A Broken Man - Out December 3rd

[birchbark]

I like this a lot more than Night Terror (and I thought Night Terror was fine)! The midsection was lots of fun and I liked the intro. Looking forward to the rest of the album.

However...I really, really don't like the use of AI. It is not progressive to use technology that steals from artists and destroys the environment...and of course it just looks like slop. I would take a meh Hugh Syme artwork that he made himself any day of the week over AI generated art.

[nobloodyname]

I do think MP guided us towards the sound we are hearing in that interview he did with the Brazilian guys. He made some comment like the record sounds like we picked up where we left off and that is more or less what I am hearing.

MP was asked to clarify that somewhere. He meant in terms of the chemistry together.

[wolfking]

I agree, some say that View was also a pretty heavy album, and I guess it had its moments and there was that song on the 8-string but nothing on it comes close to Train of Thought.

I wonder how much of it is the production, ToT had a very "metal" production (for lack of a better word) and attitude to it like you said that really accentuates that style. Whereas the sound of the 2 new songs is fairly clean, similar to View.

I'm trying not to listen to the new songs too much so they're still relatively fresh when the album comes out, but I'm still of the opinion they feel like a continuation of View, only now with Portnoy on drums and a hint of that darkness from BC&SL era.

I'll come back at you and agree with all of this too.  A View had heavy moments but definitely had that slick and modern production that made it sound more glossy than heavy IMO.  Definitely a different beast production wise than TOT.  Maybe JPs guitar tone lately has something to do with it too.

Agree with your final sentence there too.  That's a great description.

[wolfking]

Gave it a second listen, without the video, and I liked it more than the initial listen. The guitar solo is still jarringly out of place though.

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks that.  Maybe JP felt the need to one up TT in the out of place guitar solo section.

[YtseBitsySpider]

Bosk "Anyway, after a few listens to this one, I really like it so far.  On first listen, I wasn't really grabbed by where it was going through the LONG intro and the first verse or so.  It didn't feel very dynamic and wasn't doing a lot that interested me.  But as is true with the majority of DT music, the song continues to grow and evolve as it progresses, and it takes you on a journey where ideas that are presented early on grow and change and open up.  By the middle of the song, I was really digging a lot of what was going on, especially after the initial listen.  There is a lot of really cool stuff here."

Yup. That's pretty much me. Well said. Nothing to add.

[Wim Kruithof]

Last days I keep on coming back to A Broken Man. The artwork of the old veteran is beautiful (haters shoot me) and I love how his hollow eyes are filled with pain and trauma. It really suits the story of war veterans so well.

They dust-up the Six Degrees track and where War Inside My Head had to push the traumatic disorder through two minutes, A Broken Man can chew on it much longer. And that's exactly what happens. Because it's a long track, the instrumental moments really let the trauma sink to your soul, where it almost feels auto-biographic. The visualizer is very well constructed and the blood pumping up in every corner, makes the pain crawling under my skin. LaBrie - to me - is the center of this masterpiece. His lyrics are fabulous and I really missed those for a long time, being so emotional and real... and he delivered those phrases beautifully.

I feel for the old veteran on one way... and in another I can take his place myself. Not due wars (thank God), but the pain one gets through in life circumstances, the marks they leave in both body and habits, it somehow feels familiar.

Bottom line, those who still claim LaBrie's days are over have no base to support their opinion anymore.

[Awaken]

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks that.  Maybe JP felt the need to one up TT in the out of place guitar solo section.

This one has grown on me significantly since it was released and IMO listening to the YT version is a waste of time due to the audio quality.  It's much better via Apple Music and with headphones or in the car (my best listening options) it really sounds great. 

