This is the best DT album
348788
Dream Theater has a consistently strong catalog of music. All of their albums are different while retaining their signature sound and stellar musicianship. However, if I were to recommend one album to a new fan, it would be Awake. While their last few albums (except for some of Octavarium) have featured more emphasis on their impressive chops, Awake boasts great melodies to go along with their strong musicianship. "6:00" is a killer opening track that is carried by a chugging rhythm and awesome keyboard work by Kevin Moore. The tracks "Caught in a Web" and "Lie" both got some airplay on hard rock stations and are great songs as James Labrie's vocals shine on both while John Petrucci's wicked riffs and solos carry the latter. "Innocence Faded" is one of their best songs and features a great chorus, a catchy melodic guitar line, and a cool jam at the end. "Erotomania" is a strong instrumental with plenty of drama based on the main theme to keep you intrigued. From this point, the album is a whirlwind of emotions as "Voices" is full of bombast while "The Silent Man" is mellow and reflective. "Lifting Shadows of a Dream" is a strong ballad while "Scarred" changes tempos and stays exciting throughout its 11 minutes. "Space-Dye Vest" is a very emotional closer highlighted by its poignant vocals and Moore's somber piano lines. While all of Dream Theater's albums have something positive to offer, Awake is their best.
4044173
I have been a DT fan since I was in 8th/9th grade in high school. I have seen them 4 times in concert and own all their commercial releases and some bootlegs/imports.

I believe that Octvarium is a refreshing and easily accessible album.  The variations of styles and recording techniques is great.  The keyboards are very present in all sections.  Petrucci doesn't have any epic solo sections compared to albums, but I don't think he has to anymore...we all know he can play!

You can see how they allowed influences from other bands into this album.  I listened to the album one time all the way through just trying to match up sections to previous DT songs or to other bands.  Of course the opening track is a continuation of Glass Prison and Dying Soul.  You can hear riffs that sound like LTE or  off of Petruccis solo album.  Octarium (the song) has a whole section that sounds like a new Transatlantic track, another that sounds like Yes/Kansas.  And Never Enough sounds like the british band Muse (amazing band ...check them out).

Some call this noticable influence a sham, fluff, rip off, and boring...but humans nature is to live based on experiences and things we have been exposed to.  I think this album shows that DT is human  and that they want to make music that makes them happy as well as their fans.
1117900
After a 2 year + hiatus from the recording studio, Dream Theater have returned, and with perhaps their best and most challenging album to date.  It is a concept album in the tradition of "Operation Mindcrime"  and "Wake of Magellan". They also return with yet another new  keyboard player - exit Derek Sherinian - enter Jordan Rudess(from Liquid  Tension Experiment). The album, clocking in at almost 78 minutes, is a  completely mesmerizing work of art, containing all the elements of a  prog-rock classic. Those who were disappointed with DT's lack of crunch and  heavy riffs on "Falling Into Infinity"(I wasn't by the way)will  not be disappointed this time around. What is so special about this album  in particular, however, is DT's uncanny ability to create a dreamscape so  dark, yet so completely uplifting and compelling at the same time. One of  the best albums of 1999. Now please - BUY THE DAMN THING!
74935
every album of DT is great, that's a truth that no one can deny, even if they have been going through different ways the final sound is always great, i must be honest and say that i love more other older albums as skydancer or the gallery, but the exploration of new ways to create music will always return to their esence, the dark tranquillity... i hope also that DT always continue being one of the best metal bands of the world, please don't change so much. hey niklas, i miss your compositions.
4647307
I just found out about this album the day it was released; completely had NO idea that DT was releasing an album, but it couldn't have come at a better time!!

There's not much more that I can say that other reviewers haven't already covered, but I will say that do NOT listen to the harsh criticisms that are to be found on this product so far; for the mature DT fan like myself, this album is very refreshing.  Mainly because the band is performing very much like a "band" moreso than their last effort, "Train of Thought".  Now while I do love DT songs that show off musicianship ala a million-notes-per-second...it's nice to have some simpler cathy tunage such as what "Octavarium" offers.

