Which type of album do you want DT to release next?

[TheGreatPretender]

More realistically though, Metropolis. I mean, it's got way more melody, the higher vocals (or all vocals) could be done by Inga, and it would give their riff singers a real chance to shine. Can you imagine JM's bass solo done a cappella?

[Flacracker]

A dubstep mix album like Korn. They need Skrillex to join up with them.

[?]

The full-blown symphonic orchestra is the only thing I'd reaaaaaaaally not want, stylistically. They can do anything they want in my book as long as it good, but I can honestly barely stomach orchestral stuff in rock/metal. I just dislike that type of drama and grandeur and mostly just groan through these sections, to the point where I can't listen to SyX's V and not really dig The Odyssey's title track, for example.

Agreed. I used to think it's cool when bands use orchestral arrangements but they've become a cliché. I like them when they are used in smaller amounts, like on the later Paradise Lost albums and Sonata Arctica's Days of Grays, but when I listen to post-Century Child-era Nightwish, at times it sounds like an orchestra featuring a metal band and not the other way round.

Fortunately, I think DT want to record their songs as a 5-piece, occasionally with some guest musicians. Besides, Jordan has showed on the latest 2 albums that he can make the music sound epic even on his own with a keyboard.

[Bill Carson]

I would love to hear something very different from them, almost experimental. May alienate fans, even myself but I'd appreciate the risk.
Maybe an album that is at the opposite end of the scale to Train of Thought.
They have their signature sound and don't get me wrong, I love them for that. However at this stage in their career, would be a real breath of fresh air to hear something very different....even just for one album
Take a leaf out of another DT - Devin Townsend - and throw a real curve ball into the mix.

[TheGreatPretender]

Fortunately, I think DT want to record their songs as a 5-piece, occasionally with some guest musicians. Besides, Jordan has showed on the latest 2 albums that he can make the music sound epic even on his own with a keyboard.

Although the kinds of choral and orchestral effects that JR used on ADTOE, I thought were pretty bad. Especially on the chorus of BMUBMD. I really hope they don't bring that kind of stuff back.

[Ruba]

I started to think this seriously.

*Drums got to be mixed louder.
*More consistent instrumental sections. For example Outcry's is kinda cool, but it is almost like another song.
*Less heavier album than the three previous.

As an album something like (all songs by Dream Theater, unless mentioned):

Track 1 (07:00) - pretty straightforward and heavy rocking opener, like TROAE
Track 2 (05:00) - heavy song with some electronic elements, like JLB's Alone
Track 3 (07:00) - a song, which starts out as a ballad, but becomes heavier, something like Peruvian Skies
Track 4 (06:00) - some cool ballad
Track 5 (15:00) - the real epic of the album with a long, tasty buildup and some ethnic influences and the best guitar solo ever
Track 6 (08:00) - something, that DT has never done before
Track 7 (03:00) (LaBrie, Rudess) - a piano ballad, something like WFS.
Track 8 (06:00) - uplifting song, like IF
Track 9 (10:00) - soft, beautiful epic, like Trial of Tears
Track 10 (0:04) (Myung)
Track 11 (0:03) (Myung)
Track 12 (0:04) (Myung)
...
...
...
Track 55 (0:02) (Myung)
Track 56 (0:05) (Myung)
Track 57 (0:04) (Myung)
Track 58 (08:00) - the most complex instrumental they have ever done, because they have to vent their instrumental madness somewhere

[TheGreatPretender]

*More consistent instrumental sections. For example Outcry's is kinda cool, but it is almost like another song.

That's a good thing.

[Lucidity]

*More consistent instrumental sections. For example Outcry's is kinda cool, but it is almost like another song.

That's a good thing.

I'd disagree with you there. I love most of DT's instrumental sections, but if they completely contrast with the rest of the song, they can be unbearable. Outcry is an excellent example, and most of why I dislike that song. Instrumental sections should take off on ideas previously introduced into the song, not be random bits of flashy playing. I can't think of any other examples at the moment, but there are lots. Maybe Endless Sacrifice.

