FALLING INTO INFINITY

Passed over initially by many fans, Falling into Infinity remains one of Dream Theater's most controversial albums. Generally, but not exclusively, it is lighter material with a more commercial edge. Some of the tracks such as "You Not Me," "Hollow Years," and "Take Away My Pain" all are very accessible and easy to get into, yet they're quite lacking in the prog department. Still, they're very well- written and enjoyable if you're open to non-prog music. A great deal of Falling into Infinity, however, both displays Dream Theater's musical prowess very well and their ingenuity.

The opening "New Millennium" is a fast-paced adventure with a mystical atmosphere. A slow, churning groove transforms into a mildly epic ending in "Peruvian Skies," and "Burning My Soul" wouldn't be out of place on the darker, previous album, Awake. My personal favorite on Falling into Infinity, however atypical it may be, is the 4-minute, mid-tempo instrumental, "Hell's Kitchen" which, despite its name, is a rather uplifting. It starts off slow and airy with Petrucci soloing over Sherinians's keyboard chords and evolves into a past-paced melody break and then a continuation of the original jam, only with a harder edge.

"Anna Lee" is a piano-driven ballad slightly reminiscent of "Through Her Eyes" in case you've had the great fortune of listening to Scenes from a Memory, yet it is really nothing all too special. The two longer tracks on Falling into Infinity, "Lines in the Sand" and "Trial of Tears" both provide soothing, swirling atmospheres with some excellent jamming. I find both of these tracks highly enjoyable. The only problem that I can find--which is more of an annoyance than a problem, really--lies in the chorus on "Lines in the Sand" where Doug Pinnick of King's X contributes a guest vocal spot. It doesn't really enhance the chorus and I believe it's totally unnecessary. Other than that minor complaint, both tracks are superb.

I'm more of a fan of Dream Theater's lighter, more melodic side (though I did quite enjoy Train of Thought) and Falling into Infinity offers much to those who enjoy this aspect of their music. Yes, some of the tracks are more commercial, but I believe the great prog tracks do more than necessary to balance that out. Listen, and enjoy!

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