Official Distance Over Time discussion thread

[TheOutlawXanadu]

Untethered Angel has grown on me a ton. Enjoyed it at first. Love it now. It is a riff goldmine.

[MirrorMask]

It happened again: I look up casually at work and I see the number of calls received this day so far. 137. It's the second time it happens already 

[Bertielee]

It happened again: I look up casually at work and I see the number of calls received this day so far. 137. It's the second time it happens already 

OMG nuggetz!

[Sebastián Pratesi]

Speaking of nuggets:

Today, I was finally able to get Distance Over Time on CD - the digipack edition. Looking at the artwork for "Untethered Angel", I noticed that the picture hanging on the wall (next to the window in the room) is exactly the same as the "The Answer Lies Within" artwork in the Octavarium booklet.

Sorry if it's already been pointed out - I was curious about it, and wondering whether there's any meaning behind Syme re-using that image. Maybe something to do with the lyrics of both songs?

[nikatapi]

Speaking of nuggets:

Today, I was finally able to get Distance Over Time on CD - the digipack edition. Looking at the artwork for "Untethered Angel", I noticed that the picture hanging on the wall (next to the window in the room) is exactly the same as the "The Answer Lies Within" artwork in the Octavarium booklet.

Sorry if it's already been pointed out - I was curious about it, and wondering whether there's any meaning behind Syme re-using that image. Maybe something to do with the lyrics of both songs?

Given Syme's prior work, he probably didn't care to find a new image 

[bosk1]

Hard to say whether it is a cool nugget or just laziness he didn't think anyone would spot.    I'll give him the benefit of the doubt unless we learn otherwise.  So...cool nugget!

[Another_Won]

Speaking of nuggets:

Today, I was finally able to get Distance Over Time on CD - the digipack edition. Looking at the artwork for "Untethered Angel", I noticed that the picture hanging on the wall (next to the window in the room) is exactly the same as the "The Answer Lies Within" artwork in the Octavarium booklet.

Sorry if it's already been pointed out - I was curious about it, and wondering whether there's any meaning behind Syme re-using that image. Maybe something to do with the lyrics of both songs?

Nice!  I first looked at the artwork release with the single and I didn't see the picture.  You have to look at the full image from the album.  I like it!  cool nugget.

[SystematicThought]

Speaking of nuggets:

Today, I was finally able to get Distance Over Time on CD - the digipack edition. Looking at the artwork for "Untethered Angel", I noticed that the picture hanging on the wall (next to the window in the room) is exactly the same as the "The Answer Lies Within" artwork in the Octavarium booklet.

Sorry if it's already been pointed out - I was curious about it, and wondering whether there's any meaning behind Syme re-using that image. Maybe something to do with the lyrics of both songs?

Given how I put together the DoT cover with a simple Google search of "robot hand holding skull", I'll chalk it up to Syme's habitual laziness.

[ReaperKK]

Speaking of nuggets:

Today, I was finally able to get Distance Over Time on CD - the digipack edition. Looking at the artwork for "Untethered Angel", I noticed that the picture hanging on the wall (next to the window in the room) is exactly the same as the "The Answer Lies Within" artwork in the Octavarium booklet.

Sorry if it's already been pointed out - I was curious about it, and wondering whether there's any meaning behind Syme re-using that image. Maybe something to do with the lyrics of both songs?

Given Syme's prior work, he probably didn't care to find a new image 

Whenever I see Syme's work I get a mental image that he random clicks on photos on a folder labeled "Cover Art lolz" on his desktop and then pastes parts of them together.

[Sebastián Pratesi]

I just checked, and the lyrics to both songs feature the word "within" and the phrase "don't be afraid". Maybe he (Syme) thought the songs were somewhat connected.

[BeatriceNB]

I noticed the dominoes from the Octavarium booklet instantly, and I thought they were there as an easter egg, maybe also because both songs have similar lyrical themes.

Now, about D/T, I feel weird about it. Once the brand new feeling ran away, I have barely listened to it, except once I changed the songs order for something that made more sense (to me). The tracks I listen the most are At Wit's End (love how Proggy it is) and Out Of Reach, the others, pretty much never.
It's a good album for an easy listening, to jam to, if that makes sense. But other than, I don't think I'll find a reason to came back to it continuously, like I do with ADTOE, TA, I&W or Awake, even DT12 and WDADU.

Also, I feel it's some kind of "this is who we are" album, or what DT12 tried to be, and for that reason, there's not a "I love THIS about this album" sensation, like, let's say, the ambience of Awake, the happy vibe of I&W, the funkiness of FII, or even the heaviness of TOT.

I guess I can summarize it as: I'm happy it exists, but I could live without it.
I wonder if someone else feels the same.

[IDontNotDoThings]

There's also the (probably) co-incidence of both These Walls and Untethered Angel "falling into darkness". 

[ReaPsTA]

There's also the (probably) co-incidence of both These Walls and Untethered Angel "falling into darkness". 

