SYSTEMATIC CHAOS

I personally do not agree with the ratings of systematic: it appears to be not as good as the Black Clouds and Silver Linings. This is not a masterpiece of DT's discography, but I think it's a good spot. The songs: 1) In the presence of enemies pt1: very good work. The prog vein is still there. This song is very well-constructed, its structure is very linear and clear.. and it's good to me. Petrucci's work on guitars is high-leveled and the solos are very cute. Unisons with keyboards are simply amazing. That's not the best long-track in DT history but still it is a very good prog song. 2)Forsaken this is the most commercial song on the album, but in my opinion,an album without some hooks cannot be a good album. Good arrangements here. Less proggy than the previous track but there's still something interesting in. 3) Constant Motion: Prog comes back here. Very good to play along to, but not the kind of song which will remain in your cd player too long 4) Dark eternal night: this is very difficult to review. The first part is never really gone into my head. I dont like that kind of singing from LaBrie, cause it's ok to experiment but you have to go where you CAN go. The instrumental part starts KILLING! That's 100% prog and it's definitely SICK! it loses itself somewhere along the way, but there are some good ideas. 5)Repentance: fill-in song. Too long to keep interest in. Seems like it's been put there to fill the minutes left blank. Dont like it. 6)Prophets of war: Very Muse-influenced song but still a good work. That's the less prog spot on the album, but not as bad to listen as the previous one. There's some good crescendos in. 7) The ministry of lost souls: This song thrills me I have to admit that. Very good gtr arpeggios and a nice leading voice melody. The instrumental is kinda proggy. Good work as usual. 8) In the presence of enemies pt2: very good follower to the 1st part. the arrangements are even better than the first part. The instrumental sections are very articulated and good sounding. 100% prog! the coming backs of the initial themes work very well.

This album is very well producted and arranged. Like the most of DTs albums. They quite never go under a certain (good) level because of their experience. LaBrie has improved his singing issues, Rudess confirms his position of very brilliant improviser and arranger of the kbds parts. He also uses very good sounds. Petrucci has become cleaner and cleaner and keeps writing excellent gtr parts. Portnoy is a brilliant producer and awesome drummer. This album is not a follower of Images and words, but it's quite at the same level of Six Degrees, sure.