Total agreement w the solo comments - I'm not sure where it comes from and that reminds me of TT because that one still sounds odd to my ears.  A Broken Man's solo section is what I absolutely love from them, though, and I really hope there is a lot more where that came from on the album.  It just sounds oddly out of place - which may be what they were going for idk.  Tune is a solid 7/10 for me, really looking forward to hearing the rest.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

7/10 is probably right. NT was 5.5/10

[Wukong]

Last days I keep on coming back to A Broken Man. The artwork of the old veteran is beautiful (haters shoot me) and I love how his hollow eyes are filled with pain and trauma. It really suits the story of war veterans so well.

I totally agree, even more so after my third night of meditating on the visual.

The image of the old man staring past the ant on his pillow feels like a moment frozen in time, one where the weight of everything is just too much. The ant, tiny and unaware of its observer, keeps moving without a care, while the old man seems to have long stopped caring. His gaze, distant and unfocused, suggests a mind that has seen too much, felt too much, and now, in the quiet of his room, can't quite find purpose in even the smallest things. It's as though the world around him has shrunk, and his connection to it has withered, like a thread that can't hold the weight of his life anymore. The ant, insignificant to most, seems to be the only thing still moving with any purpose, and he watches it, not out of curiosity, but out of sheer emptiness.

The use of CGI or AI to create this scene only makes it more haunting. These technologies, capable of simulating life in ways that feel too real, highlight the loneliness and disconnection the old man feels. They remind us that, for all their precision, they can't replicate the raw, imperfect reality of human experience—the pain of loss, the deep, quiet trauma that comes with aging, the feeling of being left behind. In this image, the old man's stillness is amplified, not by the absence of life, but by how disconnected he seems from it. The ant is busy with its own existence, while the man, once a part of that busy world, now just observes it from the sidelines, unable or unwilling to engage. The more we try to replicate life, the more we realize how much of it can't be captured.

[Rob24]

I think lots of people routinely overestimate individual contributions to... well... lots of things.

I think it's also helpful to remember that progressive music is often not immediately gripping. One or two listens is seldom enough. For example, I was ready to write the new Opeth album off after 2 listens. Then I took a third listen and, wow. I really think the record is great.

That's true for music in general. You can vibe with it on first listen, for sure, but it takes several listens for it to actually really settle in and unfold.

[hunnus2000]

I listened to it for the 3rd without watching the video and that really helped because I found I was distracted and could focus just on the music and finding the musical hook.

I liked the song a lot better after that.

[Wim Kruithof]

I totally agree, even more so after my third night of meditating on the visual.

The image of the old man staring past the ant on his pillow feels like a moment frozen in time, one where the weight of everything is just too much. The ant, tiny and unaware of its observer, keeps moving without a care, while the old man seems to have long stopped caring. His gaze, distant and unfocused, suggests a mind that has seen too much, felt too much, and now, in the quiet of his room, can't quite find purpose in even the smallest things. It's as though the world around him has shrunk, and his connection to it has withered, like a thread that can't hold the weight of his life anymore. The ant, insignificant to most, seems to be the only thing still moving with any purpose, and he watches it, not out of curiosity, but out of sheer emptiness.

The use of CGI or AI to create this scene only makes it more haunting. These technologies, capable of simulating life in ways that feel too real, highlight the loneliness and disconnection the old man feels. They remind us that, for all their precision, they can't replicate the raw, imperfect reality of human experience—the pain of loss, the deep, quiet trauma that comes with aging, the feeling of being left behind. In this image, the old man's stillness is amplified, not by the absence of life, but by how disconnected he seems from it. The ant is busy with its own existence, while the man, once a part of that busy world, now just observes it from the sidelines, unable or unwilling to engage. The more we try to replicate life, the more we realize how much of it can't be captured.

Very well said, I couldn't express it this way myself, but totally agree.

[DoctorAction]

If anything, I and a lot of other people that are disappointed with the song need to reel in their expectations and look at things from the outside and realise perhaps it's an unrealistic state of mind to go into the new material with and is not fair to the band.

I think this is a great point, mate. I've recently had an "a-ha!" moment with death metal and it's all down to the way I listen to it and my expectations.

