Here goes - hopefully it generates some discussion. None of this is meant to bash the band - I'm just trying to be as honest as possible. My opinions are also subject to change - these are my FIRST impressions.
Let me also preface this by saying that I fully understand this is based off an online stream. But while the sound quality is lower than the final product, I am commenting on the song writing rather than the sonic quality.
I also need to say that I love DT more than any other band. I feel the need to emphasize this because my general thoughts are quite negative.
False Awakening Suite
I get the idea behind this, but it’s just doesn’t do anything musically. It doesn’t even function as an overture, it’s just there as a poor man’s Oculus ex Inferni.
4/10
The Enemy Inside
This song grew on me slightly since I first heard it and I find it decent at best. I think of it like I do Constant Motion, average but I know DT can do much better. Perhaps my favorite vocals on the album however.
6/10
The Looking Glass
Another decent song - I enjoy the verses but the shift in dynamics from verse to chorus really ruins the overall flow for me. They have a nice pace going then they completely slow it down and come in with a really strange vocal choice. I love the breakdown because I love Trial of Tears, but this is a prime example of where the band is just repeating themselves.
6/10
Enigma Machine
For a brand new instrumental I expected way more than this. It’s part Rawdog, it’s part Systematic Chaos – essentially it’s just a bundle of bland riffs and leads that go nowhere. I’m really disappointed with it - perhaps the worst DT instrumental to date.
2/10
The Bigger Picture
The whole song never goes anywhere to me. Feels really SC - especially the second half. It’s one dimensional in every way to me and the end feels tacked on.
2/10
Behind the Veil
Not sure if I see the need for 1:20 of ‘sounds’ (they seem to be the same ‘sounds’ the resurface in IT). Then we get another minute or so before the song really begins. The verses sound like I’ve heard them before and the pre-chorus is weird. The chorus itself is ok and the solo doesn’t do much for me.
4/10
Surrender To Reason
Most of this song feels like a block of meh – just chords with James singing in vocal style #2.The choir section @ 3:00 is maybe my favorite part of the album however.
3/10
Along For The Ride
Didn’t feel this one after they released it, and it’s no different in the album context.
4/10
Illumination Theory
Wow is this thing ever disjointed, I don’t even know where to begin. Long gone are the days of A Change of Seasons where DT knew how to knit a comprehensive song that was meant to be 20 minutes long. Instead we now get a musical blender of 20 different ideas, none of which flow in or out of each other.
It did offer a surprising small neo classical section which I really enjoyed for 10 seconds or so.
In TCOT the quiet break make complete sense and it fitted within the structure of the piece, but here we get a minute of ‘Close To The Edge’ sounds, followed by a completely out of place orchestral section.
4/10
Jame LaBrie
It seems to me that James now just has two modes, his breathy ballad vocals and his mid range heavier vocals. He never was the most dynamic vocalist but this record makes me wish DT had more to offer in this department.
2/10
John Petrucci
JP is my favorite musician of all time but I think he’s finally run out of ideas in the context of DT. Nothing sounded new here, his rhythms sounded recycled and his leads weren’t far behind. I feel like I could reference a past DT song for every single passage he played.
5/10
Jordan Rudess
I’m a huge Jordan fan, but he never really stands out on the record. This worries me especially when I hear his work on LMR which is 100 times better.
5/10
Mike Mangini
So, MM…I’m just going to be blunt here. Mangini is without doubt a talented drummer and a great guy. I just find him to have zero personality in his playing. He seems to rely on extremely repetitive fills, nothing unique or creative. Just fast fills. I can see why DT picked him as the new drummer but I think they made the wrong choice.
2/10
John MyungJM is definitely more apparent on this record in comparison to recent releases. I like the sound they dialed in for him and there are some cool sections, but nothing too memorable.
5/10
Topic: Self Titled Album Discussion thread [Expect Spoilers] (Read 224727 times)
