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Three years after Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, it's great to hear that Dream Theater hadn't lost their überheavy edge. John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy, Jordan Rudess, and bassist John Myung effectively peeled back the pretentious excesses of Six Degrees, turned them in on themselves, and came up with a leaner, meaner but no less ambitious outing. The centerpiece track, despite the fact that it is second on the disc, is "This Dying Soul: IV. Reflections of Reality (Revisited)." A tome about alcoholism and recovery, it's strident riff opens out onto vast sonic panoramas where pianos and rhythm section offer Petrucci the space he needs to take his guitar playing into overdrive. Also, lyrically this is an evolutionary track on the set; it opens doors for the rest of the narratives here. Whereas the opener, "As I Am," is an anthem of resistance and independence, from "This Dying Soul" onward, themes of acceptance, surrender, and willingness become the M.O. for transcendent transformation. Struggles with the past, new encounters, and near despair are common themes, as on the brilliantly textured and detailed "Train of Though." Note the beautiful interplay between the guitars and keyboards on "Endless Sacrifice," the insane drums and buzz saw attack on the intro to "Honor Thy Father," or the brilliant play on the intro to "Seasons of Whither" in the intro to "In the Name of God," before the almighty riffing takes it into crunchland with a deep, poignant reflection on spiritual and religious hypocrisy. This is hard, heavy progressive metal at its very best lyrically and musically. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
more albums by this artist
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- Octavarium
- Released 2005
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- Systematic Chaos
- Released 2007
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- Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From A Memory
- Released 1999
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- Images & Words
- Released 1992
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listener reviews
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sweet
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- By TheNewWorldMan4
- 6/4/2009 17:50:12
- This album kicks ass. The first ywo songs are amazing. Yes one of their heavier albums. But its a damn good one.
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Flawed, but excellent.
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- By Edifus13
- 5/11/2009 03:40:54
- One of DT's most polarizing albums, I have found this one to grow on me. Not perfect by any means, many of the songs are overlong, and Vacant is pretty much a throwaway break from the heaviness. But the first two tracks are stellar, and the rest is enjoyable. Not their most essential, but worth hearing if you enjoy the others.
- 1 out of 1 people
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amazing album
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- By AndyMan1125
- 3/24/2009 20:01:41
- This is the best DT album ever... In the Name of God and This Dying Soul are my favorites but all other 5 songs are siiick!!!
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heavy
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- By Frusciante28
- 3/20/2009 15:27:00
- one of the heaviest album of DT.. as I am, great one....
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Epic
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- By Iownall794
- 12/24/2008 18:41:06
- My favorite Dream Theater album. For some reason it is hated by many Dream Theater fans, but I love it. 10/10 album
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