Link: Dream Theater
The Inside Pulse:
Dream Theater’s not-so-randomly titled eighth full-length effort, Octavarium, comes at a time when the band has been at their strongest in regards to lineup stability and frenetic fan support. However, their last disc, Train of Thought, was too metal for their prog fans, and the previous disc, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, was too over-the-top with touches of bizarre experimentalism that aliented their metal audience. It’s been a difficult balancing act, so with Octavarium, the band went back to supposedly what they do best: straight prog metal, not too heavy and not too light. The result is as bland as the description entails.
Positives:
Typical excellent musicianship from Dream Theater makes every album somewhat of a must-listen for prog nerds, and the twenty-five minute title track is more cohesive than a lot of the epics the band has attempted in the past. It’s certainly not unlistenable in the least with “The Root of All Evil” being particularly noteworthy.
Negatives:
There is absolutely nothing new here to hear from the band. Moreover, “Sacrificed Sons,” a mini-epic about terrorism, may have the worst lyrics of any song written, ever.
Cross-breed:
Good DT mixed with bad DT. If you haven’t heard them, there’s just no other description.
Reason to buy:
Because you’re a DT fan. Those looking to hear them for the first time should check out earlier, stronger works.
