This here being their 12th masterpiece of a record, I'd like to take this time to dissect each song to TRY and explain the grand talent and mastery of musical composition.
Dream Theater is James LaBrie: vocals, John Petrucci: guitar, John Myung: bass, Jordan Rudess: piano/keys, and last, but not least, Mike Mangini: drums.
1) False Awakening Suite:
I. Sleep Paralysis
II. Night Terrors
III. Lucid Dream
This is the first of two instrumental songs on the album which have not happened since their album "Train Of Thought" in 2003. It is separated into three part, each with its own feeling and story. This track automatically has you hooked with the crazy riffs and some orchestration. This album opener is just a teaser of the progressive chaos to come.
2) The Enemy Inside: This here was the first single off of this CD, and an amazing one at that. This track starts with a whirlwind of notes in a synchronized pattern. The pattern might even be hard to follow for some! I know I got lost the first few listens. Everyone is just on top of their game on this opener, and is sufficient to keep you wanting more, and to listen to this album all through to the end. The power, heaviness and passion is just off the charts. Some of my favorite lyrics here have to be "I sever myself from the world and shut down completely. All alone in my own living hell, overcome with irrational fear". These words show the true struggle of staying inside ones head for too long with no one there to help or to speak to you. True instability.
3) The Looking Glass: This track has a very serene calming feeling to it, bit it's very deep in meaning. It shows us all to be careful on what wish for, and the problem that could arise for being selfish.
Also, The band only recently released the music video for this song. It's worth the watch!
4) Enigma Machine: This here has got to be my favorite track on this album. It's the second of two instrumentals on this album, and all the musicians just seem to be putting their best foot forward with each person having their own solo in it. Just freakin' mind blowing! A very complex tune with very strange time signatures and odd patterns. It's no wonder why this magnificent piece is entitled "Enigma Machine"! Also, one piece I'd like to point out is from around 4:58-5:03 in this song. A complete chaotic phrase by the great Mangini with superhuman speed and agility! I challenge/dare ANYONE who plays drums to try and play that little piece without straining or pulling something internally. This is probably THE heaviest track on this record.
5) The Bigger Picture: This song is a very nice one. It starts off a bit heavy and strong, then transforms into a ballad-like mood. The song continues and changes back to the feel of the intro, nice and heavy. A very strong piece with empowering vocals and lyrics. This song gives off a feeling of encouragement. A big airy feel; not really sure how to describe it, but encouraging nonetheless.
6) Behind The Veil: Here is another strong and encouraging song with a heavy feel. It's got a soft, sly intro and jumps right into a tricky pattern of sorts to get this song moving. Aside from being encouraging, it also makes you move. A beat you can really head-bob to. The chorus in this song has got to be one of the most beautifully constructed on this album. Big vocal projection out of James, plus strong lyrics just makes you melt inside. "Someone save me, look behind the veil. Please don't walk away. Someone save me, bring me home tonight. I can't face another day". The guitar solo here is also very nice and perfectly compliments the chorus. John Petrucci really outdoes himself!
7) Surrender To Reason: This song just seems to have it all. Complicated rhythms, heavy riffs, great lyrics and vocals, those classic Rudess and Petrucci duels, grand drum performance, amazing bass licks, and even acoustic elements. Classic Dream Theater!
8) Along For The Ride: This one is more of a full on ballad through and through, but with a heavy edge. Very uplifting and a perfect song you could see yourself playing on a sunny day. Just a very friendly song. It contains one of this famous Jordan key solos in that signature sound of his. Just amazing. I also really enjoy Myung's bass riff during Rudess' solo because it compliments the solo and could also stand alone. Such a sweet riff.
9) Illumination Theory:
I. Paradoxe de la Lumière Noire
II. Live, Die, Kill
III. The Embracing Circle
IV. The Pursuit of Truth
V. Surrender, Trust & Passion
Now HERE is a Dream Theater album closer I have been waiting to hear since "Octavarium"in 2005! Clocking in at around 22:17, making it the 5th longest song in the DT library, this song is quite a monster! It's separated into five parts with "Paradoxe de la Lumière Noire" and "The Embracing Circle" being instrumentals. This piece is just too big and explosive to describe. It's one of those that you have to hear for yourself to be able to grasp the complexity of it. This song truly has all the elements that true Dream Theater fans have been waiting to hear for a long time. This song does not dissapoint at all and is just a big breath of fresh air. Thank you Dream Theater!
LaBrie, Petrucci, Myung, Rudess, and Mangini have really outdone themselves with this masterpiece of a record! One of my personal favorite DT albums for sure!
Fortunately, I had the grand pleasure of seeing them live on tour for "A Dramatic Turn Of Events" and I really hope to catch them again soon. I just cannot wait for the next installment in the Dream Theater library.
-Cerpin Taxt