ELEMENTS OF PERSUASION

This is a great progressive metal album, combining some great vocals, along with some amazing guitar work from a new virtuoso, Marco Sfogli. The John Petrucci influense is evident, hense his Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature Guitar he owns. Mike Mangini on drums is always fun to hear . . . that man can play with the best of them. There is just enough progressive influence to the music, to make it really soar.

Some people say that James' voice is "pop-like" or "girly". I would love to hear some of the pop artists hit some of James' notes without going falsetto, but then be able to hit those great screams, and low toned lines. I think this album shows that he is still out there ready to belt it out. He obviously can't song like in the old days of "Images and Words" and "Awake", but that is expected. His voice seems to adapt to the music very well, always sounding great.

So, I don't know why anyone would give this a zero, at least a fan of porgressive metal/rock. It is obvious that someone who listens to "In Flames" or "Children of Bodom" (nothing against them at all . . . both great bands) won't like James' voice. They are two contrasting styles. But fans of Dream Theater, and the progressive rock empire they helped build will definitely like this album. I can't wait to hear some more work from Marco Sfogli . . . he is definitely on the rise to stardom.

The only beef I have with this CD is the fact that most of the songs tend to revolve around the low "b" note. When bands use this a lot, the riffs sound a little repetative, and start to sound alike. A little more depth in the riffs would have made this album a bit better, and also more progressive. But, Definitely a 4 out of 5.