Images And Words". Easily a 5/5.