[ArchVile]

Good.

VERY good or THE BEST one    DT albums are always good, 

[Elite]

Track 10 (0:04) (Myung)
Track 11 (0:03) (Myung)
Track 12 (0:04) (Myung)
...
...
...
Track 55 (0:02) (Myung)
Track 56 (0:05) (Myung)
Track 57 (0:04) (Myung)

The hell is this?

DT albums are always good, 

No, they're not. ""

[TheGreatPretender]

I'd disagree with you there. I love most of DT's instrumental sections, but if they completely contrast with the rest of the song, they can be unbearable. Outcry is an excellent example, and most of why I dislike that song. Instrumental sections should take off on ideas previously introduced into the song, not be random bits of flashy playing. I can't think of any other examples at the moment, but there are lots. Maybe Endless Sacrifice.

Well, that's kind of limiting, isn't it? Why can't there be both? I for one, think Outcry is the best song on the album precisely because of that instrumental section. Endless Sacrifice would be a pretty average song, but that instrumental section really makes it stand out. I think another example is The Ministry Of Lost Souls. Many people don't like that instrumental section, but personally, that's my favorite part of the song.
Obviously different people have different tastes, but I don't think saying, "it should be this way not that way" is the right attitude.

[Lucidity]

I'd disagree with you there. I love most of DT's instrumental sections, but if they completely contrast with the rest of the song, they can be unbearable. Outcry is an excellent example, and most of why I dislike that song. Instrumental sections should take off on ideas previously introduced into the song, not be random bits of flashy playing. I can't think of any other examples at the moment, but there are lots. Maybe Endless Sacrifice.

Well, that's kind of limiting, isn't it? Why can't there be both? I for one, think Outcry is the best song on the album precisely because of that instrumental section. Endless Sacrifice would be a pretty average song, but that instrumental section really makes it stand out. I think another example is The Ministry Of Lost Souls. Many people don't like that instrumental section, but personally, that's my favorite part of the song.
Obviously different people have different tastes, but I don't think saying, "it should be this way not that way" is the right attitude.

Ooh, Ministry is another example of an instrumental ruining a song. Sure, it's great, but it seems completely irrelevant to the themes introduced earlier in the song. I don't mean to be saying "all instrumental sections are bad if they don't fit the song", but I have yet to see one that didn't ruin a song for me... But it's just my personal preference. An instrumental section makes of breaks a song. The ITNOG section is fantastic, partially because it follows the themes in the rest of the song musically.

[Ruba]

Track 10 (0:04) (Myung)
Track 11 (0:03) (Myung)
Track 12 (0:04) (Myung)
...
...
...
Track 55 (0:02) (Myung)
Track 56 (0:05) (Myung)
Track 57 (0:04) (Myung)

The hell is this?

The hidden track is not the number 58 coincidentally  .

Ministry does this thing, they have a couple of albums, where are a shitload of short silent tracks and track 69 as a hidden track.

[TheGreatPretender]

Ooh, Ministry is another example of an instrumental ruining a song. Sure, it's great, but it seems completely irrelevant to the themes introduced earlier in the song. I don't mean to be saying "all instrumental sections are bad if they don't fit the song", but I have yet to see one that didn't ruin a song for me... But it's just my personal preference. An instrumental section makes of breaks a song. The ITNOG section is fantastic, partially because it follows the themes in the rest of the song musically.

Well, none of those songs have been ruined for me. Like I said, Endless Sacrifice is one of my favorite songs largely because of that instrumental breakdown. I think that's one of the many great things about progressive music, when it comes to longer songs. If I'm listening to it, and half way through I go, "Is this even the same song?" I think it's awesome.

In classical symphonies, I haven't heard too many cases where the movements resemble each other at all. So I pretty much equate it to that.

[MoraWintersoul]

I think that's one of the many great things about progressive music, when it comes to longer songs. If I'm listening to it, and half way through I go, "Is this even the same song?" I think it's awesome.

