SYSTEMATIC CHAOS

Two years have been passed since Octavarium. Personally, last two releases have been a bit disappointing, especially ToT. But let's turn the past page. There's the new album outcoming, "Systematic Chaos". Well, I found this album better than the recent ones. It's something new, all songs sound different, good instrumentals, no "undue influences", ecc. Let's examine the album:

In The Presence of Enemies Pt.1 : First part of the SC's big epic. It starts with an instrumental part which sounds SO good. It's fresh, original, but it's DT stuff, no way. After 5-6 minutes, Labrie vocals enter the song in an amazing way. Nice ending too. Maybe the best track in the whole album? 8,5

Forsaken: A radio song, a single. Not much at all, but sure better than "The Answers Lies Within" from Octavarium (their comparing due to some similiarities within the two songs), both lyrics and music. Nice chorus, only it sounds a bit "cheesy". However, a worth listening. 6,5

Constant Motion: First single from this album. What can i say... The vocals in the verses are too much "Hetfield-ish" (sounds boring after some listenings) and instrumental is out of context. However, bridge+chorus, saves the song from a reject. One of the poorest tracks (not much at all). 6

The Dark Eternal Night: The HEAVY one. It begins with a skull-crashing riff that leads into verse. AMAZING verse. Labrie's distorted vocals sounds like cookie-monster ones. Chorus is a bit repetitive, but it's good however. Instrumental is some kind of WOW. Sounds a bit like "The Dance of Eternity". It's a pity it's too much long. Less 2 minutes could have been very good. 7,5

Repentance: What?!? Very unexpected track... sounds a bit like it came from "Damnation" by Opeth. Anyway, a fantastic track. Very emotional. Lyrics sound good. Using other artists' (D. Gildenlow, M. Akerfeldt, S. Wilson....) voices which excuse themselves with the band, it's an original idea. Only too much long, again. 8

Prophets of War: Poor song. Trying to make something sounding new, Dream Theater forget to do their own music. The whole song sounds too much Muse-ish, and chorus is too similiar to "Wherever I May Roam" song (by Metallica). Some good starting point, but it's all too confused. Try again? 5,5

The Ministry Of Lost Souls: Oh my... well, this is simply the best track from SC. It's basically a ballad, but it sounds very dark and emotional. Instrumental part is quite good. Ending again is something unbelievable. Masterpiece. 9-

In The Presence of Enemies Pt.2: Good first part sequel. It can be compared with "The Ministry..." because of tymbric similiarities. Very dark, begins slow while finishing heavy and powerful. Amazing track. 8+

Systematic Chaos: 7.5(8) / 4 stars