Derek Sherinian VS Jordan Rudess

I was never fan of Dream Theater, or even prog Metal fan generally (there are bands i like though). The thing that i must admit is that, IMO they had and have the best keybordists in prog metal scene.

So i voted for Jordan Rudess despite i like Planet X.

Derek is no match to Rudess. Both in terms of virtuosity and creativity.

Rudess for sure

I have yet to hear Sheriana´s work with Dt, but from his solo stuff and Planet x I must say I prefer Rudess...that man is just not human

What HeirToRuin said...bar Train Of Thought which I think is excellent.

The thing about Dream Theater is that consistantly they've lacked feel, not to mention originality: one of the reasons (originality) being why I think this band is sempiternally fated to never make a break/become a household name + look at Labrie, c'mon!, if he's not embarassingly histrionic and a walking hair-metal anachronism TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY NO LESS, I don't know who/what is).  

Sure they groove every here and there, and play superfluous exasperating notes/runs in like 11/8 or 21/16 over (at times) simultaneously sickening accurate unison lines or something further technically ludicrous and extravagant.  This is more or less their penchant, and they put together some pretty awesome song structures (Stream Of Consciousness comes to mind).  And there's nothing wrong with that, they're good at being technical players, and it can be unreal and crazy good at times.

But I don't think DT could groove as fusion/jazz players like Planet X have going for them...well, at least Portnoy can't touch Donati groove and feel wise as far as I'm concerned.  The same sentiment goes for Sherinian viz. Rudess.

In short, my vote goes to Sherinian. 

Rudess.

Rudess is outstanding in terms of technicality and creativity, Sherinen is just odd. 

Kevin Moore.

Sherinian. 

rudess all the way, dt work is pretty good