A better DTF historian than me might know the specific post, but long ago someone posted a word map of DT lyrics, and light and dark were among the most prominent.

[Cool Chris]

It's a good album for an easy listening, to jam to, if that makes sense. But other than, I don't think I'll find a reason to came back to it continuously, like I do with ADTOE, TA, I&W or Awake, even DT12 and WDADU.

Also, I feel it's some kind of "this is who we are" album.....

I guess I can summarize it as: I'm happy it exists, but I could live without it.
I wonder if someone else feels the same.

I don't feel the same about everything in this post, but I wanted to touch on it. If it is a statement of "this is who we are, and this is the album we wanted to make, and we loved making it and we feel stronger than ever" than I am exceedingly happy with it, even if I don't love it myself. I equate it with DT12. I enjoy all the songs to varying degrees, but at the same time, none of them resonate with me 10 seconds after the fade out.

[Dublagent66]

Also, I feel it's some kind of "this is who we are" album, or what DT12 tried to be, and for that reason, there's not a "I love THIS about this album" sensation, like, let's say, the ambience of Awake, the happy vibe of I&W, the funkiness of FII, or even the heaviness of TOT.

I guess I can summarize it as: I'm happy it exists, but I could live without it.
I wonder if someone else feels the same.

I don't feel the same way at all.  I think DoT is a "return to form" album following a "this is who we aren't" album.

[Sebastián Pratesi]

A better DTF historian than me might know the specific post, but long ago someone posted a word map of DT lyrics, and light and dark were among the most prominent.

Last October, the great noxon posted this one here, and on DTW's Facebook page:

• https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=52809.msg2483390#msg2483390
• https://www.facebook.com/TheDreamTheaterWorld/photos/a.977563095652365/2259900554085273

Maybe that's the one you're thinking of.

[SwedishGoose]

Also, I feel it's some kind of "this is who we are" album, or what DT12 tried to be, and for that reason, there's not a "I love THIS about this album" sensation, like, let's say, the ambience of Awake, the happy vibe of I&W, the funkiness of FII, or even the heaviness of TOT.

I guess I can summarize it as: I'm happy it exists, but I could live without it.
I wonder if someone else feels the same.

I don't feel the same way at all.  I think DoT is a "return to form" album following a "this is who we aren't" album.

I'm feeling more like a "this is who the fans want us to be" after a "this is what we want to do no matter what the fans want".....

[IgnotusPerIgnotium]

"Also, I feel it's some kind of "this is who we are" album, or what DT12 tried to be"

Personally I had this notion from the very first songs that the band released.
Particularly this album is a mix of what DT12 would like for them to be, in terms of success and what the fans really where expecting.
DoT is both a new exploration for Dream Theater's musical territory and an answer to the call of fans that wanted something heavier and more raw.
Everyone has their own tastes and personalities that they will judge if they like the songs or maybe if the album is already considered a classic.
I'll be honest this album and TA just can't stick with me..DoT has the production qualities that I wished DT12 had, and the songs seem more focused but they lack personality and the artistic vision of what this album is about..

[PetFish]

I don't feel the same way at all.  I think DoT is a "return to form" album following a "this is who we aren't" album.

That's pretty harsh.  If anything, The Astonishing *is* who they are, since it showcases every aspect of their abilities and doesn't lean obviously into one style... other than prog-style.

I'm feeling more like a "this is who the fans want us to be" after a "this is what we want to do no matter what the fans want".....

I'm a fan and The Astonishing is exactly what I wanted.

[SwedishGoose]

I'm feeling more like a "this is who the fans want us to be" after a "this is what we want to do no matter what the fans want".....

I'm a fan and The Astonishing is exactly what I wanted.

The Astonishing is my favorite but a lot of fans were really vocal about it and to the band it must have seemed that the fans did not like it.

[Cool Chris]

I'm a fan and The Astonishing is exactly what I wanted.

I can't imagine myself thinking "I want DT to release an album like TA..." but at that point in their career I am glad they did.

[Polarbear]

I think I've said this before, but I really respect DT for taking a big chance with The Astonishing, despite the album missing the mark on every level for me!

D/T is better on every level. Everything from songwriting to production. First DT album in years with any real staying power for me.

[Architeuthis]

This could be a possible nugget.  The front of the cd cover (with bonus track version) is glossy and the back side is matte, just like the JP Majesty Monarchy 2017/2018 guitar. The front of the guitar being glossy, while the back of the neck is flat/matte finish.  Hmm, I dunno.   

[RoeDent]

I'm feeling more like a "this is who the fans want us to be" after a "this is what we want to do no matter what the fans want".....

This whole idea of "fan service" is a strange one. Before The Astonishing, there were some fans crying out for another concept album a la SFAM. We got The Astonishing. Those fans got their concept album. A concept album that went far far deeper than SFAM in terms of fleshing out the characters and giving them lives, a place to live, etc. And yet it seems many were still unhappy. You can't please everyone.