With DT, we know they're amazing and we all want them to do a career best 6DOIT/SFAM level wonder-box album that's just an eargasm in every way from listen one. (I've fallen into this trap before. I was down on View for ages.)

If we go in with an accepting ear, it'll be a much more pleasurable experience.

After reading your posts, I just listened to NT then ABM and really enjoyed the full 18 minutes. Basically ignored my own opinion about lyrical slant and let it be it's own thing.

I felt the instrumental side has a joyful, happy energy, you know, and the voc melodies are bolder than View too. Feeling v positive. Now going to ignore the singles until album release time.

Thanks for bringing this up, man.

[MinistroRaven]

If we go in with an accepting ear, it'll be a much more pleasurable experience.

This is how I approach listening to new music by any band.
Same with TV shows, movies, etc. 

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

The use of CGI or AI to create this scene only makes it more haunting. These technologies, capable of simulating life in ways that feel too real, highlight the loneliness and disconnection the old man feels. They remind us that, for all their precision, they can't replicate the raw, imperfect reality of human experience—the pain of loss, the deep, quiet trauma that comes with aging, the feeling of being left behind. In this image, the old man's stillness is amplified, not by the absence of life, but by how disconnected he seems from it. The ant is busy with its own existence, while the man, once a part of that busy world, now just observes it from the sidelines, unable or unwilling to engage. The more we try to replicate life, the more we realize how much of it can't be captured.

Brilliantly stated. What a post!! give this man a trophy!

[Mark Levinson Jr.]

These singles and this situation remind of me of back in the 90's, when Rush released Counterparts. Of course, there were no new members in Rush, but is was a billed as a "return to form" for them. An album that broke their recent trends.

It was not 2112 Part 2, like Parasomnia is not Scenes Pt. 2. It was not the production or the songwriting of the first half of Rush's career.

It was like the "new" Rush output in many ways. But there was definitely something about it that re-captured their heritage, more than just nostalgia. It was fun to listen to and I enjoyed getting to know the album by heart.

Counterparts was Rush's 15th album. I think that it was awesome that they made an interesting, fun, slightly "retro" album that late in their career. And I think that DT has made a great statement so far, in finding a balance between new and old, and releasing tracks that are just plain fun to hear.

[hefdaddy42]

I have no idea why anyone would expect a sound or writing style that was massively different than what has happened on recent DT albums.  The guys that actually write all the notes and chords and riffs are still the same guys.  I know MP has typically had a large input on how songs turn out, but that was also when he was a producer.  And, more importantly, he isn't the riffer or composer.

[Jamesman42]

I'm warming up to both songs a lot, and really looking forward to the album. 

[MoraWintersoul]

But the problem still lies with the band though. I'm not going to dismiss AI for AI's sake.

Like Cram said, they've approved the Hugh Syme crap too.

I don't mean to beat a dead horse with the AI discussion, I just want there to be some record on the internet that some people don't like it

You're all right that they've accepted crap from Hugh Syme. Imagine if this was a new artist called Sugh Hyme and his calling card is that he is even crappier than Hugh Syme and he works for free. Suddenly everyone in the metal world is working with Sugh Hyme, saying it's because "they really like the results and they have so much fun working with him" and they are shocked and appalled that we could be so biased against Sugh Hyme just because it's Sugh Hyme.

I don't give a shit what they have on the visualizer, but I think it's fair to say that neither do they and it's not "on purpose" and "supposed to look like that".

Brilliantly stated. What a post!! give this man a trophy!

You do actually know it's not allowed to have multiple accounts and use them at the same time? Just wondering

[Wukong]

I think people are just being extra critical about the art, because they like to criticize everything Dream Theater do.
If it wasn't Hugh Syme, and someone else instead, people wouldn't complain about it. Or if it was Hugh Syme but for a different band, people would say that it was great.

