Dream Theater self titled album discussion - [SPOILER FREE DISCUSSION ONLY]

[AngelBack]

I think it could end up being a thematic album (which IS different from a concept album), which is what I was hoping for.

Agreed.

[BlobVanDam]

Looks like Syme to me, aside from not knowing why he'd up end with a different logo. Swap out the correct logo, and I think it's the best album cover since ToT. As it is though, it bugs me enough that I don't even like looking at it.

[Zydar]

And add the band name (with the correct font).

[Labrie1984]

Cover art and tracklisting are freaking great but...I was expecting a single. I need to listen to some minutes of what's about to come.  I'm disappointed.

[BlobVanDam]

That too. DT's font in chrome would look pretty badass.

[7StringedBeast]

Looks like Syme to me, aside from not knowing why he'd up end with a different logo. Swap out the correct logo, and I think it's the best album cover since ToT. As it is though, it bugs me enough that I don't even like looking at it.

How is that not the correct logo?  It's the majesty logo embossed.  I'm looking at them side by side and they seem to be pretty much exactly the same only with silver and an emboss effect.

[wolven74]

Illumination Theory = JMX lyrics   

[Meatrose]

I just came here to post this.  Dammit you guys are fast.

You'd basically have to post it here before it's posted anywhere else. 

Thanks anyways, it was thoughtful of you to come here to post this. 

[cyberdrummer]

A few thoughts:

1. The artwork - does that make this the Black Album?

2. The first track is a 3-part suite? Seems unlikely that would be what we previously knew as "Opening". But then there are still 9 tracks... did Easter Egg become a song, did something else get split up...?

3. Why on earth does anyone think the titles imply that it's a concept album? I mean, I'm not saying it's definitely not, but the titles mostly have nothing to do with each other.

4. At least from this, it definitely seems as though they are playing it less safe this time around, which is very exciting. Of course, whether that's the case with the music itself remains to be seen.

1. Yes.

2. I think the section called Sleep Paralysis could be the "Opening".

3. I just think the proggy titles lend themselves to its being concept album, however mad that sounds. I know it's based on absolutely nothing. Simply a vibe I've had about this album all along.

4. Agreed, which can only be a good thing in my opinion. 

[Zydar]

That too. DT's font in chrome would look pretty badass.

Something like this?

[TheGreatPretender]

I have the most massive prog boner right now.

This. I absolutely love the song titles, and that they're splitting things into movements again. The last song seems like it's gonna be epic as hell.

The funny thing is that last night, I had a dream that I was at a very small and intimate Evening with DT concert, and it was super informal, to such extent that James was singing without a mic, because his voice was too powerful for such a small venue, haha. And then I wake up to this. Can't complain!

[7StringedBeast]

I don't think it needs the band name on it at all.   We all know what the symbol means and adding anything else to the cover starts to detract from the design.

[BlobVanDam]

Looks like Syme to me, aside from not knowing why he'd up end with a different logo. Swap out the correct logo, and I think it's the best album cover since ToT. As it is though, it bugs me enough that I don't even like looking at it.

How is that not the correct logo?  It's the majesty logo embossed.  I'm looking at them side by side and they seem to be pretty much exactly the same only with silver and an emboss effect.

The existing Majesty logo is not that elipsoid or that flat, and the "tails" are not supposed to be that flat and sharp. And the existing logo is not symmetrical vertically.
Also, it just looks plain off.

[SomeoneLikeHim]

As long as they don't go full Wilson on us and don't include lyrics in the booklet I'm happy.

[Zook]

Looks like Syme to me, aside from not knowing why he'd up end with a different logo. Swap out the correct logo, and I think it's the best album cover since ToT. As it is though, it bugs me enough that I don't even like looking at it.

Why can't they just hire one of us to do the artwork? Seems like Syme is doing sloppy work on purpose or something. That Majesty symbol looks goofy now that I'm at my computer and can see a bigger version of it.

Eh, not sure about that cover art. The tracklist looks like something you'd see in the fake tracklist thread.

Interesting indeed.

Well, keep in mind that new DT artwork/tracklisting always leads to moments of disbelief followed by tons of speculation that always turns out to be wrong.

Remember when people thought ToT was going to be a really religious album?

I wasn't a fan at that time.

[Nick]

Not a fan of the cover at all, for a wide variety of reasons, but the track list definitely has my interest. Looking forward to this.

[Mister Gold]

A few thoughts:

1. The artwork - does that make this the Black Album?

2. The first track is a 3-part suite? Seems unlikely that would be what we previously knew as "Opening". But then there are still 9 tracks... did Easter Egg become a song, did something else get split up...?

3. Why on earth does anyone think the titles imply that it's a concept album? I mean, I'm not saying it's definitely not, but the titles mostly have nothing to do with each other.

4. At least from this, it definitely seems as though they are playing it less safe this time around, which is very exciting. Of course, whether that's the case with the music itself remains to be seen.

