SYSTEMATIC CHAOS

No matter what Dream Theater release, fans never seem to be satisfied. Train Of Thought was too heavy, Octavarium wasn't heavy enough, Falling Into Infinity was too poppy, etc. With Systematic Chaos, Dream Theater have found a happy medium between all the elements that have defined their work for the last twenty-one years, creating a stunning listen.

One off the surprising things about the album is how quickly it pulls you in. There's no dicking around this time. In The Presence of Enemies Pt. 1 blasts right into a five-minute instrumental section that just feels so well executed. Nothing stands out awkwardly or grates on your nerves. Just solid musicianship, packaged together brilliantly.

The album is fairly well balanced when it comes to heavy and soft tracks. Constant Motion grooves and thrashes through plenty of head-banging riffs, but it still has room it's second half for a amazing guitar solo, accompanied by some grooving bass work, and some stellar keyboards. The Dark Eternal Night is even heavier the Constant Motion, but unfortunately the first four minutes are kinda boring, thought it does have some great riffs. By the second half, the song picks up a bit, though it's still the weakest track on the album.

Of the softer side, we have Repentance, a ten minute ballad that is pretty emotional and cool, though it does go on a bit too long. The Ministry Of Lost Souls is even longer, but unlike Repentance, it's packed full of great instrumental touches, and is far more sweeping and touching. It's lovely, but even it manages to show off plenty of fast, blaring technicality.

Two songs that might be controversial for returning DT fans are Forsaken and Prophets of War. Forsaken is an obvious pop-metal tune, but it works so darn well, it's hard to dislike it. It's more of an obvious single than Constant Motion, and I'm sure when released, it will spar some attention to the band. Prophets of War is hilariously cheesy, but in a good way. The high vocals during the main verses come so unexpectedly, but fit the song to a tee. Add a catchy chorus, and you've got a mighty fine song.

Overall, Systematic Chaos is a great listen, and should be a required listen for any DT fans. There are plenty of brilliant songs, and while this might not be your mama's old Dream Theater, it's still a wonderful new addition to the band's discography.

Overall Score: 4.2 out of 5 Recommended Tracks: In The Presence of Enemies, Forsaken, Prophets of War, In The Ministy Of Lost Souls