Dream Theater

I'm liking it even more after repeat listenings (not that I didn't like it at first).

M27Barney wrote: I was hearing LOTS of rush on first listen - little bits of 2112, Cygnus X-1 PT1 - Overall - a very good album on first Spin. The Epic will grow on me I'm sure - all this argument about Rush - Hm that last decent album 1980 - then electro pop rubbish - DT's efforts are what Rush should have evolved into, such a waste of musical talent... Well what I should say is that Post 80's Rush was written for one purpose - to fill the Bank Accounts of Lee, Lifeson & Peart - mission accomplished I suppose.....

Well, it's not like they're going to go back to stocking produce at the grocery store...

progbethyname wrote: Aussie-Byrd-Brother wrote: Nick, I'm on nightshift right now and have been listening to the new album on my Ipod with headphones on, and already I'm hearing more things. You are spot on about Labrie's backing harmonies, etc. Even though he's still not my favourite vocalist, he has grown in leaps and bounds over the years, learned a lot more restraint, and especially on this album really seems to be pushing himself with more intricate arrangements and variations. He does really well on that final longer epic track too. That orchestral part on that one is very different for Dream Theater! Have to say, just before that section kicks in with the ambient build-up, was I the only one that thought of Yes' `Close To The Edge'? Yeah. The vocals are far more intimate from LaBrie. I'm getting that a lot now. I really quite love it as well. As for the ILLUMINATION THEORY track I really couldn't ask for more changes in direction with in a DT track. It's got everything Prog metal has to offer just about! It's heavy, soft/melodic, classical, ambient and even a little jazzy at times with Rudess's wacky keyboard conductions. ;) Lastly you know how I feel about Close to The Edge. But seriously, I'm finding similarities of 6 degrees and octavarium with in this DT album. I mean listen to the intro 'Behind The veil' it sounds like the intro to THE GREAT DEBATE and It has the main orchestration climax from SACRIFICE SONS. I love it. It's clever and most importantly doesn't sound recycled. ;) I am just getting a lot out this album. The choruses are strong, the instrumental 'Enigma Machine' really showcases Mangini's capabilities....live those Autobaun drum heads!!! Oh and lastly, I think ALONG FOR THE RIDE might be the ballad of year for me. Love Rudess's keyboards on that one and I am really glad he chose to use the same keyboard algorithm that he used on Beneath The Surface. It sounds wild!!! I quite like it. :) Anyway. I shall shut up now. Enjoy man! :)

Oh, Nick, we know you won't shut up about Dream Theater lol! Good for you, man!

Some more random thoughts as I've been playing the later parts of the disc:

The opening and closing of `Behind The Veil' reminds me very much of Riverside, those intimidating spacey synths! The main chorus sections are pretty catchy power AOR!

The acoustic guitar sections of `Surrender To Reason' have a definite Steven Wilson/PTree sound like `Time Flies' etc. Myung does get some really show-off bits in this, especially at about the four minute mark! Nice multi-tracked harmonies from James in the finale too.

`Along For The Ride' is classy power ballad territory for the chorus, but nice trickier heavy fills throughout and a very ELP/Lucky Man inspired Moog run in the middle!

Edited by Aussie-Byrd-Brother - September 27 2013 at 15:17

Aussie-Byrd-Brother wrote: Nick, I'm on nightshift right now and have been listening to the new album on my Ipod with headphones on, and already I'm hearing more things. You are spot on about Labrie's backing harmonies, etc. Even though he's still not my favourite vocalist, he has grown in leaps and bounds over the years, learned a lot more restraint, and especially on this album really seems to be pushing himself with more intricate arrangements and variations. He does really well on that final longer epic track too. That orchestral part on that one is very different for Dream Theater! Have to say, just before that section kicks in with the ambient build-up, was I the only one that thought of Yes' `Close To The Edge'?

Yeah. The vocals are far more intimate from LaBrie. I'm getting that a lot now. I really quite love it as well.
As for the ILLUMINATION THEORY track I really couldn't ask for more changes in direction with in a DT track. It's got everything Prog metal has to offer just about! It's heavy, soft/melodic, classical, ambient and even a little jazzy at times with Rudess's wacky keyboard conductions. ;)
Lastly you know how I feel about Close to The Edge. But seriously, I'm finding similarities of 6 degrees and octavarium with in this DT album. I mean listen to the intro 'Behind The veil' it sounds like the intro to THE GREAT DEBATE and It has the main orchestration climax from SACRIFICE SONS. I love it. It's clever and most importantly doesn't sound recycled. ;)

I am just getting a lot out this album. The choruses are strong, the instrumental 'Enigma Machine' really showcases Mangini's capabilities....live those Autobaun drum heads!!!
Oh and lastly, I think ALONG FOR THE RIDE might be the ballad of year for me. Love Rudess's keyboards on that one and I am really glad he chose to use the same keyboard algorithm that he used on Beneath The Surface.
It sounds wild!!! I quite like it. :)
Anyway. I shall shut up now. Enjoy man! :)

Aussie-Byrd-Brother wrote: jampa17 wrote: And it's evident that this album was made to have a 5.1 edge, so I would make my comparison until I hear it in that context. You make a good point! I specifically bought the CD/DVD-Audio version to get that disc, just haven't played it yet! Will report back if it makes a heap of difference - very likely!