1. I was thinking 'Dark Side of the Theater' or 'Dark Side of the Dream' myself.

2. Eh, Idk. Could be that the first part is a musical opening.

3. I'm not sure myself. I could see it being a thematic album though.

4. Indeed.

Cover art and tracklisting are freaking great but...I was expecting a single. I need to listen to some minutes of what's about to come.  I'm disappointed.

Why were you expecting a single in the first place? The only confirmed things to be announced today were the artwork and track list, if memory serves me right.

[lonestar]

And phone wallpaper changed.....





Fuck yes. I'm so goddam stoked right now!!!!!!!!

[TAC]

Wow!

Cannot wait! Those are some badass song titles!

[BlobVanDam]

Looks like Syme to me, aside from not knowing why he'd up end with a different logo. Swap out the correct logo, and I think it's the best album cover since ToT. As it is though, it bugs me enough that I don't even like looking at it.

Why can't they just hire one of us to do the artwork? Seems like Syme is doing sloppy work on purpose or something. That Majesty symbol looks goofy now that I'm at my computer and can see a bigger version of it.

They can keep Syme doing the artwork, they just need us to proof-check it before it's finalized.
Then maybe the DT writing wouldn't have been wrong on ADTOE either...

[7StringedBeast]

Looks like Syme to me, aside from not knowing why he'd up end with a different logo. Swap out the correct logo, and I think it's the best album cover since ToT. As it is though, it bugs me enough that I don't even like looking at it.

How is that not the correct logo?  It's the majesty logo embossed.  I'm looking at them side by side and they seem to be pretty much exactly the same only with silver and an emboss effect.

The existing Majesty logo is not that elipsoid or that flat, and the "tails" are not supposed to be that flat and sharp. And the existing logo is not symmetrical vertically.
Also, it just looks plain off.

I think this one actually looks better than the old one.  Maybe they just wanted an updated take on the logo?  Either way, this cover is way better than the last 3 for sure, I think.

[wolven74]

As long as they don't go full Wilson on us and don't include lyrics in the booklet I'm happy.

why no lyrics?

[425]

Anyone want to predict which one has John Myung lyrics?

[cyberdrummer]

Behind the Veil.

[LCArenas]

DICKSHIT HYPING FUCKNIPPLES DAT SUM GOOD TITLES

I'm really excited for what may come here

[Frank]

I have the most massive prog boner right now.

Absolutely this. I'm fucking pumped now. I agree, the song titles are pretentious, and I could honestly do without the French, but hey, maybe it'll make sense, and if it doesn't so long as the music is good I don't care. The not-DT-esque song titles are actually a good sign for me. It looks like we're really going to get something not safe, and subsequently, something absolutely amazing. I'm also surprised that we're opening up with a multi-part track given what we knew before. The only thing I'm personally missing now is the ability to buy the damn thing.

And though I do understand Blob's feelings regarding no "Dream Theater"on the cover art, I think aesthetically it looks gorgeous and I'll be holding out for a high quality version of it.

[Ben_Jamin]

I didn't expect any of this at all....

WOW!!!!!!!!

The cover is amazing, the song titles are great. The artwork fits the titles. If my guesses are right, based off the cover and titles,  This is gonna be amazing.

[OsMosis2259]

Best cover art since ToT!

[Bolsters]

I think this one actually looks better than the old one.  Maybe they just wanted an updated take on the logo?

Apparently every little thing has to be exactly the same, to the pixel, every single time the band releases anything. So, no.

[Mister Gold]

Anyone want to predict which one has John Myung lyrics?

I'm guessing either Behind the Veil or Illumination Theory.

[BlobVanDam]

Looks like Syme to me, aside from not knowing why he'd up end with a different logo. Swap out the correct logo, and I think it's the best album cover since ToT. As it is though, it bugs me enough that I don't even like looking at it.

How is that not the correct logo?  It's the majesty logo embossed.  I'm looking at them side by side and they seem to be pretty much exactly the same only with silver and an emboss effect.

The existing Majesty logo is not that elipsoid or that flat, and the "tails" are not supposed to be that flat and sharp. And the existing logo is not symmetrical vertically.
Also, it just looks plain off.

I think this one actually looks better than the old one.  Maybe they just wanted an updated take on the logo?  Either way, this cover is way better than the last 3 for sure, I think.

But a few minutes ago, you couldn't even tell the difference between the logos side by side.

It looked nasty to me when it was the purple design, and it still looks nasty to me now. If you're using your logo as the only defining image on a self titled album cover, at least stick to the same one you've identified yourself by for your entire career. This logo design looks like fan art to me, and is a huge downer on an otherwise beautifully simple design. I'd love it if they fixed that, and would easily be one of their best covers but for that.

[nikatapi]

Anyone want to predict which one has John Myung lyrics?

I'll say there are 2 songs with JM lyrics. The Bigger Picture and Illumination Theory.

[425]

Behind the Veil.

I think either that one or The Looking Glass (which has the possibility for water imagery ).

[lyfeternl]

New desk top background deployed...

New iPhone wallpaper/lockscreen activated...

[Zydar]

At least there's no unicyclist this time. What are you going to animate for them now, Blob?