FALLING INTO INFINITY

This is the biggest possible disappointment after Awake. This continues what I deem the "bad" era for Dream Theater, along with A Change of Seasons.

I'm not going to say much about this album, as I can't really think of a whole lot that needs to be said about it. The entirety (with the exception of Trial of Tears, which is fantastic) sounds like Dream Theater, only stripped down. Less metal, less instrumentation, less shredding, less innovation, more commercialism. Why? This album strikes me as a contract obligation and nothing more. I don't feel Dream Theater's soul in this.

At least the instrumentation is still decent. Not quite up to their usual level, but that keeps it from being an absolute disaster. Lines in the Sand isn't half-bad either, but Trial of Tears is a great closer! I wish most of the album was more like those, even if they still are not typical Dream Theater sound.

Do NOT introduce yourself to Dream Theater with this album. If you are a DT fanatic, it's still hard to recommend this to you. Approach with caution, or just skip this. You won't miss anything. ONLY for completionists.

Falling Into Infinity: Dream Theater in a can! Now with 50% less prog and innovation!