It's the end of the month, I have to wait maybe a week still until the CD/DVD version get to my hands and then I will embrace it. Until then, all your opinions is all I have.

jampa17 wrote: jammindude wrote: Aussie-Byrd-Brother wrote: progbethyname wrote: It is pretty bright in most areas, which is a big reason why mr. Myung is not well heard on most of the tracks on the album. :( I have to ask...how, after all this time, is this STILL a problem?? Most of their albums, the guy is buried so far in the mix that he might as well not have shown up. I think a few years back he was finally able to be heard on one or two discs in a row, but now it's mostly back to the same thing. On the new album, there's a couple of spots when his bass is so upfront and snarling, and I think `Damn, he should sound like that all the time!' The poor guy, I'm honestly surprised he hasn't just thrown it in, or at least put his foot down a said `Hey, Petrucci, turn my dial up to 11!' Actually, I'm a bit shocked by the implication.   I frequent several DT themed prog rock forums, and most people are claiming how WELL they can hear JMX, in comparison to past albums, and praise for his place in the mix.   Obviously, some people's mileage varies.  I think it depends on the heads and the PA system they use. I can hear Myung in every single album quite well, with the exception of ToT, in which i'ts kind of hard to hear. But I guess you should check out your EQ. And it's evident that this album was made to have a 5.1 edge, so I would make my comparison until I hear it in that context.

Your dam right it does!! Without quality audio equipment I find the sound mix really blows. You miss so much, namely Myung and even some of James's background vocal Harmonies, especially on Along for The Ride.
These are some of the comparisons I've been able to draw....so far. :)

Metalmarsh89 wrote: I'm seeing some reminiscence of The Necromancer by Rush. The middle section of each song sound quite similar, between LaBrie's singing style and the beats behind it. I like it though.

Marshy, I hear a ton of RUSH rittled throughout the album as well, especially on Surrender to Reason and The Looking Glass. The intros especially on both those tracks. But even as you said, this is not a bad thing.
I agree.

Aussie-Byrd-Brother wrote: jampa17 wrote: And it's evident that this album was made to have a 5.1 edge, so I would make my comparison until I hear it in that context. You make a good point! I specifically bought the CD/DVD-Audio version to get that disc, just haven't played it yet! Will report back if it makes a heap of difference - very likely!

Micheal. The difference is night and day! It's absolutely incredible. The separation is perfect and you can hear Myung on all the tracks quite clearly! I will say however with the lossless audio Cd stereo format, I STILL can hear Myung but not as vibrantly as heard on the 5.1mix.

I really hope DT come out with all their albums (even reissue past ones) in 5.1.
They have only done it twice. The first as you may already know was systematic Chaos and now of course the latest.
I know it is expensive for record companies to do this, but Roadrunner can afford it!
Good signing if you ask me. :)

Anyway. How are you liking 'The Bigger Picture' track? LaBrie's voice is pretty incredible if you ask me...well....actually the whole album his voice is terrific. Notice how he scaled it back a bit tonal wise, from previous efforts.
I think when he brings out the softness in his voice it is his best approach vocally. When he tries to sound heavy it's not his bag if you will. :)

jammindude wrote: Aussie-Byrd-Brother wrote: progbethyname wrote: It is pretty bright in most areas, which is a big reason why mr. Myung is not well heard on most of the tracks on the album. :( I have to ask...how, after all this time, is this STILL a problem?? Most of their albums, the guy is buried so far in the mix that he might as well not have shown up. I think a few years back he was finally able to be heard on one or two discs in a row, but now it's mostly back to the same thing. On the new album, there's a couple of spots when his bass is so upfront and snarling, and I think `Damn, he should sound like that all the time!' The poor guy, I'm honestly surprised he hasn't just thrown it in, or at least put his foot down a said `Hey, Petrucci, turn my dial up to 11!' Actually, I'm a bit shocked by the implication.   I frequent several DT themed prog rock forums, and most people are claiming how WELL they can hear JMX, in comparison to past albums, and praise for his place in the mix.   Obviously, some people's mileage varies.

I think it depends on the heads and the PA system they use. I can hear Myung in every single album quite well, with the exception of ToT, in which i'ts kind of hard to hear. But I guess you should check out your EQ.

And it's evident that this album was made to have a 5.1 edge, so I would make my comparison until I hear it in that context.

I'm seeing some reminiscence of The Necromancer by Rush. The middle section of each song sound quite similar, between LaBrie's singing style and the beats behind it. I like it though.


Edited by Metalmarsh89 - September 27 2013 at 03:19