D/T is aging very well for me. I love The Astonishing and will defend its merits and worth against all opposers until the day I shuffle off this mortal coil, but D/T 100% tops it. My only minor complaint about D/T is the way At Wit's End ends, with the fadeout and "easter egg". We got a bit less of a song than the initial pre-release time suggested. That's all.

[robwebster]

There's also the (probably) co-incidence of both These Walls and Untethered Angel "falling into darkness". 

A better DTF historian than me might know the specific post, but long ago someone posted a word map of DT lyrics, and light and dark were among the most prominent.

That one line in Surrounded accounted for a solid 12% of all uses.

*some numbers made up

[gzarruk]

DT and Distance Over Time have been nominated for best album cover, best international band and album of the year for Prog Magazine's Progressive music awards. You can vote here: https://www.loudersound.com/features/vote-now-in-the-2019-progressive-music-awards

[gborland]

Here is a spooky coincidence. I asked my two kids to choose a random number between 136 and 138 and they both chose 137! WTF?

[Setlist Scotty]

Here is a spooky coincidence. I asked my two kids to choose a random number between 136 and 138 and they both chose 137! WTF?

Whoa Graham - that's deep!

[Samsara]

I'm feeling more like a "this is who the fans want us to be" after a "this is what we want to do no matter what the fans want".....

That's always the struggle for any successful act. The guys in DT aren't stupid. They know, instinctively, what everyone wants from them. But if they only did that, they'd be bored out of their minds. But venturing into new territory comes with a risk, and I think The Astonishing showed that. A ton of push back.

I view Distance Over Time very much the way I view Fates Warning's Theories of Flight. The records are both the sum of three decades-plus of experience and creativity, plus some new nuances, put through a blender of their biggest commercial successes. The result is something new, inspiring, but distinctly familiar at the same time, and really resets the template of what each of the bands is.

Extremely well-executed records that have a beautiful balance of stylistic hallmarks from across the years, and some new flavors. I do expect the next albums from both those bands to follow a similar trend, but perhaps expand a bit more, depending on the interests of the band members.

At any rate, I think Distance Over Time is a brilliant album, and the absolute right move after The Astonishing.

[Mladen]

Out of reach came on today when I was playing songs from my phone on shuffle. It's such a beautiful song, it grew to be one of my favorites on the album.

[DoctorAction]

Out Of Reach has also grown into one of my favourites overv time.

Still loving the album as a whole.

Room 137 is another that grew and grew. The section after the lead from just before the 3 minute mark to just before 3.30 is cracking.

[Dublagent66]

I don't feel the same way at all.  I think DoT is a "return to form" album following a "this is who we aren't" album.

That's pretty harsh.  If anything, The Astonishing *is* who they are, since it showcases every aspect of their abilities and doesn't lean obviously into one style... other than prog-style.

I don't think it's harsh at all.  Of course it sounds like DT, but it sounds like DT trying to be like Pink Floyd or Rush.  That's not who they are.  Different styles is one thing.  Going down a different path altogether with concept and format is something else.  They basically drifted away from what they're well known for, progressive metal.

I'm feeling more like a "this is who the fans want us to be" after a "this is what we want to do no matter what the fans want".....

I'm a fan and The Astonishing is exactly what I wanted.

That's not really the point.  It's what they wanted to do regardless if the fans wanted it or not.

[jammindude]

I don't think TA sounds anything like PF or Rush.   To me it sounded more like them being a kind of TSO/Les Miserables hybrid.   I actually think I'm going to like the album a lot more as time goes on, it's just a lot to digest.     I still think some songs don't sound finished, but I really dig the concept.   

[ytserush]

I don't think TA sounds anything like PF or Rush.   To me it sounded more like them being a kind of TSO/Les Miserables hybrid.   I actually think I'm going to like the album a lot more as time goes on, it's just a lot to digest.     I still think some songs don't sound finished, but I really dig the concept.

Interesting point.

I agree about the concept, I just really wish the lyrics were up to it.

[romdrums]

I'm feeling more like a "this is who the fans want us to be" after a "this is what we want to do no matter what the fans want".....

That's always the struggle for any successful act. The guys in DT aren't stupid. They know, instinctively, what everyone wants from them. But if they only did that, they'd be bored out of their minds. But venturing into new territory comes with a risk, and I think The Astonishing showed that. A ton of push back.

I view Distance Over Time very much the way I view Fates Warning's Theories of Flight. The records are both the sum of three decades-plus of experience and creativity, plus some new nuances, put through a blender of their biggest commercial successes. The result is something new, inspiring, but distinctly familiar at the same time, and really resets the template of what each of the bands is.

Extremely well-executed records that have a beautiful balance of stylistic hallmarks from across the years, and some new flavors. I do expect the next albums from both those bands to follow a similar trend, but perhaps expand a bit more, depending on the interests of the band members.

At any rate, I think Distance Over Time is a brilliant album, and the absolute right move after The Astonishing.

All of this.