THE MOUNTAIN

So here it is, the album of the decade. At least this is what pops up if you go to the "PA Top Albums" section, choose the past ten years (2003-2013) over all genres and press the search button. That happens from time to time, if an album is new and has a few ratings, but this one here already approaches 400. So had to seriously give it a try. After listening to the album for the first time I said to myself, really? And after the second time REALLY???? This is supposed to tower above gems such as De-loused in the comatorium, To shatter all accord, Bantam to Behemoth and The Raven? Albums with so much spirit and originality? And it even ranks higher than ground-breaking classics like Larks Tongues in Aspic, Hot Rats or Relayer and everything Emerson, Lake and Palmer have ever done? Maybe the problem lies with me but, when I listen to The Mountain, it feels kind of used up and uninspired. Like I have heard everything in it already by only listening to a few Dream Theater Albums. I don't say the album is not well produced, it is very solid and the musical skills here are beyond any doubt, but it's like not having a heart, all too mechanical. Like a well made piece of furniture, nice but not so exciting. Like the band member asked, what could we do that is very exciting and the sole intention of doing so takes away from the real excitement because it makes it feel all too forced. I appreciate the effort but in my opinion this is probably the most overrated album of the year. Don't believe me? Listen to it back to back with the above mentioned albums. 3 Solid stars and maybe a quarter, but that's it.