AWAKE

After reading Ghost Riders review of this album, I felt compelled to write my own negative review. This is not, by any stretch, an attempt to bash Dream Theater. Unlike the previous reviewer, I actually like some DT (in particular, the second CD of 6 Degrees, as well as Change of Seasons and the latest album). This was actually the first DT album I heard all the way through. I had heard a couple songs off of I&W's, and was more or less impressed by them. I was not fond of the vocals, but was blown away by the instrumental prowess of the band.

This album made me think that that was all they had going for them. Labrie is now a great vocalist, I think. On the first two DT albums he was shrill and annoying, IMO. Frankly, on this album in particular, I have a very hard time getting past his vocals. By 6 degrees, his singing had mellowed some, and he is able to sing in a way that I very much enjoy, even when he is hitting the top of his range. But on this album, I just find him nearly unlistenable.

As to the songs themselves, I find them very samey, with little variation. Oh, I suppose it is true there is a great variety of complexity and shredding, but that is as far as it goes. Again, there is no denying their skill, but the songs leave me unable to tell one apart from the other, for the most part.

So not a glowing review, and I certainly don't claim to be an authority on what makes great prog metal. But I do like other DT albums, so I suppose this one just didn't do it for me.