I am feeling like the episode of the Office where Michael asks the crew to open their eyes and tell them what color they thought "Prison Mike" was. Everyone agrees the last James LaBrie solo album, "A Beautiful Shade of Gray", had great artwork, but if you opened your eyes and said "but it was made by Hugh Syme", people would suddenly have an issue with it.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

I have no idea why anyone would expect a sound or writing style that was massively different than what has happened on recent DT albums.  The guys that actually write all the notes and chords and riffs are still the same guys.  I know MP has typically had a large input on how songs turn out, but that was also when he was a producer.  And, more importantly, he isn't the riffer or composer.

Well, we did hear expectations that he would 'coach' or 'coax' ideas out of John Petrucci who presumably was not his best self without Mike. There was also the cinematic directors vision benefit but some people really did think John's guitar output would change meaningfully with Mike at his side.

[DoctorAction]

I think people are just being extra critical about the art, because they like to criticize everything Dream Theater do.
If it wasn't Hugh Syme, and someone else instead, people wouldn't complain about it. Or if it was Hugh Syme but for a different band, people would say that it was great.

I am feeling like the episode of the Office where Michael asks the crew to open their eyes and tell them what color they thought "Prison Mike" was. Everyone agrees the last James LaBrie solo album, "A Beautiful Shade of Gray", had great artwork, but if you opened your eyes and said "but it was made by Hugh Syme", people would suddenly have an issue with it.

Couldn't disagree more. I think people are critical of the art because it isn't great. I don't care about it with DT but they've never had a great cover, imo.

[Pettor]

^ Yeah the art isn't my cup of tea no matter artist. I think it's bottom 3 for DT. Honestly, art has always been a weak point with DT and my personal taste. I love paintings and that type of art, and DT seldom goes there. They have a digital art esthetic which really isn't my cup of tea. Now even with this AI feeling to it (I guess it is AI?).

Doesn't matter however, some people hopefully loves it and I think the band does as well. Rudess Instagram is really funny but his taste and mine are miles apart 😁

Regarding the song I must say it grows!! Really starting to feel and like the melodies. It's way better than NT and I can see how this will be a great track in the flow of the album.

NT never gave me a reason to go back and repeat it but ABM is filled with stuff I like.

[HOF]

I think Wukong might have put more time into that analysis of the visualizer than the band did making it. 

[Ben_Jamin]

I think Wukong might have put more time into that analysis of the visualizer than the band did making it. 

You really think the band made this.

Mainly all videos and singles are made by the record company. The band is just glad they get a song to promote.

[HOF]

You really think the band made this.

Mainly all videos and singles are made by the record company. The band is just glad they get a song to promote.

I do not! But it was just a cheeky jab mostly. Substitute record company or artist for band.

[cramx3]

The single artwork of the old man is pretty well done IMO.

[Metro]

Listened to 3 times and nothing about it sticks out. Pretty mid song. Maybe it'll be better in context.
 5.5/10

[RaiseTheKnife]

Highlights
James' Singing:  Not an easy task to craft an inviting melody over these tricky riffs, but James pulls it off nicely and really shines on this track.

Drum Mix:  I think the drum sound is excellent and MP's performance is stellar.

Influences:  Nice to hear very noticeable nods to Stevie Ray Vaughn and some Beatles-esque influence in this track.

Didn't Work For Me:
Flat Fifths:  For the love of God, can we now retire the Flatted Fifth motif?  It was awesome in Voices and a few notable moments in DT's catalog but its been way too much of a creative crutch for JP's guitar writing lately.  Way too overdone in this song.  I figured he finally got it out of his system with the slathering of dissonant riffs in The Alien, but I guess not.

Subject Matter:  Rather dark and depressing and while potent and true, there may be times I avoid this song in the future simply because I don't want a downer.

[Crier Tuck]

Well I've been a fan since the I&W days and always check in here but don't really post.

I was excited for Portnoy's return, and while Mangini is a great drummer, I just like listening to Portnoy better...maybe it's the production, or maybe just the dynamics in the sound from drum to drum or maybe that he doesn't sound as machine gun robotic, but whatever the reason, I'm glad he's back.

