TRAIN OF THOUGHT

This was the first Dream Theater album that I ever head, as well as the first Progressive Metal album that I ever heard, aside from some Tool that they play on the local radio stations. I guess I can understand how this is a controversial album for longtime fans of Dream Theater, because it is definitely very different from most of their earlier works. I can see how, at first listen, the songs all seem the same to some people. It does take multiple listens to get into the heaviness of the album, but any fan of Progressive Metal will definitely find this album to be one of the best of the genre. Now to briefly break down each song:

"As I Am" was a perfect song for me to hear as my first prog metal song, since I had just recently come off a three year Metallica binge. This song does have some Metallica-ish elements to it, including the vocals (to an extent), but I don't think that the overall Metallica sound extends much further through the album than this song. The rest is much more complex and interesting. I usually skip this song when I listen to this album, It is just too straightforward for my tastes, but it is a good opener.

"This Dying Soul" convinced me of John Petrucci's guitar prowess, and it is one of the best songs on the album, as well as my favorite of the three parts based on Portnoy's drinking addiction. The intro solo is amazing, and I don't believe it to be merely shredding.

"Endless Sacrifice" is in my opinion the best track on the album. The four or so minutes of pure instrumentation in the middle section is some of the band's best work. Plus, the song has some great lyrics.

"Honor Thy Father" is probably the heaviest song on the album, and maybe the weakest, aside from "As I Am." But, it is still pretty good. The intro drums are really cool.

"Vacant" is a nice little interlude that really ties nicely to the next track and showcases some great vocal work by LaBrie.

"Stream of Consciousness" is a great instrumental track, but it seems to slope off a bit after the first five or so minutes.

"In the Name of God" has it all, it's got emotional lyrics, a great chorus, and a cool riff... plus a big instrumental show off section in the middle.

I love this album, plenty of people do... I give it five stars not because I am a DT freak, but because I believe it has been done quite a bit of injustice on this site, and it is a great example of what good progressive metal should be.