UNTETHERED ANGEL

Dream Theater - Untethered Angel - Review № Stardate 11812.07

Well, Dream Theater has unleashed a new single from their upcoming album Distance Over Time.

meh

This is so stereotypical for Dream Theater, that I found myself realizing that (just like Hugh Syme's Shutterstock re-run covers for this single and the forthcoming album's cover) this is nothing even close to new.

This is formulaic Dream Theater all the way through.

Make no mistake: This is a solid Dream Theater "single", with all their bombast and fantastic virtuosity on clear, unabashed display.

If you dig the standard Dream Theater formula (as at one time, I loved), you'll probably fawn all over this.

It's just that for me, the formula is wearing thin...

As for myself, I'm beginning to think that Dream Theater could stand to learn a bit from bands like Yes, Kaipa, Karfagen/Sunchild, Wobbler, Maschine, etc. about light and shade, depth and dynamics and genuine growth in their material.

I doubt that this single will change anyone's mind about Dream Theater. I don't believe it will garner any new fans. The faithful will love it, the haters will hate it, & I just find it too pedestrian and paint by numbers for my taste.

As always, your mileage may vary, use at your own risk, kids, get your parent's permission before calling, not for use with all Hot Wheels® sets, some assembly may be required...

Three Stars ***

Grace and peace, Cylli Kat (Jim Calistro)