If there is one drawback to Train Of Thought, as a whole, it is that it's runtime is par for the course they have charted from Awake onwards, with CD capacities regularly filled to the brim. Other key highlights would be Endless Sacrifice with its catchy hooks and distinct Dream Theater chorus, as well as the epic closer In The Name Of God. Indeed, the epic instrumental Stream of Consciousness is reminiscent of the Awake and Falling Into Infinity eras, where he rivals the melodic soundscapes created by Kevin Moore and Derek Sherinian respectively. Whilst less prominent than on previous and subsequent efforts, keyboard player Jordan Rudess does embellish the tracks without getting in the way, or reducing their overall impact. The opener As I Am has a menacing, slow build-up approach that sets the darker tone from the offset. And Justice For All-era Metallica, albeit with much better production and tighter arrangements. With its melding of classic thrash metal and progressive rock influences, a key reference point for the uninitiated would be. Whilst not a big departure from their signature sound, is noticeably heavier than their previous output indeed, it is still arguably their heaviest to this day. This, their seventh album, was the culmination of appearing on metal package tours and festivals alongside the likes of Megadeth and Fear Factory, resulting in a desire to make their heavier side the primary focus on the next release. As widely alluded to, even among large swathes of their dedicated fanbase, they are a Marmite band, who invite intense debate among critics and fans alike par for the course in truly 'progressive' bands, as has been witnessed in their forebears Rush and Queensryche, who charted similarly eclectic musical journeys, to mixed results. "Struggles with the past, new encounters, and near despair are common themes, as on the brilliantly textured and detailed Train of Thought." 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." ( AllMusic (opens in new tab))Ĭhris Downie: It would be fair to say Dream Theater are a band that need no introduction, given the high profile garnered through over 30 years of raising the bar for supreme musicianship, coupled with an uncompromising attitude that has seen them succeed on their own terms, whilst remaining on the periphery of the mainstream. The production is big and powerful and the band has never sounded better." ( MetalReviews (opens in new tab)) The band has opted for an extremely heavy approach to their music this time (at least by their standards) but still manage to maintain the quality in musicianship and arrangements that they're known for. "James LaBrie's voice really takes a back seat to the music on this album and he really is just another instrument in the wall of sound. "This album is certainly a UFO in Dream Theater's discography, but what a UFO! The title of the album is very well chosen, because between alcoholism, Portnoy's anger and Petrucci's love, this album is a real 'train of thoughts'! Listening to it several times is necessary in order to appreciate it at its true value, but it is really worth it, because it has qualities that no other album can claim to have." ( MusicWaves (opens in new tab))
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