A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD

The title says it all. Dream Theater are a band that were once at the top, not only of progressive metal, but of metal in general. It's clear that a band as innovative is going to find it difficult to innovate after thirty three years of music, which is why Dream Theater doesn't try to innovate anymore. Instead, they do what they do as best as they can, and they for sure deliver.

This record is classic Dream Theater, it borrows ideas from Awake, A Change Of Seasons, and at some points Images And Words. The songs each feature very tight playing and a great balance between instrumental madness and soft, light vocal sections. Musicianship is top-notch, just as you would expect from a Dream Theater album. Finally, the mixing is probably the best in the band's entire career, I really hope that sound engineer was paid well!

For sure will become one of my favorite records by them, no weak tracks. Five stars, as bold as it may sound.