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Dream Theater => Dream Theater => Topic started by: JayOctavarium on January 05, 2011, 02:00:41 AM

Title: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: JayOctavarium on January 05, 2011, 02:00:41 AM
Great song. Why does it get so much hate? I for one love it... Does anyone else?
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on January 05, 2011, 02:02:14 AM
Pretty good song, I really like the guitar riff in it. Can't understand the animosity towards the song.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: MirzekDT on January 05, 2011, 02:14:55 AM
I also like it very much I used to love it and it was one of my favorite songs on SC. Now I don't like it that much anymore but it's still a great song. And what I really don't get is the hate against it I mean disliking is obvious everybody likes something else but why so much hate?
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on January 05, 2011, 02:15:17 AM
great song....always wish I had flown to NY to try and get in on the joint vocals and regret it every time I hear the tune
such a great chorus
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Gadough on January 05, 2011, 02:40:17 AM
Well...it's better than Forsaken.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Sixtease on January 05, 2011, 03:12:02 AM
What a great single it would be! I love it.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: tri.ad on January 05, 2011, 03:23:50 AM
I like how catchy this song is. Although I can see why one can dislike it (and there are many reasons), I kind of dig it. Would have preferred the first minute being without any vocals, though. It would have done the song some good imo.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 05, 2011, 03:56:07 AM
I think we had a thread like this a while ago...

And it's a really good song. A lot of crazy stuff going on, fantastic performance by James, it's just a fun track.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on January 05, 2011, 04:00:08 AM
I like this song very much. It is perhaps the only Dream Theater song you can dance to.  ;D

I think some of the hate toward the song is for the lyrics, tbh. People probably think DT shouldn't do political songs or something like that. And probably because of MP's spoken-word/'rap' in the middle.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Lowdz on January 05, 2011, 04:16:13 AM
Well...it's better than Forsaken.

Not in my book. I love Forsaken. i've always said it should have been a duet between the Vampire and victim. Sharon Den Adel to sing the vampire part. Would've made a great video instead of the awful one we got.

Saying that, I like PoW, love the riff and it's one of the few DT riffs I can confidently play with my meagre skills. Not a big fan of the gang vocals, it's a biy cheesy. I'd rather hear PoW than TDEN or CM.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: MirzekDT on January 05, 2011, 04:47:50 AM
I like how catchy this song is. Although I can see why one can dislike it (and there are many reasons), I kind of dig it. Would have preferred the first minute being without any vocals, though. It would have done the song some good imo.

I remember hearing the intro to POW without vocals before SC came out when the video of fans chanting session came out and it was awesome. I was really looking forward to hear the whole song on the album and when I finally heard that final version with vocals during intro I was a little bit disappointed. However the rest of the song was awesome as I said before it was one of my favorite songs on SC for some time
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 05, 2011, 05:11:03 AM
I think some of the hate toward the song is for the lyrics, tbh. People probably think DT shouldn't do political songs or something like that. And probably because of MP's spoken-word/'rap' in the middle.
The lyrics are definitely a big problem to those of us who dislike the song, but not because of the reasons you listed.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: TAC on January 05, 2011, 06:06:51 AM
I've always liked this song, and I think it's James' best performance on SC. I'm a metal fan, but I like when DT is in a non metal mode.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nekov on January 05, 2011, 06:17:07 AM
For some strange reason I like this song a lot even though it kinda reminds me to Never Enough which I really hate. It's strange

I've always liked this song, and I think it's James' best performance on SC. I'm a metal fan, but I like when DT is in a non metal mode.

 ???

This comment makes it seem like you don't think this song is metal. In which way is it not?
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: TAC on January 05, 2011, 06:18:32 AM
There are surely metal elements too it. But within the song, there's a variety of styles, and that to me is a great draw to DT for me.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 05, 2011, 06:34:20 AM
It's alright.

But the best vocal performance on SC is definitely the "Angels fall all for you heretic" part.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dream Team on January 05, 2011, 06:58:25 AM
It has 2 redeeming factors for me: the disco section and the part where they actually let James hit an awesome note ("a change from what it's been")
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: TAC on January 05, 2011, 07:00:31 AM
... and the part where they actually let James hit an awesome note ("a change from what it's been")

I agree.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on January 05, 2011, 07:09:40 AM
There are surely metal elements too it. But within the song, there's a variety of styles, and that to me is a great draw to DT for me.

This is, to me, what makes DT great.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: TAC on January 05, 2011, 07:22:48 AM
There are surely metal elements too it. But within the song, there's a variety of styles, and that to me is a great draw to DT for me.

This is, to me, what makes DT great.
Yeah, I'm a metal guy, but I appreciate bands like Yes, but I just don't/can't listen to them for whaterevr reason. But DT puts a harder edged spin on it and I love that.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nekov on January 05, 2011, 07:30:54 AM
To be honest DT opened the prog doors for me. I was a metal guy too before them, but then when I got into prog that was kind of the end for me. Just can't stop listening to it. Still a metal fan but not that much.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: John94 on January 05, 2011, 07:39:51 AM
Is it safe to emerge as a PoW fan now? I actually loved it, I loved the groove and rhythm it has. Fun song. Good vocals,  appropriate amounts of heavy(ish) and riffage.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nekov on January 05, 2011, 07:41:49 AM
Is it safe to emerge as a PoW fan now? I actually loved it, I loved the groove and rhythm it has. Fun song. Good vocals,  appropriate amounts of heavy(ish) and riffage.

