TYRANNY

"Tyranny" is one of the most complete and fulfilling prog metal albums I've heard in a long time and was probably my favourite of the 90s until Dream Theater's "Metropolis Pt. 2..." came along the year after.

In fact, there are many similarities between "Tyranny" and "Metropolis Pt.2..." beyond James LaBrie's vocals on "I Believe": e.g. both are arranged in 2 "Acts", both have "story-telling" lyrics (though the subject matter is quite different). However, that is not to say that the albums are alike musically. In fact, they are quite unique and different and both are solid masterpieces that establish the basline for prog metal for years to come.

On "Tyranny", the standouts pieces are "Out of Nowhere", "Roads of Thunder" and "New World Order" (with DC Cooper guesting on vocals) with "Hope For Us?" topping the list of the numerous "ballads". A special mention to the soft and haunting closer "Christmas Day".