OCTAVARIUM

When THE TANGENT released they're recent album, A PLACE IN THE QUEWE, printed after the lyrics for "GPS culture" was a note that read along the lines of 'in this song band members counted several short phrases that sounded like other tunes, such as the Eastenders theme... see if you can spot them too". That game is fairly difficult to play, I've spotted a few tunes but most are too subtle for me to get. However play this game with the new Dream Theater album and you'll have at least 5 in the first listen, more on replays.

While the music is good (though as it has been noted by other reviewers, Mike Portnoy hasn't managed to surpass himself as he has done on almost every other album), and will most likely be very good indeed for the popularity of Dream Theater, it will disappoint a fair few fans. In a strive to break away from the definitive sound of progressive metal they set with "IMAGES AND WORDS", they've tried in the last few albums to try a more original sound. With TRAIN OF THOUGH, a primarily metal album, it worked. With this, which plays almost as a mix-tape of someone's favourite bands, it doesn't. Originality doesn't come from others, it comes from you!

Having said that, the opener, 'The Root Of All Evil' is a classic DT track and, continuing MP's alcoholic based saga, is the one track that I loved here.

As for the rest, many will enjoy them, they show a new side to DT, but as for me I'd say they haven't found they're 'new sound' just yet.

Finally, THE TANGENT's spot the tune game is best played in "Octavarium":

Pink Floyd, Tool, Transatlantic are among the more mainstream influences, but there's at least 10 on this one track.

3 stars, it is anything but 'for collectors/fans only', and to be fair is a good album, but far over-shadowed by their previous classics.