Dream Theater - Octavarium reviewed by guest reviewer Craig

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It’s a dark age for metal music. The followers of mainstream radio regard it as satanic and evil, thinking only of bands such as Slayer, Metallica, and Pantera. If progressive metal bands like Dream Theater gained more recognition, this silly notion would fall flat on it’s face. Their latest album, Octavarium is a good reason why. The album changes drastically, from heavy metal tracks, to emotional piano ballads, to mini symphonies. There is one thing that remains unchanging however; the amazing talent from each member of the band. Soaring vocals, melodic guitars, and tempo-controlled, steady drum beats fill the album from start to finish. And every track manages to one-up the last, until the end. The title song, ‘Octavarium’, a 24 minute orchestration of guitars, synths, and carefully laden piano tracks, with emotionally charged lyrics, overshadows the rest of the album completely. John Petrucci’s guitar changes effects constantly, and the solos strewn throughout show why he’s one of the world’s most respected guitarists. The entire album shows that each musician is an expert at his craft, and it’s extraordinary that such complex parts can be put together in harmony. Metal has a new voice. That voice, Dream Theater, is more than competent to take over from its predecessors.

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Room With a Review thank Craig for his contribution to the site. Please visit his site here