TRAIN OF THOUGHT

A very good album from Dream Theater - to be honest, this should really be rated higher. Perhaps I follow DT with some kinda blind faith, but just because this album si too heavy doesn't mean it's worse. Yes, I do prefer it when they slow down and have more lush keyboards, but if I want balls-to-the-walls heavy I look no further than this album.

1. As I Am (7:47) - The single - fairly straightforward, a good intro track with a great solo

2. This Dying Soul (11:27) - Possibly the heaviest track, the intro is heart stopping. Some rap vocals which are difficult to get over at first, but they merge with the rest of it just fine. There are good solos later on as well as some great choruses.

3. Endless Sacrifice (11:24) - The most varied song, highlights being the choruses and solos. Very good track.

4. Honor Thy Father (10:24) - Another heavy one, perhaps a weaker track, but it's got great "angry" styled vocals on it, particularly the chorus and the "Don't cross the crooked step part".

5. Vacant (2:57) - A James LaBrie song, with no real suprises. It's not heavy at all, but it is pretty good, albeit fairly forgettable.

6. Stream Of Consciousness (11:16) - A great instrumental, perhaps to long for its nature but it features some great riffs none the less.

7. In The Name Of God (14:14) - The best track, with oriental/Egyptian/eastern styled guitar. A weird instrumental section, but the awesome ending makes up for the Rudess-ified solo.

Not their opus, but excellent, none the less.