DREAM THEATER

Dream Theater - for me this album is comeback to good old DT. I can feel more joy and flow in song writing and the word "song" in here seems to be a keyword. Some may say there's nothing new in their music that it's repetitive but for me after the heavier albums this is quite a refreshment and some moments bring back the feeling when I first listened When Dream and Day Unite, I&W or Awake and I find it a big advantage. There are very nice melodies and catchy riffs and again like on early 90's albums we can clearly hear Rush influences. La Brie's vocals are the best since very long time. What could be better is too much focus on guitar section - bass and keyboards are back with few exceptions

Ratings: 1. False Awakening Suite - 5/10 - just a good orchestral opening in Symphony X style 2. Enemy Inside - 7/10 - fine single, catchy 3. The Looking Glass - 10/10 - my favorite one, love bass sound in here it could be louder dough, great solo, very rocky riffs, brilliant track 4. Enigma Machine - 4/10 - normally I like instrumentals but not this one - for me weakest point on album 5. The Bigger Picture - 8/10 - very nice ballad 6. Behind The Vail - 9/10 - second best on the album, bass line reminds WDaDU, fantastic solo 7. Surrender to Reason - 9/10 - very Rush influenced beginning and bombastic bass/guitar duet at solo part 8. Along For the Ride - 5/10 - slow, simple ballad with no highlights 9. Illumination Theory - 8/10 - longest track, maybe little too long but has it's great instrumental moments and vocal parts

Overal - pleasure to hear, must have for prog rock/metal fan - 4*