Oh, and i'll say it...I LOVE ""I Walk Beside You"!!!!!!
2938058
This being my fourth DTTB album (didn't buy them in order..), I am impressed. The band is far away from the sleepy smooth jazz music out there, but at the same time they blend almost every genre of music into their songs.

There's less solos in this album, yet it is still highly danceable music. some of my favorite songs are "Black Choice" and "Righteous Reeds".
3861912
Prodigy's first Album, "Experience", is by far, the best Album that they have ever created. Fast beats, weird sound effects, and good rythms. Just like Techno is suppose to be. It's not the same musical  beat(s) for 10 minutes, and then another beat for 5 minutes. The music on  this Album is full of talent, and hard work. Their other albums still sound  good, but they lost their talent in "Fat of the Land". Now don't  get me wrong, I like "Fat of the Land", but it's not their  original sound of Techno. Late 80's and early 90's Techno is the best. This  Album is a must have. For parties, playing games, or just listening while  dreaming ...
2903392
The album I didn't think they had in them anymore.  I'm a longtime DT fanboy and I love all their albums, but there was (to me) a pretty clear line between Train of Thought and Octavarium.  I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that they wouldn't make another album that would match the stretch from I&W through ToT.  Then this album hit, and completely changed that.  It has all the hallmarks of the classic DT albums.  The Enemy Inside is a great DT style rocker.  Enigma Machine is a great instrumental.  Along for the Ride and The Bigger Picture are the best DT ballads in well over a decade.  And then there is Illumination Theory, which is an amazing epic.  I'm not as big a fan of The Count of Tuscany or Octavarium as some, both good songs, but I prefer the Epic here.  Overall, the strings in this album are well done and really add to the overall aesthetic of the album, Jordan dials back some of the wonky carnival style keyboard sounds to great effect, and Mangini is able to stretch out quite a bit more as he was able to write all his own parts this time.  Overall, just a killer album.
2450259
This album is not great, neither the worst; this album is just another path DT decided to select to present their art (new album).
DT ballads are just beautiful, but as for my taste, I do like more of the metal stuff; more guitar riffing and a little rougher music than what is presented on this work.
Beware; this album it is HIHGLY theatrical, do not expect to hear much of the previous DT we all are used to.
If there is something I do not like from DT is its keyboardist, and I am sure this album has lots, but lots more influence from him. In a way it seems to me like that I am hearing another band, this is just not my album.
The sad part here is that I will have to wait another two years for the next album (if there is one).
Opinions? At the end, all are subjective.
4002209
yes old fans may hate this one, open minded fans love it. I hate how fans go back to "too dark park" i mean yes TDP is one of the best albums(first album that made me love puppy)but yet too dark park can never hit me like this new album can. I love sounds and crazy vocals but this album is pure and clean and so diffrent which is why it is my fav album to come out in a long time. i hate people calling it the next "ohgr" album, to them i say stop listing to your warn out back and forth tapes and try something new, and if you still don't like it then just do not buy or listen to it, they got plenty of fans all ready, i can understand how people feel cheated by this album, but just get over it, its just so great and it grows on you like a good album should. woo boy the tour for this album was gggrrrreat
3822067
Congratulations to DT for having the GUTS to put this brilliant concert together. It must have been a huge concern to them that the orchestra would swamp, dilute or kill the precision of their riff and time changes. It is a testament to their professionalism that none of this happened and that can only have come through hours and hours of rehearsal.

I think "die hard" fans, of which I don't really think I could call myself despite my love of ther band, are missing the point a little if they criticise this DVD.

Firstly, I have absolutely NO complaints on sound ( JP was as clear as ever on my system, and for the first time, John M was as clear as a bell .. he is WAY better than I thought he was!) and the DVD editing was a lesson in how to record a concert. The set was perhaps a little overlit to ensure superior video, but that is a trade off you have to make if you want superb visuals.

Second, DT have always given value for money in not covering the same songs over and over again, simply at a different venue, a different year and with a few more wrinkles ... it was really nice to see something different. I did find the energy level sank a little during the early part of the second set, but that is perhaps because I did not know Octavarium. But the fact that the song selection was not old and stale made up for this.

