Dream Theater

Some interesting comments on the new album & thanks to those who responded to my question.

The last DT I bought was Octavarium & I think I'll do with the new one what I did with that - wait a few weeks then buy it 2nd hand for a couple of quid from Amazon; 1st album of theirs for a while which is genuinely piquing my interest.

Catcher10 wrote: I also see and hear a lot of Rush nods on this album....

Oh you - you're trying to influence me, aren't you.

Edited by Jim Garten - September 26 2013 at 02:30

Jim Garten wrote: Some interesting comments on the new album & thanks to those who responded to my question. The last DT I bought was Octavarium & I think I'll do with the new one what I did with that - wait a few weeks then buy it 2nd hand for a couple of quid from Amazon; 1st album of theirs for a while which is genuinely piquing my interest. Catcher10 wrote: I also see and hear a lot of Rush nods on this album.... Oh you - you're trying to influence me, aren't you.

I knew they looked up to Metallica, but didn't know it was to the extent of treating Myung the same way Hetfield treated Newstead on '...And Justice For All'

What fun it must be in DT's camp these days

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 don't know....perhaps I'm thinking he should always be playing like Chris Squire or something lol! You know, his bass playing chucky, thick and used as a lead instrument and WAY up in the mix!

Although I haven't listened to them in a while, I'm certain the previous two albums he was much more prominent in the mix and heard much easier.

But I find so many times whole tracks seem to go by without hearing the guy make much impression at all.

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

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.

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. :)

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.

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. :)

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.