My thoughts on 'Dream Theater' (***SPOILERS***)

[Bolsters]

JLB usually only writes one song, perhaps on the next album he can step up and write more. The only reason we aren't seeing anything penned by him on DT12 is because he was writing for his latest solo album, and I guess there wasn't enough inspiration or time for him to write anything for Dream Theater aswell.

[Meatrose]

I think that him taking a step back from the lyric writing process due to him having recently written a lot of lyrics for his solo album is not a sign of weakness or that he's not feeling involved or motivated enough. On the contrary I think it shows that he really cares about the material and that he decided to do what he thinks is best for the album.

[eviljust]

I think that him taking a step back from the lyric writing process due to him having recently written a lot of lyrics for his solo album is not a sign of weakness or that he's not feeling involved or motivated enough. On the contrary I think it shows that he really cares about the material and that he decided to do what he thinks is best for the album.

My same thought.

I have a question for noxon, do you confirm we will be able to read your review in three days?

[noxon]

I think so, I haven't heard otherwise.

[eviljust]

I think so, I haven't heard otherwise.

good news

[Estiui]

So this Monday we're having a great review and Along For The Ride. Not bad at all 

For those who have listened to the album. What do you think about AFTR? 

[me7]

The way JP and JLB described it in the track-by-track video I expect something like "Cover my Eyes".

[chaotic_ripper]

I was thinking something like The Spirit Carries On.

[Daso]

I felt The Bigger Picture would be somewhat similar to The Spirit Carries On for some reason.

[Nearmyth]

By the way it's been described, The Bigger Picture almost sounds like it's gonna be ballad-ish... But following so soon after The Looking Glass, I can't see that happening. Unless The Looking Glass isn't as ballad-like as I had originally thought.

I don't really have a feel on what AFTR is going to sound like either, we know it has acoustic guitar and a guitar solo, but who knows... I guess we'll see in a couple of days.

[eviljust]

I recently quoted cyberdrummer early ranking on my DT forum, so I can easily remember he really liked that song Can't remember anything from Meatrose or noxon though
I'm expecting easy melodical lines, mellow synth sections and some acoustic from JP, but obviously can't say that for sure

[Thematt202]

Can I ask a question to the privileged few?

I noticed there was a slight power metal influence on the last album (LNF, BITS).  Does this continue with the new material? 

I'm hoping the answer's gonna be a resounding "yes!".

[noxon]

It's a resounding NO! (and thank god for that)

[Zydar]

[BlobVanDam]

I didn't hear any power metal influence on ADTOE. I probably would have liked it a lot more if they did.

[wolfking]

There was nothing remotely in the vein of power metal on ADTOE.

[me7]

What parts of LNF and BITS reminded you of Power Metal?

[mikemangioy]

maybe the lyrics and some bits and pieces of the music like BITS ethnical breakdown and intro... but otherwise I don't see the power metal.

[Tis BOOLsheet]

There is no power metal influence to be found in ADToE

[efx]

It's not overtly there but there are parts of say LNF where I can hear it.

[Thematt202]

The melodies in both songs are power metal inspired to my ears.  Also the held power chords in the chorus of BITS are a frequently used power metal guitar technique.

TiTL could easily be the ballad from any  power metal album.

[Shadow Ninja 2.0]

Um, do you listen to power metal?

[farsight]

Well, I think the chorus palm mute riff in LNF has a hint of power metal in it. Same as with the the second verse of TEI. I don't listen to power metal that much though.

[Estiui]

I don't think that nothing in ADTOE has any power-metal vibe. However, TEI has a clear power-metal pattern and progressions for me.

[Shadow Ninja 2.0]

Even though I haven't heard The Enemy Inside, I'm pretty sure I'd disagree.

[farsight]

Even though I haven't heard The Enemy Inside, I'm pretty sure I'd disagree.

So you haven't seen TEI's lyric video yet? It features DT in Mordor, fighting a troll. After slaying the monster, a dragon comes out, DT looks at each other, and the video ends with a scene that reminds me of a Manowar cover. It's power metal as fck.

[PixelDream]

I don't think I've ever had lower expectations for a DT album than this time around. I think TEI is the most generic they've ever sounded. Even AROP - which I really don't like - has more redeeming qualities; an eastern melody here, a sample in the background there. I just don't dig the vibe in TEI - it's a wall of sound and my ears are tired way before the instrumental section.

Which makes it all the more interesting if the album turns out to be amazing. Would be a great surprise - but I'm skipping track #2 every time, that's for sure.

[Shadow Ninja 2.0]

Even though I haven't heard The Enemy Inside, I'm pretty sure I'd disagree.

So you haven't seen TEI's lyric video yet? It features DT in Mordor, fighting a troll. After slaying the monster, a dragon comes out, DT looks at each other, and the video ends with a scene that reminds me of a Manowar cover. It's power metal as fck.

Nope, I have neither seen nor heard it.

[Estiui]

Even though I haven't heard The Enemy Inside, I'm pretty sure I'd disagree.

So you haven't seen TEI's lyric video yet? It features DT in Mordor, fighting a troll. After slaying the monster, a dragon comes out, DT looks at each other, and the video ends with a scene that reminds me of a Manowar cover. It's power metal as fck.

[aprilethereal]

The melodies in both songs are power metal inspired to my ears.  Also the held power chords in the chorus of BITS are a frequently used power metal guitar technique.

Seriously? Held power chords are a power metal influence according to you? Come on.

[RMGadelha]

I think so, I haven't heard otherwise.

Sorry for my extreme anxiety, but can you tell us around which hour of the day we can expect the review? 12 am Norwegian time or did they specify a certain timezone?

EDIT: Or right with the new song broadcast? Then we could take the review... Along for the Ride

[Red_Queen]

 

Even though I haven't heard The Enemy Inside, I'm pretty sure I'd disagree.

So you haven't seen TEI's lyric video yet? It features DT in Mordor, fighting a troll. After slaying the monster, a dragon comes out, DT looks at each other, and the video ends with a scene that reminds me of a Manowar cover. It's power metal as fck.

[me7]

I don't know much about Power Metal. I once tried to listen to a DragonForce album but had to quit halfway through.
Do "Power Metal guitar techniques" really exist? I thought Power Metal was defined only by songwriting characteristics (sing-along qualities) and lyrics (fires and flames).

[?]

I can hear a little bit of power metal in a few earlier DT songs like Afterlife and UAGM, but I don't think anything on ADTOE sounds power metalish.

[Thematt202]

If your experience of power metal is limited to Manowar and Dragonforce then I can understand the negative responses.  If you've heard modern stuff such as Seventh Wonder, Sonata Arctica, Theocracy, etc, then perhaps you'll see where I'm coming from.