The main point though, is that this was clearly FUN for the band to do. Not a word you immediately connect to DT. Score is not DT as you would normally see them ... probably never again ... but this was a chance for them to showcase their talents in a fun and challenging way, and JLB and MP were clearly having a great time. After 20 years, they deserve this "once in a lifetime" indulgent(?)performance

If I was desperately trying to find fault, my only small concern is that DT seem to be "smoothing off" their peformances and the raw, biting, brain churning challenge of their early work is being replaced by a more smoothed out, mature performance. Perhaps it is because they are become so GOOd, that everything just looks simple. However, I am not totally sure. At one point ( I cant remember which song it was ) Genesis came to mind and for a fleeting moment I could see Mike Portnoy becoming the new Phil Collins ... Shut Up, Ian, you FOOL !!. Whilst that "maturing" is a good thing for JLB and his singing is the best I have heard it, it perhaps reduces the sheer excitment of the music.... a bit more blood and sweat would have added that last star for me !

Once again, congratulations for the skill, vision, staying power and sheer guts to perform this concert, and thanks for producing a near perfect record of the event for us not lucky enough to be there.

DT have proved it .... length of hair is NOT a factor in producing superb music.
3890352
Just bought OCTaVaRIUM, and I have to say "INCREDIBLE"! DT is without a doubt one of the greatest bands ever. I went in expecting an incredible piece of musicianship- it's what it delivered. I've been a devoted fan of DT since day one, and I can say they've never disappointed. DT is light years ahead of their time- keep up the great work!!!!

Brian

Philadelphia, PA
2595512
I got into DT a few years back when my buddy bought Train of Thought.  At the time I was a big fan of Metallica and this album kinda reminded me of Metallica back when they used to rock.... only DT's ToT album blows away anything Metallica has ever done or will ever do.

So since then I've bought Six Degrees and Metropolis Pt. 2.  Both albums were pretty darn good and gave me a good reason to stick around w/ DT.  Then today I bought Images an Words... It kicked the **** out of me!  This album blew me away!  There's not one song on here that I don't like!  Anyway... if you're a DT fan, don't hesitate to buy this album! It will rock your freaking world!

Also check out James LaBrie's Elements of Persuasion and Mullmuzzler 2....
4208444
This is one HORNY Dream Theater CD - the musical talents of these lads are well up front, the only thing distracting is the Queesryche-ish vocals of Dominici.  Just listen deeper and one will find what is to become one of the best prog-metal bands EVER.  I really like this CD as it shows them at their early, horniest selves, really wanting to put something out that will catch your attention to their talent.  Not really sure if this one ever did (as we all know I&M did with the James on lead vocals).
The only thing I can really say is that this ole classic contains stuff they still play today (Fortune in Lies, etc), so one cannot dismiss this as part of the whole DT 'history'.  I find it one great CD to listen to, as I always make a point to get the 'first' CD of bands that are my favorites.  This hilites the Petrucci/Portnoy forefront that is what DT is today, yet does not bury the awesome keyboard work of Kevin Moore (who I still think was their best) and of course Myung on the bass...the most overlooked and truly awesome bass player!!!
Basically one for DT fans, but anyone fond of 80's hard rock/metal/glam/prog would definitely appreciate it!
518256
Kevin Moore departed after "Awake" for supposed musical differences but DT didn't really waste time in finding someone to fill his shoes. In comes Derek Sherinian, still working as a hired gun on "A Change of Seasons" (ACOS for short), but doing a great job nonetheless. I don't know to which extent he was able to give his own input to the composition but his parts seem fitting and interesting albeit shy.

But anyway, what we have here, considering the title track only, this is a 23 minute epic which was supposed to be included in the band's sophomore album, "Images & Words", but for one reason or another didn't quite make it. So, in order to bridge the two year gap between "Awake" and whatever the next full-length would be, DT finally got the chance to record this monster of a track after having played it in one incarnation or another on a couple of live shows.

I'm gonna stick my neck out and claim that ACOS is quite simply the best DT composition ever. Even if on their latest album, "Octavarium", they again forayed into epic territory, I don't think they ever achieved such dizzy heights again (not saying they won't do it again). The track is divided in seven parts, a couple of those instrumental, and together they are quite a journey. Worth the five star rating just by itself both because this is really the only "real" track on this EP and because I think this can well be the very definition of what progressive metal *really* means. Personally, I'm glad this got released separately and not included in "Images & Words". It really stands on its own like it should.

