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The last time I listened to an album repeatedly, I mean
twice a day for a stretch of two weeks, began the day I picked
up Black Sabbath’s 1973 album Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. It became
a permanent resident on my turntable and drove my parents
crazy. History does repeat itself and for many reasons I could
not stop listening to Dream Theater’s most recent release
Systematic Chaos . I have long wondered if they could possibly
release an album as good as Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence;
now I am elated to discover that they have surpassed that
2002 release for consistency and overall excellence in production,
musicianship, lyrics and storytelling--this is their best
effort to date!***
It may have something to do with the fact that last year
offered the band their first vacation in 10 years. They were
obviously in dire need of a break, and it probably saved them
from self-destruction. Additionally, following their emancipation
from Atlantic records and a brief stint with Rhino, they have
found a home at Roadrunner Records - a label that I would
consider a major indie with a very independent attitude and
approach. A band of down-to-earth gents like Dream Theater
can finally thrive with a label like this and they deserve
to. They returned to the studio, reinvigorated, in 2006 and
began recording this dazzling session.***
I have never had any doubt about this band’s ability
to perform with excellence at all positions on stage and in
the studio. Incredibly, they feel they have more to prove
to themselves and to the world of music, as James LaBrie comments
on the 90-minute bonus documentary on the included DVD. LaBrie
is the consummate showman and his vocals, as always, are incredibly
strong on this release. He reaches deep within himself to
bring each character to life on every track, and he makes
it all real in your mind’s eye. Then when you see him do it
all in a live performance you find yourself falling into his
overpowering web of influence. He mentions in the documentary
that he has not had this much fun since the band recorded
their 1994 release Awake; that’s a long time to wait to get
that euphoric feeling back - doing what you love in the studio.***
Each musician is an undisputed star in his own right
and respective position within the band, and contributes to
Dream Theater’s quality and uniqueness. John Petrucci (guitar)
has made the Ernie Ball six-string, The MusicMan®, his friend
over the years. He becomes one with his guitar on this release
and his writing has reached another level as well. Jordan
Rudess (keyboards) is phenomenal in setting the tone for the
rest of the band to jump in and launch into each track in
typically grand style. By letting his versatile, classically
trained fingers do all the talking, he draws upon his palette
of moods to paint extraordinarily rich atmospheres. Moreover,
Mike Portnoy (drums) and John Myung (bass) are arguably the
best rhythm section in the universe.***
Their positive attitudes shine throughout, even in light
of the fact that their music is dark and full of fantasy.
The opening track, ”In The Presence Of Enemies”, sets the
stage for the entire album by leading in with a long instrumental
break that builds into a mountain of music… then LaBrie’s
vocals come in – it’s vintage Dream Theater. My favorite track,
“Forsaken”, is a story about a female vampire who visits an
unknowing soul during the night and leads him to believe that
she is taking him to paradise. All the while, his lifeblood
is being sucked from his body, renewing her life and making
him her possession for eternity. Petrucci plays some very
heavy and melodic riffs during the run of the song and LaBrie
takes you there scene by scene in a passionate and dramatic
fashion.***
Every track offers an intriguing story with incredible
music driving it along, sometimes at hyperspeed then geared
down when necessary so you can visit each setting, and become
intimate with each character. It all develops inside your
head, and with several listens following along with the words,
you suddenly find yourself living each role. This is potent
stuff - the kind of music that is impossible to forget.***
The Special Edition of Systematic Chaos includes a DVD
that features this epic recording in awesome 5.1 surround
sound. Once you hear it, nothing else will suffice. You also
get an inside look at the recording process via a 90 minute
documentary hosted by drummer Mike Portnoy - the man is a
riot and a total nut, and I loved his commentary and interaction
with fellow band mates. Interviews with all the band members
except Myung are interspersed between segments of studio footage.***
I could go on ad infinitum about this release, but it
is time for you to get your own copy. You can be certain of
one thing; this album features some of the best progressive
metal you will ever hear - bar none. From one corner of the
planet to the next, the Dream Theater machine reigns supreme.***
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