BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS

I guess this is the usual stuff you can expect of these masters of the prog-metal. Well, I've been fan from them since Metropolis Pt_2 and I like more the "Kevin Moore Era" but still like the last albums from the band. Guess Systematic Chaos wasn't that good, but still rocks. Ok, I didn't have too much expectation to this album, but I found myself very pleassed after the third listening. What I say is, you have to let the songs grow into you... there are pretty long songs, with a lot of different moods a dramatic parts, so you have to dive in and let the song carry you to somewhere. It takes a few listenings to "get it" so give it a try.

Both the thematics and the music are well contructed and played, and their are interisting dispite that some people don't like the subjects, well, I say it is consistent and a bit dark, and that's ok, right?

You'll find the typical progressions, complex phrases and the usual devastating solos between Rudess and Petrucci. Well, is typical for them but there's a lot to listen to, great. Labrie does a great performance here. I know many people disagree, but he is a great singer, and still is getting better in each album. The only thing that doesn't feel right is the singing of Portnoy, really... that's what let a little bit down the songs, because he is only a backup singer, sounds great below Labrie's voice, but when he try to do the leads really sounds bad. So, You are aware now...

Then, this is a great album with some touching moments. The Best of Times is the best song I've heard from Portnoy, touching a dinamic. Wither is also sad a beautiful at the same time, so, I don't understand why people say they don't play with soul... listen to that and you'lll see how great it is... Enjoy it, you will find here everything we love about progressive rock... played by the masters... If you are a progressive fan, you HAVE to listen this record... cheers...!!!