As for the other tracks, more often that not I hear people dissing them. Whether that is because one of them is originally from Elton John or something else I don't know. All I can say is that these are bonus tracks - some people better brush up on the concept of "bonus" - and how someone (especially progheads) can dislike great covers of songs from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Genesis or Queen is way beyond me.

For me, again, absolutely quintessential. The very definition of the progressive metal sub genre.
560948
nothing much to say.. it's all said by these five guys.

I've been a fan of DT since the wonderful debut "Dream & Day", Images & Words" was a constant tape in my walkman.. but as yers passed by, i believe that they improved the musicianship while the songwriting approached avarage.. and the sound got harder with each new album.. i can be considered a metal fan but not a fanatic, and being a songwriter myself, i always look for excitement and enthusiasm in music. the "in-between" albums were always lacking these.

Before i listened to Octavarium, i feared that they had recorded another heavy and talent showing album, and if that was the case, i would not mind missing their concert in Istanbul, 3rd of July.

I won't talk about the album much, but it is a complete work of art that i cant let go of.. During work, it's constantly in my ears, over and over again.. i cant stop listening.. i'm amazed, speechless..

One thing that is very important i think is that this time Mike Portnoy is really playing the drum, not sacrificing good music for the sake of showing talent. this actually goes for all the other guys. James sings great, he shows that he is a real singer, with a great and emotive voice. Jordan and John are in a great harmony, i cant wait to see them live.. and mr. myung has the best bass sound ever since the debut.

I'm waitin DT, see you in Istanbul!! Thanks!!
740613
I missed the release date for The Astonishing...on purpose. Normally, it's a nobrainer buy. Duh, Dream Theater. Click. But the reviews I'd read had been so scathing that I got worried. Eventually, I settled for listening to the whole CD on Spotify. After three complete listens, I'm wondering what the heck people are griping about? Seriously? Some of the comments are so negative, you'd think The Astonishing came out like a Poison CD or something. No offense to Poison, mind. Hair metal has its redeeming qualities, also, but its galaxies beneath the technical and melodic brilliance of Progressive Metal.

The Astonishing is definitely a little different from what they've done in the past. So. It's also built from things they've done in the past. Concept album: Metropolis Pt. 2 Scenes from a Memory, Check. It's both new and old, and for me, that makes for wonderful listening and HUGE replay value. You can't really argue preferences, I know. You like something or you don't, and that's fine. To each their own. But please don't be dishonest in your dislike. Some have said that The Astonishing is technically weak. Uhm. No. Get the tab and try to play some of the intricate melodies. Good luck with that. Some have said there's no heavy stuff. Bull. It's just not ALL heavy, all the time. DT chooses the right time and right place in the musical story's progression to get heavy. And Petrucci's solos are so heartfelt, melodic, and brilliant, it literally can make your heart soar. Labrie's voice is better than I've heard in years. Evocative X 10. Drums, Keys, Bassit's all there in just the right measure. I loved it.

It's important to note that The Astonishing IS a concept album. There's a narrative running through, from track to track to track. And that is a little confining musically. While your ear might be ready for some thrash guitar and cookie monster growls, the story might not be ready for it, so DT does the right thing for the mood of the narrative. The album plays like a movie soundtrack, like a musical, like a metal operabut it's just better because, well, DT is just superior to most everything else.

To be circumspect, I do have to note some negatives. I don't care for the jarring sound FX that prelude some tracks. The bee-boop-buzz of foreboding technology gone badreally aren't necessary for me to understand the society being described. In fact, the FX sound cheesy and distracting. I don't like that the CD has those little 30 sec - 1.5 min tracks that amount to little on their own. I'd rather them be a part of the longer tracks that follow or, if mostly noisy FX, just nix them.

The biggest bother, IMHO, has nothing to do with the music, but rather, the pricing. Why the heck is the MP3 version of The Astonishing much more expensive than the CD? The band must make much more money off the low overhead digital version, so why not keep the price lower than the physical CD or equal to it, at least? Grrr. But, I'll pay it. It is, after all, new Dream Theater. And it rocks.