SYSTEMATIC CHAOS

This is Dream Theater's best album but they have matured a lot as songwriters and musicians. This is one album where everything's in place. James Labrie's vocals are perfect in this album. He sounds a little different from their earlier albums but is still good. Portnoy is singing a lot these days and sometimes he overshadows Labrie, especially in songs in "The Dark Eternal Night" and 'Prophets of War". They're probably doing it to sound nice in live concerts but it's not a good thing to underplay a vocalist like Labrie.

Jordan Rudess has blended well with the band in all the songs and there is not even exagerrated note or a monotonous riff. John Petrucci guitar playing is great in this album. He doesn't show-off with high-speed alternate picking or mindless shredding, unlike other guitarists, and uses his technique for the songs. This makes him stand tall! His soul-melting solo in "In the Presence of Enemies" is awesome.

John Myung is one musician who's been giving his best, consistently and I think he is the best bass player around. He doesn't use his signature Six-string bass in this album but still sounds good. Portnoy gives a Nu-metal touch to his playing and the one thing that would make this album different from other DT albums is his playing.

SC is an aggresive album and all the songs are good but not outstanding. It doesn't have a "Glass Prison" or a "Spirits carries on". One other thing that I don't understand is why a senior band like DT should get inspirations from lesser known bands like Muse.

Overall the album gives a fresh, new feel to DT's music and is worth buying. A real treat for all DT fans!

4 Stars for sure!!