The Enemy Inside Discussion Thread

[wolfking]

After first listen, I really like the song.  Love the faster tempo and the amazing riffs here.  I agree JLB is mixed too low, but ir could just be the sound file.  There were a lot of sections that reminded me of past DT songs, but that's okay. 

I love the modern edge to it too.  Things are looking good for this album.

[PROGdrummer]

I've listened to it twice now and I love it!  The drums are fantastic, so good to have that chunky bass drum sound in DT.  The riffs and the instrumental wackiness are also fantastic!

Only criticism is that the vocal melody in the chorus isn't as catchy as some of their other stuff.  All in all, a fantastic song and I seriously cannot wait until September.   

I can't help but ask you, does your profile image have anything to do with Monster Rancher?

[Outcrier]

Well that's fine. I am one of those guys who strongly dislikes FII. And that's fine too.
I personally don't care much if you think the new track is awesome and have no complaints, that's great for you, but I (and others) are still allowed to dislike it or critique it if we want to within this thread.

No you're not! LOL Your opinion is fine. It just bugs me that DT fans are so critical at times. We should be grateful they even release new music for us. Sure it may not be what all of us want to hear, but it is DT, their music made to their tastes. Without DT life would be a bit boring so I'm grateful for whatever they have to offer us. It's not like they're playing rap or some gawd awefull music.

Hip-hop, not rap, and lame hip-hop is the mainstream one... ever heard of Madvillain, Madlib, RZA? That's the real stuff.

[The Boomr]

No you're not! LOL Your opinion is fine. It just bugs me that DT fans are so critical at times. We should be grateful they even release new music for us. Sure it may not be what all of us want to hear, but it is DT, their music made to their tastes. Without DT life would be a bit boring so I'm grateful for whatever they have to offer us. It's not like they're playing rap or some gawd awefull music.

Well in my case, anyway, I get so critical of it because I love them so much. With most other bands I listen to, if they release a new single, I might happen to listen before the album comes out, and I'll probably think "Yeah, pretty good" and maybe listen to it again or not, or think "Nah, not so great" and probably not listen again. DT is the only band that I love so much that I'll spam F5 on the streaming page until the song loads, and I have to be critical of it because nothing is perfect, and if I talked about the things I like it would just be infinite nerdgasms all over everywhere lol. I don't listen to any other band with as much attention to detail as I do DT (save for maybe some Opeth).

[BlackInk]

The thing I fear about this album is that most of the songs will be like that. I feel like there will be no song that I really really like, except from Illumination Theory.

What are you basing that on? Just or hunch or something more concrete?

No, just a hunch. Of course I could be wrong and I'll love it. But I have the same feeling about most of this album that I had about The Enemy Inside, that it'll all just be average stuff. Not bad, but average.

And my predictions matter, becuase I'm made of magic.

[The Boomr]

And my predictions matter, becuase I'm made of magic.

[alexofsweden]

Has it been revealed when TEI will be available at ITunes etc. etc.?

[rush-signals]

Well in my case, anyway, I get so critical of it because I love them so much. With most other bands I listen to, if they release a new single, I might happen to listen before the album comes out, and I'll probably think "Yeah, pretty good" and maybe listen to it again or not, or think "Nah, not so great" and probably not listen again. DT is the only band that I love so much that I'll spam F5 on the streaming page until the song loads, and I have to be critical of it because nothing is perfect, and if I talked about the things I like it would just be infinite nerdgasms all over everywhere lol. I don't listen to any other band with as much attention to detail as I do DT (save for maybe some Opeth).

I hear you. My other favorite bands, Rush and Kiss. Well I've learned to just accept what they release. I may not like it all but I don't bash them either. I figure it is what it is. Granted I really like Clockwork Angels, but Kiss' recent releases, blah. So I just don't buy it or listen to it and remember them for what they were. But I'm always excited when DT releases new music, they've never let me down IMO.

