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As the sole major-label progressive-metal act, Dream Theater invariably set the standard as the flagship band of the genre. With the numerically themed OCTAVARIUM (including eight tracks signifying the band's eighth release) the shred-rock quintet continues to challenge themselves creatively. Opening track "The Root Of All Evil" picks up the thread that began with "The Glass Prison" (SIX DEGREES OF INNER TURBULENCE) and carried forward to "This Dying Soul" (TRAIN OF THOUGHT). Drummer Mike Portnoy's lyrics for these songs read like a set of deeply personal journal entries documenting his painful recovery experience, further disclosed by a footnote nod to Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill Wilson. OCTAVARIUM chiefly finds Dream Theater stepping back from elaborate fretboard acrobatics, focusing on vocal-based, song-oriented material ("I Walk Beside You," "The Answer Lies Within"); much in the spirit of AWAKE and their breakthrough album IMAGES AND WORDS. "Sacrificed Sons" captures the heartbreak of the 9/11 tragedy, while the grandiose title track showcases a melodic, Styx-inspired keyboard solo by Jordan Rudess (better known for a blisteringly frenetic style). Twenty years since their inception, Dream Theater prevails as the benchmark of modern prog metal.
Audio Mixer: Michael Brauer.
Recording information: Hit Factory, New York, NY (11/2004-02/2005).
Illustrator: Hugh Syme.
Photographer: Colin Lane.
Dream Theater: John Myung (bass instrument); James LaBrie, John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess, Mike Portnoy .
Personnel: John Petrucci (vocals, guitar); Mike Portnoy (vocals, drums, percussion); James LaBrie (vocals); Jordan Rudess (lap steel guitar, keyboards); Anne Lehmann, Laura McGinnis, Catherine Ro, Elena Barere, Carol Webb, Katherine LiVolsi Stern, Katherine Fong, Yuri Vodovoz (violin); Karen Dreyfus, Vince Lionti (viola); Richard Locker (cello); Pamela Sklar (flute); Joe Anderer, Stewart Rose (French horn).
Dream Theater Octavarium Songs Octavarium Music Review Average Rating: (4.2 out of 5 stars)    List All 510 Reviews OUTSTANDING!
Dream Theater will last through time as one of my favorites. I have been listening to them since the early 90's. This new CD is outstanding! Probably some of thier best work. Its not as heavy as Train Of Thought, but the quality is amazing. Very emotional and creative. This CD also has more of a flavor of one of the things that makes DT a favorite to their listeners. That is the apparent sounds and influences of past rock innovators. You can definitely hear the great sounds of Pink Floyd, 2 generations of Genesis, Journey, Styx, ELP, etc, mixed into their writting as if done purposefully. There is also a very tastefull if not honorable song written about 911. You need to listen to this record!
Submitted by jmarum (Dallas, TX) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 4 of 6 found this helpful.
could be better
in my opinion this Dream Theater album is a little more "progressive rock" then "progressive metal". it has a little u2 sound in there. they still showcase their instrumental prowess but its more a vocal album. dont expect vintage mike portnoy drum fills or solo's. hey, i still gave it 5 stars, its definitely an amazing album with well written songs. Sacrificed sons is an ode to the 911 tragedy that fits in well with some angry prog rock. one thing i definitely can say is that it is unique, all of there albums are totally different from each other, including this one.... buy it, love it, live it , im outa here...
Submitted by billfitz42081 (long island, ny,usa)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 1 found this helpful. Best one yet!
Dream Theater never disappoints. From their thought inspiring lyrics to their ever complex rhythms..they have to be the best all around progressive band ever.
Submitted by comtnbyker (Evergreen CO)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 2 of 3 found this helpful. Not the very best but...
...one of the coolest records that Dream Theater ever published. Great awesomely mastered chords and of course music. And very good mastered track edition. Feels like a renewal on Dream Theater's career. Philosophically, not a very questioning like previous records, but pretty motivational on a few songs like "The Answers Lies Within" and the most romantic song I wouldn't ever hear from DT "I Walk Beside You". I never thought DT could get that romantic. WOW!!! But defenately a great aquisition on Jordan; excellent keyboardist. The other ones are just... great. Keep on puring and giving birth to their music.
Here's a fan...
Oh!!! Almost forgot: It's true you never fit (way to preserve the band's life) But you always sound different on every record. Keep doing it that way, that's their secret...
Submitted by hectorwv (Lajas, PR)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 2 found this helpful. From pop to prog
Dream Theater's 8th album is a good selection of different types of songs. There are usual Dream Theater progressive metal pieces, but there is also 1 song which could be on Coldplay album and 1 song which lends some ideas from U2. Highlight of Octavarium is the title track. It is 20 plus minutes progressive rock masterpiece, which keeps your attention from start to finish. This CD can be recommended to everyone who likes quality in his/her music. Dream Theater surely delivers.
Tero Honkasalo
Submitted by tero.honkasalo (Espoo, Finland)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 2 found this helpful. List All Reviews | Have you heard this album? |  |
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