OCTAVARIUM

I felt compelled to submit a review regarding the new Dream Theater release 'Octavarium'. Overall, this cd, in my opinion is the most diverse that this band has put out. It captures both elements of progressive music, modern rock, and their influences. My personal favorites are Root of all Evil, These Walls, Walk Beside You, Panic Attack, and Sacrificed Sons. I must admit I was a bit concerned when i heard they they had another 24 minute epic on this one. I wasn't fussy about 'Change of Seasons'. However, 'Octavarium' is a masterpiece and it does not seem as long as the clock time. With Jordan keys being more prominent, it reminds me of what happened when the christian rock band Petra released 'Beat the System' in 1984. Alot of people complained where it had too much keys, or they didnt like the way the keys were done, much like the complaints I heard on this cd. I really like Jordans keys on this one, especially on the title track. They add emotion to the songs.

By the way, for some who didn't like 'Train of Thought' , I think its one of their best. Actually, they have been their strongest since Jordan joined them and their 'Scenes From a Memory' cd. Although I loved the 'Images and Words' cd, we dont want another Images part 2, as some compare every cd they they put out to that one. This cd isn't as heavy as 'Awake' or 'Train of Thought', but who cares. So I encourage every one to embrace the new Dream Theater, because every band evolves and changes with time.