[TheDodo]

After a few listens I think it's average. The mix - especially of the drums - is overall better but the song doesn't reach me. It has some nice wacky keyboard/guitar parts but the bass only doubles the guitar line most of the time. JM could do so much more.. And I like my songs a little bit more proggy like OTBOA was two years ago. It had an amazing intro, strong chorus and the keyboard sounds. Sounded a lot clearer and crisper.

[Zukuduku]

Wow, this is in my opinion the strongest of prealbum singles I have heard. Well, there's not too many of those: As I Am, Constant Motion, Rite of Passage and On the Backs of Angels. Or did I forget any?

If the rest of the album is as good quality as this song, I definitely agree with the band that the album should be self titled. I mean, just listen to this song: heavy, technical, proggy with nice melodies and chords. This is absolutely 'Dream Theater'.

I have only a small fear. The song is quite packed. It fits very well with the topic and mood of the song (like e.g. Panic Attack), but hopefully the album has also some more relaxed tracks. It could get a bit tiring to listen to 70+ minutes of nonstop action like this. But DT has traditionally had also breathing room in their records, so I'm sure that it's been taken care of also this time.

Can't wait for the rest of the album! 9+/10

[vtgrad]

Wow... I've got to say, I'm surprised... in a good way!  Not at all what I was expecting; quite honestly, I don't know what I was expecting

During each new album cycle, DT always seems to hit me in the style that I'm listening to at the time.  What I mean by that is my musical tastes (style-wise) seem to change after long cycles; for instance, lately I've been listening to a lot of instrumental music... Scale the Summit (new album is incredible), Animals as Leaders, old Satriani (Time-machine back mostly) etc.  The movements in this new song cover the majority of what I've been listening to for the past 6-months or so (in my opinion of course)... a little bit of Djent... melodic passages... and, of course, virtuosity.  I love it

And as a fan since 93, it is far beyond explanation with mere words how absolutely ecstatic I am that my favorite band... the gentlemen that inspired me to be a musician and broadened my horizons past "hair metal"... is still making music that is fresh and inspired (to my ears).  Language is not sufficient to thank them for what they're still doing.

Bring on September... and them bring on March

[snapple]

[Dark Castle]

3rd listen, dear god this song fucking rules.

[snapple]

3rd listen, dear god this song fucking rules.

I put on my headphones and I can hear everything clearly now (the rain is gone). This feels super concise. ADToE had the issue of songs feeling like they were parts mashed together...this song feels like one constant idea.

[goo-goo]

Has it been revealed when TEI will be available at ITunes etc. etc.?

Tomorrow on Amazon. Not sure if Itunes will carry it but I did see the aug 6 release date on Amazon this morning (and I might have asked a similar question here)

[The Boomr]

3rd listen, dear god this song fucking rules.

I put on my headphones and I can see clearly now (the rain is gone). This feels super concise. ADToE had the issue of songs feeling like they were parts mashed together...this song feels like one constant idea.

FTFY

[snapple]

FTFY

that was the joke

[The Boomr]

FTFY

that was the joke

I know I was just doing overkill by making the lyrics correct

[Mat JB]

After a few listens, I'm enjoying this song even more. I like the compact intensity and tightly structured approach, and I think it bodes very well for the rest of the album.

[mellotron_scratch]

I've listened a couple of times, and I really like it. The only bit which I think is a bit 'meh' is the chorus (could have been catchier like AROP or OtBOA). The drums sound awesome, can't wait for the rest of the album!

[TL]

Well in my case, anyway, I get so critical of it because I love them so much. With most other bands I listen to, if they release a new single, I might happen to listen before the album comes out, and I'll probably think "Yeah, pretty good" and maybe listen to it again or not, or think "Nah, not so great" and probably not listen again. DT is the only band that I love so much that I'll spam F5 on the streaming page until the song loads, and I have to be critical of it because nothing is perfect, and if I talked about the things I like it would just be infinite nerdgasms all over everywhere lol. I don't listen to any other band with as much attention to detail as I do DT (save for maybe some Opeth).

