...and so it begins

[MustActFastToCoverUp]

So when will they release the iOS / Android game app with the *single* as the game music.  Even if it is only one basic level and a horrible game, I think that would be an interesting release strategy.

Iron Maiden already did it.
https://speedoflight.ironmaiden.com/

Why don't we talk about the Nomac? That thing looks awesome imo!

I agree.

[Prog Snob]

I'm a whore, I joined both sides.

Ditto.

[Mindflux]

Maybe the poor 16 bit graphics is a nod that they're going back to their 90s sound.

[mikeyd23]

I'm a whore, I joined both sides.

Ditto.

So did I. I'm very interested in this idea, I feel like its either going to be incredibly well executed or it has the chance of being extremely cheesy...

[kaos2900]

It always cracks me up that when ever new DT new comes out how fast the vibe goes from utter excitement to bashing. My brain doesn't work that way. I was just trying to figure out what they could be doing with the concept. Not once did the resolution of the artwork used enter the picture. I've made the decision to ignore this thread and any future thread until after I've listened to the album.

[Mindflux]

It always cracks me up that when ever new DT new comes out how fast the vibe goes from utter excitement to bashing. My brain doesn't work that way. I was just trying to figure out what they could be doing with the concept. Not once did the resolution of the artwork used enter the picture. I've made the decision to ignore this thread and any future thread until after I've listened to the album.

Maybe it's intentional and they wanted people to discuss it?

[RoeDent]

Watch me be totally wrong again, but I've got a good feeling about November 1st re. a real announcement. It's the beginning of a month, and that's always a good time to announce things.

[Train of Naught]

I was thinking October 30th, since it's been all about Friday mostly.

[425]

It always cracks me up that when ever new DT new comes out how fast the vibe goes from utter excitement to bashing. My brain doesn't work that way. I was just trying to figure out what they could be doing with the concept. Not once did the resolution of the artwork used enter the picture. I've made the decision to ignore this thread and any future thread until after I've listened to the album.

Look, I'm not bashing, but I am not exactly a graphic designer and even I can tell that the logos could be better. Not a big deal to me personally, but it's worth pointing out. Not going to ignore something that's right in front of me. Maybe it's not obvious to you or to some other people, and if it's not, that's great for you, but there are clearly numerous people who see it the same way as I do. And I bet if you asked someone knowledgeable about graphic design who doesn't care one way or the other about Dream Theater, they'd agree with me.

Not saying that people shouldn't enjoy it, not saying that I don't enjoy it or that I don't appreciate the teaser, not bashing the band in any way. Just pointing out, like others have, that the quality of graphic design could have been better (and in fact was better on the "old versions" that someone discovered, which is odd).

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

It always cracks me up that when ever new DT new comes out how fast the vibe goes from utter excitement to bashing. My brain doesn't work that way. I was just trying to figure out what they could be doing with the concept. Not once did the resolution of the artwork used enter the picture. I've made the decision to ignore this thread and any future thread until after I've listened to the album.

There's no 'bashing', buddy. There's nothing wrong with just stating you don't like something DT does, that doesn't make you a hater or a basher of the band. DT is still my all-time favorite band, but I agree there are a lot of things in the graphic design department that could be much better (like their official website, which I still think is kind of weird  )

[CDrice]

I think that the problem with the ravenskill logo is the lack contrast/clarity. The highlights on the newer version are not that bright and they're diffused too. To me it makes it look like a bit too muddy. And reds are a similar value than the rest of the logo, so in greyscale it doesn't really have much punch. I feel that the older red version worked much better in that regard. It has more contrast and lights and shadows are much cleaner.

As for the logo looking like something out of an old RPG games, I don't really have a problem with it. Maybe that's exactly what the band wanted and it will all make sense with the rest of the artwork and concept they're going for.

[Thoughtspart3]

I think they are definitely going for a retro look to the logos. I would guess this was intentional.  This might reflect the style and vibe of the albums.  I am glad they are having fun with this and doing something different.

[SystematicThought]

It's almost like people are letting their expectations about DT's artwork pre-judge everything they put out.

Nope, not really. Just merely making my observations. I love the names and the concept that this is hinting at, just wasn't a fan of the look of them. I'm loving the concept and like I said the names--they intrigue me

[BlackInk]

I think they are definitely going for a retro look to the logos.

I don't mind retro, but I do mind cheapness.

[jdprsaga]

about the logos... I don't really like them but I don't care..

My first thoughts about the names, especially the northern empire.. the album will be a political statement ..It's about USA vs inmigrants (aka Mexicans for some people).. .. which is one of the main talking points in the USA this days with the upcoming elections. Also goes in line with the inmigration problem they are facing in Europe with the refugees.

so.. The Great northern empire = USA + Europe (new world order) and  the ravenskill rebel milittia = latin america, africa, middle east.. third world countries.

We know Petrucci loves this topics.

.
.
.

what if  Donald Trump inspired DT13??

[TAC]

My first thoughts about the names, especially the northern empire.. the album will be a political statement ..It's about USA vs inmigrants (aka Mexicans for some people).. .. which is one of the main talking points in the USA this days with the upcoming elections. Also goes in line with the inmigration problem they are facing in Europe with the refugees.

so.. The Great northern empire = USA + Europe (new world order) and  the ravenskill rebel milittia = latin america, africa, middle east.. third world countries.