[emtee]

I'll be happy with anything as long as the sonic quality is better than ADToE.

[Samsara]

I want an atmospheric record. So much is placed on DT's musicianship and rightfully so. But I'd love to hear them take their time to develop an atmospheric record that isn't so much built on technicality as it is mood.

I'm not just talking about slow songs, but songs that maybe aren't quite so technical and more built around soundscapes and moods. Not sure if I am accurately describing what I mean, but to use song examples....something that combines atmosphere present in a song like Voices with the simplicity of a song like Speak to Me.

Still technical, but darker and not AS technical, relying on mood and atmosphere a bit.

I totally appreciate that DT has grown into a band known to be master musicians that write song to appeal to that technical crowd. But I've felt for years that DT lost something when they focused on that the way they have.

I'd also like to see other guys in the band write lyrics to give the record a more varied tone. JLB should have three songs, JM should have one, give JR one or two, and ask JP to do a few. This way we're not so dependent on JP for lyrics and vocal melodies. Lets see what the other guys have to offer.

[Lucidity]

I want an atmospheric record. So much is placed on DT's musicianship and rightfully so. But I'd love to hear them take their time to develop an atmospheric record that isn't so much built on technicality as it is mood.

I'm not just talking about slow songs, but songs that maybe aren't quite so technical and more built around soundscapes and moods. Not sure if I am accurately describing what I mean, but to use song examples....something that combines atmosphere present in a song like Voices with the simplicity of a song like Speak to Me.

Still technical, but darker and not AS technical, relying on mood and atmosphere a bit.

I totally appreciate that DT has grown into a band known to be master musicians that write song to appeal to that technical crowd. But I've felt for years that DT lost something when they focused on that the way they have.

I'd also like to see other guys in the band write lyrics to give the record a more varied tone. JLB should have three songs, JM should have one, give JR one or two, and ask JP to do a few. This way we're not so dependent on JP for lyrics and vocal melodies. Lets see what the other guys have to offer.

This would be very interesting to hear. Those are some great ideas.

[GasparXR]

I want an atmospheric record. So much is placed on DT's musicianship and rightfully so. But I'd love to hear them take their time to develop an atmospheric record that isn't so much built on technicality as it is mood.

I'm not just talking about slow songs, but songs that maybe aren't quite so technical and more built around soundscapes and moods. Not sure if I am accurately describing what I mean, but to use song examples....something that combines atmosphere present in a song like Voices with the simplicity of a song like Speak to Me.

Still technical, but darker and not AS technical, relying on mood and atmosphere a bit.

I totally appreciate that DT has grown into a band known to be master musicians that write song to appeal to that technical crowd. But I've felt for years that DT lost something when they focused on that the way they have.

I'd also like to see other guys in the band write lyrics to give the record a more varied tone. JLB should have three songs, JM should have one, give JR one or two, and ask JP to do a few. This way we're not so dependent on JP for lyrics and vocal melodies. Lets see what the other guys have to offer.

Since you threw out the idea of JR writing lyrics, you might as well include MM in that equation.

[MoraWintersoul]

Since you threw out the idea of JR writing lyrics, you might as well include MM in that equation.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking as well, since JR has said he doesn't want to write lyrics. I want more from the other guys though; JP's hit or miss, so maybe more lyrics from other band members can balance that. It certainly helped in the Kevin Moore era! And back when they had a strong focus on what type of lyrics they should write, SFAM to 8VM - back when they were supposed to stick to a theme (varying from album to album obviously) - I was more inclined to forgive the occasional lyrical hiccup, because the albums were lyrically very cohesive and songs fed off each other. So those were the two eras where I found the lyrics the most interesting.

I adore Ruba's post, down to the tracklist! A less heavy album isn't a requirement, but it is certainly something interesting; the instrumental sections could use with some "censorship" (though that is obviously strictly a matter of taste, and since it appears both JLB and JMX got a lot more input in the music comparing it to the final years of the Portnoy era, the instrumental sections are probably exactly where the whole band wants them to be); and the drums NEED to be louder. I can't stress this enough.

