SYSTEMATIC CHAOS

So, here they go! New material indeed is an outstanding example of band's qualities. I won't review all songs here - these are up to you to explore. Let's look upon the album from another perspective though - we all know how DT perform/create and how successfull they are -> reviewing technical side of this album is not necessary - it is perfect (as usual).

The main topic of this review is "Where did they moved this time?" Answer - "somewhere else!... ...again!" Atmosphere is much darker, but it is still DT! I allways wonder how can they manage to do this without loosing their quality mark. Inspiration for this piece was taken from Pink Floyd (again), Queen, Metallica and many other exquisite artists. There is also a little "nu-metal-radio-pop" discursion in a form of "Forsaken", which is made in a "Evanescence" style (don't worry - performance is still a DT standard!).

Now, let's look over their own influence - yep, it is correct - this album is influenced a lot by their former pieces - and I would say, that by almost all of them - this piece is a great review of all of their scenes, dreams and visions. You'll find all those things you loved before - amazing allegoric solos, that took their place in SfaM, hard riffs so typical for ToT, astonishing song structures (6DOIT, I&W) and exceptional harmonies that brought so many of you to start listening to this group (almost every album - Octavarium in particular). Oh, and of course - incredible 25 miuntes long epic (divided though).

What is new? OK - dark atmosphere and some heavy vocal effects are the main differences. LaBrie's voice is beautiful as always and Rudess/Petrucci's experimenting with new kinds of approach are ON again! (imo - musical experimenting was kept asleep on Octavarium) Portnoy rocks as allways. I have just one request - more space for Myung, please!!

All in all - it is another great album from one of the best bands ever. Even in their own standards it is a masterpiece. But don't expect something unbelievable - you, who don't like DT, won't possibly start love them because of this piece (then I don't know why are you even reading this), but for all of you who love them, for you, that understand the formula "Prog Metal = Dream Theater" - Systematic Chaos is A MUST! -->> 5/5 - I can't give any less...