I hear you. My other favorite bands, Rush and Kiss. Well I've learned to just accept what they release. I may not like it all but I don't bash them either. I figure it is what it is. Granted I really like Clockwork Angels, but Kiss' recent releases, blah. So I just don't buy it or listen to it and remember them for what they were. But I'm always excited when DT releases new music, they've never let me down IMO.

I understand where you're coming from. I think some people just hold bands they really like to a higher standard. Even when being highly critical, at the end of the day they still like it. There's also the notion that if you abandon any sort of constructive criticism, it's not doing anyone any favors, and that blind acceptance of anything an artist puts out is actually much worse for them. That's the camp I tend to fall more into.

Anyway, so far I would say that I like the new song, but something about the mix is just 'off'. I'm debating whether it's the volume of the overall mix, or the guitar being too loud relative to everything else, or something else entirely. Like, there are sections where I like what is being played, but it feels almost like there's a sort of muted barrier between my ears and the music. Again, I'm listening with good quality headphones, just loosely comparing to other music on the same headphones.
I'll probably shut up about this for a little while now because I know I'm probably sounding like a broken record. It's just disheartening when a good song is actively hindered by its own production.

[Plasmastrike]

I listened to it once.

What a rocking song. There is a ton of energy, the chorus was smooth, the instrumental section was insane in a good way, and the slowed down chorus at the end was nice. Reallyyy a fun listen.

Looking forward to hearing it in lossless quality.

[Theme Dreater]

After listening to it a fourth time, here's what I think. It beats the hell out of CM, but this song really does just sound like a regurgitation of OTBOA and BITS. The song isn't bad, but I was really hoping for something that sounded a bit more new. On a plus note, JLB sounds fucking awesome, and that's coming from someone who considers him the worst part of the band. I hope the rest of the album will end up being more inspired and fresh. I'd probably be blown away by this track if ADTOE had never been released.

[lonestar]

Finally made it to the end of this thread. I listened to the song a few times. . . On the shitty speaker on my work computer. I really need to hear it on something that doesn't suck before I can judge.

Kinda feel this way too. I'm gonna put off any more listening till I get the download and have my a-game headphones on.

[Thematt202]

I can't help but ask you, does your profile image have anything to do with Monster Rancher?

Nope, its by a Dutch artist, Kamiel Proost.  He's done some awesome trippy stuff -

https://www.kamiel-proost.com/

(sorry for the off-topic)

[icarus4321]

I've listened quite a few times at this point and I'm really impressed by this song.  I saw a few people reference that Panic Attack type aggression with the intro and that was the first vibe that I got too, but this track is just a bit more focused. 

I agree that JLB could be a bit higher in the mix, but I'm not too concerned with that. 

Mangini is amazing.  He's so technically interesting and has injected his own personality and energy into the song.  That hi-hat in the intro is all over the place.

Bottom line is I'm psyched to hear the whole album.  I think Rich Chycki's influence here is pretty noticeable - between Mangini's snare that everyone's mentioned and the direct recording that they've talked about in a few of the studio videos.  I suspect that recording technique will give us that spontaneous spark that isn't always there when you've gone through a part 200 times in the recording process.

[tofee35]

The sound is really thick. I feel like there's always something interesting going on. The drums have a fat thud to them with cutting toms... the metal approach to the drums work for me here. Mangini's playing comes out more too. The fills and kick drum work in particular start to create a larger style gap between his playing and MP's on past albums (in contrast to ADTOE).

I'm really loving the mix too. I feel like I'm engulfed by the music when I listen to this. I like how JL's vocals are treated like an accompanying instrument rather than the focal point especially on the choruses. I'm sure he'll be more up front in the mix when it calls for it on the album.

