WHEN DREAM AND DAY REUNITE [OFFICIAL BOOTLEG]

I purchased this DVD long time ago when I watched Dream Theater live in concert in Singapore, January 2006, but I did not have a chance to write a review about this. It's basically the one and only live performance of Dream Theater's debut album "When Dream and Day Unite" performed in its entirety in Los Angeles on March 6th 2004 to commemorate 15th anniversary of its release. It is also included from this historic evening is the two songs encore featuring former Dream Theater members Charlie Dominici (vocal) and Derek Sherinian (keyboards).

As Mike Portnoy opens the show with a bit of introduction about what they planned to play that night where at the same day fifteen years ago, the first album was released and it changed the rest of the band's life after that, entirely. I personally do not favor this debut album by Dream Theater for two reasons: first, the music is raw (in performance and production); second, the melody is not that catchy as other Dream Theater albums. Because this is a DVD and I like watching rock concert DVD, then it's okay for me to have this DVD to watch.

It starts in heavy and raw music with "A Fortune In Lies" which actually is not a good track to enjoy as studio track. But as this is live performance, I can see the value of enjoying this live concert. As usual, I always like the performance of John Petrucci in his guitar playing, Mike Portnoy with his jaw dropping drum works (unfortunately he has bad habits of throwing saliva while drumming - a disgusting look, really! And I cannot believe a rock star doing such this disgusting act; it's not proper.). LaBries sings wonderfully.

The track that I used to hear is Ytse Jam which basically titled as the first name of the band before it became Dream Theater. This track is excellent especially in showing the roots of Dream Theater music: a combination of heavy riffs and staccato that blends nicely in complex arrangement, plus fast tempo. That's enough to say how complex the composition is. John Myung looks really skillfull with his bass guitar and stay calm during the course of the show.

Of course the major attraction of this concert is the appearance of guest musicians who previously with Dream Theater. First is Charlie Dominici who sung in studio version of the debut album and also Derek Sherinian on keyboard. The best performance is when they all perform "Metropolis". On vocal, Charlie Dominici performs in duet with LaBrie. I'sm amazed with his vocal quality which he still can handle high register notes quite well. Derek Sherinian plays keyboard solo intertwiningly with Jordan Rudess during the extended interlude part of this song. That's what makes this DVD worthwile because there is an extension of Metropolis in this version.

Overall, this is a very good DVD and it's probably excellent addition to any prog music collection for those of you who are die hard fans of Dream Theater and progressive metal music. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW