Dream Theater - the reasons

I am a big Dream Theater fan. I think that they are simply amazing. I just can't understand why some people don't like them.

Can anyone explain me why???? Give me some reasons to hate such a wonderful band.

I don't hate them, but I can give some some criticism.

a) They're not masters at songwriting
Their ability to write great, catchy songs is not that good. The songs are sometimes boring and insignificant, and they try to make it up with their virtuoso playing and endless solos. I&W really was their peak, all the songs on that record are fantastic. But after that.. downhill.

b) Too much technical masturbation
Sure, they're all wonderful players, but they (especially John Petrucci) tend to go a bit too far with their instrumental parts sometimes. Prog is not just about 15min guitar solos..

c) James LaBrie
Do I really have to explain this..

d) Too much heavy metal
DT is supposed to be a prog metal band with heavy metal influences, not the other way around. They've forgotten that, and ToT is the perfect example of a horrific change in direction from prog to boring Metallica/Iron Maiden-like (I hate those bands) music.

But don't get me wrong. I like them, but because of those reasons mentioned above, I don't rate them as high as someone else might. I used to be a big fan, but nowadays I'm more into symphonic and space prog and rarely listen to my DT records. I&W still is my favourite, of course, it's a perfect example of their (sometimes hidden) ability to write good prog music.

Calvo wrote:  I just can't understand why some people don't like them.

It's called different taste (I like them by the way). Taste is personal and defies understanding.  I love seventies' Genesis, I like Yes from the same period, and I could not care less for ELP. Explain that, if you can.

d) Too much heavy metal
DT is supposed to be a prog metal band with heavy metal influences, not the other way around. They've forgotten that, and ToT is the perfect example of a horrific change in direction from prog to boring Metallica/Iron Maiden-like (I hate those bands) music.

But don't get me wrong. I like them, but because of those reasons mentioned above, I don't rate them as high as someone else might. I used to be a big fan, but nowadays I'm more into symphonic and space prog and rarely listen to my DT records. I&W still is my favourite, of course, it's a perfect example of their (sometimes hidden) ability to write good prog music.

 

They've forgotten that? Who are you to tell them what they are supposed to be? Anyway Train of thought has got loads of prog influences. Ultimately its the album they wanted and intended to make

DT, just like any other band, is trying different avenues. Wouldn't you get tired of recording the same album over and over? And don't forget that they played those songs hundreds of times through the years.

Anyway, people on one side of the ball park are complaining that, for example, ToT is too "metal", but if they did an I&W'ish album, the people in the other side of the park would complain that it sounded too much like I&W.

Vince wrote: DT, just like any other band, is trying different avenues. Wouldn't you get tired of recording the same album over and over? And don't forget that they played those songs hundreds of times through the years. Anyway, people on one side of the ball park are complaining that, for example, ToT is too "metal", but if they did an I&W'ish album, the people in the other side of the park would complain that it sounded too much like I&W.

I would rather listen to a new I&Wish album than to a straighter metal album wasting their talent. The "people in the other side of the park" wouldn't have anything to complain about because they could still listen to Metallica, Iron Maiden... anyway.

Logos wrote: I don't hate them, but I can give some some criticism. DT is supposed to be a prog metal band with heavy metal influences, not the other way around. They've forgotten that, and ToT is the perfect example of a horrific change in direction from prog to boring Metallica/Iron Maiden-like (I hate those bands) music.

ToT is not like Iron Maiden!

Valarius wrote: They're my favourite band... but people hate them for: 1. Playing fast and showing off... although I've never understood what's wrong with people playing fast.

I think it's more the latter part

Valarius wrote: 2. Not being innovative. Although god forbid every band only being good if they're innovative.

A lack of innovation has no place in progressive music. To my ears they've done innovative things, though.

Valarius wrote: 4. "Not even being a prog band". Oh dear... I better throw away 3/4 of my cd collection then coz it's all heavy metal.

It's a justifiable "complaint" on a prog forum, though?

Valarius wrote: 5. Ripping off Metallica riffs. Oh dear... god forbid playing like the people you idolise. My band has a similar sound and style to Dream Theater. Better quit now then.

I don't think that's a big gripe people have - but there are places where it's not just playing like Metallica; it is playing Metallica (in Metropolis Part I and somewhere on ToT - I don't know the exact bits offhand).

What it all comes down to is that Dream Theater are good at some things, and not others - like any band. It's just the things that they tend to be good at (not just playing fast, but that's certainly one of them) don't particularly appeal to the fanbase of progressive rock. If I were to listen to them with "pure prog" ears, perhaps I wouldn't like them. If I were to have only come across them today, perhaps I wouldn't like them. But as it is, they brought me from metal into prog and I listen to far too many styles beyond prog to be worried by a bit of metal.

Edited by goose

Logos wrote: Reed Lover wrote: The reason people hate DT is that they are an abomination to mankind! 1. They cant play very well.Playing fast is a way of covering up lack of ability. 2.James La Brie cannot sing. 3.As far as I can see they have never written any songs. 4. As above but...........................................any tunes. 5.They couldnt sell out a telephone box in most countries. 6. Only spotty nerdy-boys and geeky middle-aged computer analysts like them. 7.They make ELP sound talented by comparison. 8. I dont like them,so they must be crap. Is this some kind of inside humor , or am I just the only one who doesn't find these kind of comments funny?

That's strange,because I was paraphrasing your 1st post...

Is it true there was no one in Finland until an Englishman f**ked a reindeer?

Reed Lover wrote: The reason people hate DT is that they are an abomination to mankind! 1. They cant play very well.Playing fast is a way of covering up lack of ability. 2.James La Brie cannot sing. 3.As far as I can see they have never written any songs. 4. As above but...........................................any tunes. 5.They couldnt sell out a telephone box in most countries. 6. Only spotty nerdy-boys and geeky middle-aged computer analysts like them. 7.They make ELP sound talented by comparison. 8. I dont like them,so they must be crap.

You talk a pile of garbage