Overall, I dig the grooves and the tempo (especially). This one doesn't drag.

[Zorander]

Well in my case, anyway, I get so critical of it because I love them so much. With most other bands I listen to, if they release a new single, I might happen to listen before the album comes out, and I'll probably think "Yeah, pretty good" and maybe listen to it again or not, or think "Nah, not so great" and probably not listen again. DT is the only band that I love so much that I'll spam F5 on the streaming page until the song loads, and I have to be critical of it because nothing is perfect, and if I talked about the things I like it would just be infinite nerdgasms all over everywhere lol. I don't listen to any other band with as much attention to detail as I do DT (save for maybe some Opeth).

I hear you. My other favorite bands, Rush and Kiss. Well I've learned to just accept what they release. I may not like it all but I don't bash them either. I figure it is what it is. Granted I really like Clockwork Angels, but Kiss' recent releases, blah. So I just don't buy it or listen to it and remember them for what they were. But I'm always excited when DT releases new music, they've never let me down IMO.

I understand where you're coming from. I think some people just hold bands they really like to a higher standard. Even when being highly critical, at the end of the day they still like it. There's also the notion that if you abandon any sort of constructive criticism, it's not doing anyone any favors, and that blind acceptance of anything an artist puts out is actually much worse for them. That's the camp I tend to fall more into.

Anyway, so far I would say that I like the new song, but something about the mix is just 'off'. I'm debating whether it's the volume of the overall mix, or the guitar being too loud relative to everything else, or something else entirely. Like, there are sections where I like what is being played, but it feels almost like there's a sort of muted barrier between my ears and the music. Again, I'm listening with good quality headphones, just loosely comparing to other music on the same headphones.
I'll probably shut up about this for a little while now because I know I'm probably sounding like a broken record. It's just disheartening when a good song is actively hindered by its own production.

Yes, exactly this. Why does it soundcloud like that? Its like there is no.. Space (dynamic range?) or clarity, just a wall of sound.. Not my favoritt type of DT song, but still it works. However, The fact that the sound is "muddy" detracts a good bit from the experience. :-/ im no Technical freak, nor very savy musically so I have no idea, but some things (songs) just sound better and I don't mean in a musical sense.

[RMGadelha]

I also need to say that Jordan's section that some people didn't like and called it carnival-esque is also my favorite part of the song alongside JP's riff that starts at around 0:26 seconds and repeats after the 2nd time the chorus is played.

[ddtonfire]

It's been mentioned a few times, but it really does feel like Panic Attack-agreesion with On the Backs-progression. The post-chorus keyboards are the most obvious example of this. And Mangini's snare is a little too flat for my tastes - i like them a bit more snappy.

[MrBoom_shack-a-lack]

The verse is really growing on me especially the 2:nd verse. JLB sings very comfortably which is a good thing. It fits his current range.

[snapple]

I've got some stuff to do, but I think the lyrics for the first verse and chorus are this


Over and over again
I relive the moment
I buried the burden within
Opened wounds hidden under my skin
Pain is real as I cut that (?)
The face I see every time
I try to speak
Starting at my crying

I'm running from the enemy inside
Looking for life I left behind
These suffocating memories are etched upon my mind
And I can't (speak?) from the enemy inside

[Aythesryche]

I have to wait till this Friday to listen to it since I get my new car on friday. I have a strange ritual with when I first get into my new car I gotta bring it alive with a song of.my choosing. Thus the cars personality is born. I figure a new single from DT is worthy enough for sure. I hope the two will be a good match!

[Chino]

Well, I finally listened to this. Maybe it's because it was played through my TV, but that song didn't really do it for me :/ I felt like the mix was pretty lousy, and it was hard to tell what was what.

[eviljust]

Have listened to it 10 times already and I think I'll like this even more tomorrow. Still excited on MM drumming, don't really like the snare sound though.
JR section is so damn cool, pretty weird I read a lot of negative comments on it.