No.

[Prog Snob]

There's all sorts of things wrong with that post, but I'll shut up. It's not the forum for it.

[jdprsaga]

well, I'm not trying to stir controversy.. 

but then.. maybe the topics have to much controversy it's definitely not a good idea.

[MirrorMask]

The thing I like the most so far is that the names are generic enough to not give away the theme of the album, or the story they relate to. They're not blatantly Sci-Fi, or fantasy, or dystopian... we just don't know for sure yet, and it's "fun" to pick a side on gut feeling without knowing details beforehand.

[Setlist Scotty]

so.. The Great northern empire = USA + Europe (new world order) and  the ravenskill rebel milittia = latin america, africa, middle east.. third world countries.

We know Petrucci loves this topics.

Maybe this topic interests him, but I can't imagine him using it to make some sort of political statement, even if heavily veiled in a fictional story.

[TAC]

Maybe this topic interests him, but I can't imagine him using it to make some sort of political statement, even if heavily veiled in a fictional story.

Scott, what about it being DT's 2112?

[Kotowboy]

Maybe this topic interests him, but I can't imagine him using it to make some sort of political statement, even if heavily veiled in a fictional story.

Scott, what about it being DT's 2112?

Well we've already had DT's 12

[Calvin6s]

Damn.  A couple of logos and fictional names and we are already analyzing the unreleased lyrics.

[Mindflux]

Damn.  A couple of logos and fictional names and we are already analyzing the unreleased lyrics.

DAAAAAAAARK MASTER WITHIN

[emtee]

Can someone tell me why I'm supposed to pick a side without knowing a single thing about the entire concept?

Yes I understand it's marketing and fun and interaction but I have no clue what this is all about or what picking a side even means.

Plus, I'm an old fuck and I like to read the fine print first 

There is no fine print yet.

[SuperTaco]

DAAAAAAAARK MASTER WITHIN

I do not fight for you, mother fucker.

(This is a joke from years back, please don't hurt me)

[Setlist Scotty]

There is no fine print yet.

Exactly. So pick a side!   

[BlacklistJones]

You know what I love? The complaints about the complaints. The world would be a terribly bland, far-too uniformed, and watered-down place if it wasn't for the objective side of civilization. Being objective allows us to discuss things underneath that initial layer of "This looks great!", "Wow!", "I love DT!". It opens up the book and gives us a chance to add some elaboration. If someone complains about the artwork, so be it. Let's discuss what they don't like about it. That's the object of a forum atmosphere in the grand scheme of things, right?

Are the logos a tad cheesy? I suppose. Then again, I don't focus on things like that. I am incredibly excited about the prospect of this being a concept album [which seems to be fairly obvious at this newborn stage] and the fact that there isn't a single one of us that has any affirmative idea as to what is going on at this point. Could it be a double album? Possibly. If that's the case? I look at it as the more Dream Theater material the merrier.

As far as not receiving anything yet through email? I'm sure they are just waiting for the definitive date of reveal, to which they'll obviously send out a mailer declaring what's really going on here. This is just a marketing tool to get everyone on board so that the announcement is much more widespread and quickly available to everyone [especially in this day and age where email is simply available with the click of an icon on your mobile device].

I'm psyched. I've been psyched since Petrucci commented that the writing had began. Have I been completely disappointed by a DT album yet? Nope. I've found treasures in all of them -- and I expect to find my share in this one as well!

[jdprsaga]

so.. The Great northern empire = USA + Europe (new world order) and  the ravenskill rebel milittia = latin america, africa, middle east.. third world countries.

We know Petrucci loves this topics.

Maybe this topic interests him, but I can't imagine him using it to make some sort of political statement, even if heavily veiled in a fictional story.

true, not a political statement, but it could be like in the great debate, they didn't choose a side rather they show the view from both sides.

again.. the subjects I brought to the table are very delicate subjects, so lets bury it there. just something that crossed my mind and I didn't think to deep about it.

[King Postwhore]

Can someone tell me why I'm supposed to pick a side without knowing a single thing about the entire concept?

Yes I understand it's marketing and fun and interaction but I have no clue what this is all about or what picking a side even means.

Plus, I'm an old fuck and I like to read the fine print first 

There is no fine print yet.

Use the force Luke.  Search your feelings.

[GasparXR]

Now I'm really starting to feel excited for what's to come. Up until now, because of how little information there is about the new album, I was more less waiting passively, like "it will come eventually and it will more than likely be awesome" but now I really want to know what's going on!

[Thoughtspart3]

I am guessing we will receive different info based on which side we picked.  It will unveil part of the story and maybe even clips for that particular disc or part of the concept / story.  This could be very fun.  I only picked one side so I could play along with whatever they are doing. 

[Ben_Jamin]

I'm excited about how the new forum themes will be like.

[jonnybaxy]

I'm excited about how the new forum themes will be like.

Hopefully DT base the album around the Flash Gordon theme, So it's the default for 2 years 

[Kotowboy]

I really want a DVD of the band playing the entire album in the studio with proper direction and editing like a live DVD a la St Anger.

That would be amazing.