[GasparXR]

Since you threw out the idea of JR writing lyrics, you might as well include MM in that equation.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking as well, since JR has said he doesn't want to write lyrics. I want more from the other guys though; JP's hit or miss, so maybe more lyrics from other band members can balance that. It certainly helped in the Kevin Moore era! And back when they had a strong focus on what type of lyrics they should write, SFAM to 8VM - back when they were supposed to stick to a theme (varying from album to album obviously) - I was more inclined to forgive the occasional lyrical hiccup, because the albums were lyrically very cohesive and songs fed off each other. So those were the two eras where I found the lyrics the most interesting.

I adore Ruba's post, down to the tracklist! A less heavy album isn't a requirement, but it is certainly something interesting; the instrumental sections could use with some "censorship" (though that is obviously strictly a matter of taste, and since it appears both JLB and JMX got a lot more input in the music comparing it to the final years of the Portnoy era, the instrumental sections are probably exactly where the whole band wants them to be); and the drums NEED to be louder. I can't stress this enough.

But if the drums are too loud you won't be able to hear James

[MoraWintersoul]

But if the drums are too loud you won't be able to hear James

Does it really show that much?
Seriously though, I fangirl over all five of them and their collective musical output almost equally. If you think it's not so, you ain't seen nothing yet.

[Mr. Mustard]

I want:

Less heaviness
Drums mixed louder (drums sounded too weak and electronic on ADTOE)
Slightly more experimental (ala Six Degrees)
More atmosphere (while not being too slow and boring)
A short (~8 min) instrumental would be nice

Overall the perfect album would be a few experimental-ish tracks around 10 minutes and a 20 min+ epic

[Lucidity]

I want:

Less heaviness
Drums mixed louder (drums sounded too weak and electronic on ADTOE)
Slightly more experimental (ala Six Degrees)
More atmosphere (while not being too slow and boring)
A short (~8 min) instrumental would be nice

Overall the perfect album would be a few experimental-ish tracks around 10 minutes and a 20 min+ epic

Très oui.

[wolfking]

I want something better than the last one.

[Octavaripolis]

A new instrumental track
Dark and atmospheric. A musical threesome with SFAM, Awake and FII.
Let JM write some more lyrics.
More subtle keyboard playing.
Less facemelting unisons.
Include some balls to the wall, just plain entertaining songs among the otherwise emotional songs. A good example that already exists is The Dark Eternal Night.
No concept album, not just yet! But perhaps a theme to the album, like the 5/8 theme on octavarium!
Include some musical references to other artists, that always gets me going!

[Rattlehead]

I want something better than the last one.

[TheGreatPretender]

A new instrumental track
Dark and atmospheric. A musical threesome with SFAM, Awake and SC.
Let JLB write some more lyrics.
More facemelting unisons.
Include some balls to the wall, just plain entertaining songs among the otherwise emotional songs. A good example that already exists is The Dark Eternal Night.

Close enough.

But subtle keyboards, what do you mean?

[Chino]

Images and Words Reprise

[Ruba]

*More consistent instrumental sections. For example Outcry's is kinda cool, but it is almost like another song.

That's a good thing.

Yo dawg, we heard you like Outcry, so we put Outcry in your Outcry, so you can prog out while you prog out.

[TheGreatPretender]

Yo dawg, we heard you like Outcry, so we put Outcry in your Outcry, so you can prog out while you prog out.

Pimp My Prog 

[Ruba]

 

[jcmistat]

An album that's at least of ATDOE quality or better. The latest album and tour has reinvigorated the band lets hope that shows.

[lithium112]

Contrary to what a lot of people are saying, I'd actually like a heavier album. But heavier in the Glass Prison sense, not the BMUBMD sense.

[wkiml]

Dubstep theater.