That being said, I think this chugga chugga chugga stuff with bland melodies just sounds boring and old and uninspired to me.

I like some of the instrumental stuff in ABM as it's actually, you know, creative and progressive, but it still feels so out of place with all the chugging. 

I don't know, I LOVE everything through 8V, but I didn't like SC and while I liked some of the stuff since then (for whatever reason, I like View best of all the post 8V albums), I just can't help feeling this band is a shell of itself and lacks any creativity anymore. 

So I'm hoping this album will be good and these will grow on me, but NT just doesn't do anything for me...the vocal melodies are nonexistent, the chorus is so typically recent DT ... kinda whiny and mopey sounding...you could have On the Backs of Angels, Alien, NT, whatever they all kind of sound the same. 

I was hoping for DT to get back to being a Prog-Metal band, but to me they just sound like Metal band with a bit of a Prog kick once in a while but not that much. 

Hoping for the best here, but so far, while I like ABM better than NT, neither song really speaks to me...

[Stadler]

Highlights
James' Singing:  Not an easy task to craft an inviting melody over these tricky riffs, but James pulls it off nicely and really shines on this track.

Drum Mix:  I think the drum sound is excellent and MP's performance is stellar.

Influences:  Nice to hear very noticeable nods to Stevie Ray Vaughn and some Beatles-esque influence in this track.

Didn't Work For Me:
Flat Fifths:  For the love of God, can we now retire the Flatted Fifth motif?  It was awesome in Voices and a few notable moments in DT's catalog but its been way too much of a creative crutch for JP's guitar writing lately.  Way too overdone in this song.  I figured he finally got it out of his system with the slathering of dissonant riffs in The Alien, but I guess not.

Subject Matter:  Rather dark and depressing and while potent and true, there may be times I avoid this song in the future simply because I don't want a downer.

Not calling you out; tis is about me, not you.  Can you point to a moment or a phrase in the song that is this?

[jimgolf]

I think the ai criticisms are absolutely valid. If ai had been around for 20 years or so and Hugh and DT decided to employ ai for the cover and videos because they thought it fit with the theme of the album, then it would have been received different.

It just so happens that the first album released after ai has become widespread is filled with ai. To be fair, DT isn't the only artist I love that's decided to test these waters - Steven Wilson has also done it with using ai for his Bass Communion videos.

I think when it comes to myself and others, we have seen ai so much recently, and once you've seen it enough and are familiar with it, it becomes very predictable - images slowly morphing into other images in a way that is kind of realistic but also strange and uncanny.

Despite the criticism of Hugh, I enjoy most of his artwork and I think the guy who has done tour videos in the past (I forget his name unfortunately) has done great work as well (including Blob back in the day )

A lot of people do not want to see real artists replaced by ai. Outside of that, I would much rather see art that is put out with care and creativity from an up and coming artist rather than generative ai from a veteran. DT deserves better.

[durga2112]

I think when it comes to myself and others, we have seen ai so much recently, and once you've seen it enough and are familiar with it, it becomes very predictable - images slowly morphing into other images in a way that is kind of realistic but also strange and uncanny.

Almost like something that might happen in a dream or nightmare, perhaps?

 

I get that this largely comes down to personal taste, but given the subject matter of Parasomnia, I'm not too bothered about the imagery at this point.

[nobloodyname]

Not calling you out; tis is about me, not you.  Can you point to a moment or a phrase in the song that is this?

Related, I just asked Copilot to hum me a melody with and without the flattened fifth. I know AI has its detractors but wow.

[TheOutlawXanadu]

It just so happens that the first album released after ai has become widespread is filled with ai. To be fair, DT isn't the only artist I love that's decided to test these waters - Steven Wilson has also done it with using ai for his Bass Communion videos.

Dang, Steven Wilson is using AI too? A lot's changed since "iPods are ruining society!"