METROPOLIS PART 2 - SCENES FROM A MEMORY

Before developing my critic, I want to state that this album is one of the finest that progressive metal has churned out and one of the most influential in this kind of music. It has a very interesting concept that deals with a guy being a girl in his previous life who was murdered under unknowing circumstances. With an hypnotic method, the character(Nicholas) reveals that the woman was killed by her lover's brother, with whom she had a short affair in her time of need when she broke up with her love due to his bad habits. A story of metaphysics, love, betrayal and murder. I will not say more about the concept(even if I said enough) which I find the second better after Operation:Mindcrime from Queensryche. About the songs now:

1.Scene one:Regression: This one is the entrance of the concept with the hypnotist hypnotizing Nicholas. It does not have a lot of music so I will not rate it.

2&3.Scene two: Overture 1928/Strange Deja Vu: This on is a typical dream theater track. A lot of melody with impeccable technicality and top shape of the musicians. The refrain is catchy and everything works perfect in this masterpiece. A very promising beginning, a very nice song(or shall I say songs?). 5/5

4&5.Scene three:Through my words/Fatal tragedy. The first songs is actually the prelude to the second. It has a melancholic feeling which is transferred to the other one. After the sentimental initiation breaks up an astonishing sequence of technicality, brilliant ideas, a torrent of notes, all performed flawlessly. One of the best songs in this epic 5/5.

6.Scene four:Beyond this life: It is more straight than the other songs and it is quite dark as we listen to the lyrics describing the murder. Even if it is not so progressive like the afore mentioned tracks, it is very catchy and you can memorize it easily(if it is not a sacrilege to say this about DT music). This song can be heard also from those who are not familiar with many notes per second. Also, the ethereal part with the lyrics"Our deeds have traveled far..." suits very much to the musical material of this song. Another effort that must be applauded. 5/5

7.Scene five:Through her Eyes: I usually do not like ballads but this one is beautifully executed. A lovely song 4/5

8.Scene six:Home: Wow, what a distortion in the guitar! A progressive song with all the meaning of this characterization, that includes oriental elements. Perpetual alter of atmosphere along with ingenious music. Despite its 13 minutes it is a magical creation and one of the best songs in this album. It should not be rated with less than 5 stars. 5/5

9&10.Scene seven:The dance of eternity/One last time: These are actually 2 different songs. The first one is instrumental and my favorite song. As always Dream Theater perform perfectly and rhythm section is combined effectively with the solo masters, Rudess and Petrucci. Just listen to the keyboard sampple that reminds you a far-west saloon. Very amusing! Generally, the second better instrumental track of the progressive masters after Stream of Consiouseness in Train of Thought. 5/5. One last Time is a mellow track and the weakest in this masterpiece. Not bad at all,but the less interesting. 3.5/5

11.Scene eight:The spirit carries on: The final ballad of this record. It is better than one last time but worse than The spirit carries on. Nevertheless,it is a beautiful ballad that you will not skip while listening to it(as you will not do with any of the other tracks). It deserves a bit less than 4 stars and more tan 3.5 stars, so nbecuase it is in this space [3.5 , 4] it is rounded to 4/5

12.Scene nine: Finally free: The grand ending of the album and the concept. It starts calmly with a lot of melody and this mood is diffused in the whole length of the song. Personally, I shuddered when I heard the gunshots and screams during the song that close this ingenious concept. Very ideal finale for this ideal record. 5/5