It is safe as long as you don't rub it on Bosk1's face. He just hates it and might ban you (joke)
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on January 05, 2011, 07:42:37 AM
There are surely metal elements too it. But within the song, there's a variety of styles, and that to me is a great draw to DT for me.

This is, to me, what makes DT great.
Yeah, I'm a metal guy, but I appreciate bands like Yes, but I just don't/can't listen to them for whaterevr reason. But DT puts a harder edged spin on it and I love that.

In in early 90's DT melded to genders that I loved.  Prog and metal so that's what drew me in.(Or Pulled Me Under ;))
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: goldfalcon on January 05, 2011, 07:44:55 AM
One of my students actually brought this song in for lessons yesterday.  We spent an hour learning it, and I gotta say, it definitely upped my appreciation for it.  Think I might have to put on SC for a while today. :)

Alex
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 05, 2011, 07:58:34 AM
Gotta admit, I really enjoy this song. It's got a beat you can dance to :lol

Really though, I think a lot of people are turned off by the lyrics more than the music, but I don't seem to mind the lyrics very much. I know the music gets a bit of flak for being yet another Muse-inspired song, but I think it works for DT, and all the vocal bits in the song are great!

"Prophets Of War"... appreciate! :tup

-Marc.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: jdprsaga on January 05, 2011, 08:01:12 AM
I love the song.. altho i think if they would have made it under the 5 min would have been perfect.. maybe taking out the "the only thing that i belive" part.

just saying so it could become a hit. they deserve it.

One question, what is it about the lyrics that some people don't like it (just that i haven't read anything about it before and i'm just curious about their opinion)
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: goldfalcon on January 05, 2011, 08:06:27 AM
I love the song.. altho i think if they would have made it under the 5 min would have been perfect.. maybe taking out the "the only thing that i belive" part.

just saying so it could become a hit. they deserve it.

One question, what is it about the lyrics that some people don't like it (just that i haven't read anything about it before and i'm just curious about their opinion)


Probably the political slant that's there; not that they haven't done that before.  But me personally, I tend to shy away from political tunes mainly because I use music as therapy. :)  There's enough drama and opinions in real life.

That said, I don't find the lyrics to Prophets of War to be all that blatant.  I mean the point gets across, but it doesn't chap my ass like say, some old Bob Dylan tunes. :)

Alex
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: RuRoRul on January 05, 2011, 08:27:14 AM
I like the song although it's not one I commonly listen to any more. I understand it's got a very vocal hatedom but to be honest people hate a lot of decent songs. I do think it sounds very like Muse (moreso than any other DT song) but I don't mind.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: jonny108 on January 05, 2011, 11:00:03 AM
I really like the song, I'm just not a fan of the spoken bit Mike does....sounds really cheeseball.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on January 05, 2011, 11:07:41 AM
It's not that PoW is a bad song.  I don't hate it.  It's just that DT has about 80 songs that are much better.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Space Invader on January 05, 2011, 11:14:33 AM
On the album, the song is only average for me.



LIVE however, the audience energy and chanting adds a whole extra level to the song that really makes it great to listen to and be a part of.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: pain of occupation on January 05, 2011, 11:32:09 AM
awesome (appreciation for thread's existance)...i threw PoW on a 5 song playlist as i went to bed last night (and listened to it again this morn).

i think its a great song, though i like never enough better (if we're grouping together any songs with a tinge of muse inspiration in em). i get the feeling the band really enjoyed making it (based on the SC documentary dvd).

also, i kinda like mike's spoken word bit. and really, i gotta give it up to the best vocal performance on the song being mike's "queen moment"  :metal
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 05, 2011, 12:15:30 PM
I think some of the hate toward the song is for the lyrics, tbh. People probably think DT shouldn't do political songs or something like that. And probably because of MP's spoken-word/'rap' in the middle.
The lyrics are definitely a big problem to those of us who dislike the song, but not because of the reasons you listed.

This.

There are surely metal elements too it. But within the song, there's a variety of styles, and that to me is a great draw to DT for me.

Same here.  I just don't think this is a song where they blended those styles and did well at it.  But, hey, if you enjoy it, good for you. 


Oh, and we couldn't possibly let this thread continue without:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCdedrXu1wI
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on January 05, 2011, 12:26:33 PM
There are surely metal elements too it. But within the song, there's a variety of styles, and that to me is a great draw to DT for me.

This is, to me, what makes DT great.
Yeah, I'm a metal guy, but I appreciate bands like Yes, but I just don't/can't listen to them for whaterevr reason. But DT puts a harder edged spin on it and I love that.

In in early 90's DT melded to genders that I loved.  Prog and metal so that's what drew me in.(Or Pulled Me Under ;))

Prog is the man and metal is the woman right?  :biggrin:

OT, in regards to PoW, i can take it or leave it, though recently, ive learned to enjoy it. Honestly, it ruins the flow SC has, it should have been a B-Side to Forsaken or CM. TMoLS starting right after Repentance might have made me appreciate TMoLS a little more.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nekov on January 05, 2011, 12:38:23 PM

Oh, and we couldn't possibly let this thread continue without:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCdedrXu1wI

I think you ruined this song for me. That video should not exist.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 05, 2011, 12:40:35 PM
:lol
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: cyberdrummer on January 05, 2011, 12:51:41 PM
JLB's vocals in the bridge, MP's spoken bit and then the acoustic chorus is one of the best sections on SC for me. Really love it.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: lucky7 on January 06, 2011, 12:44:52 AM
I love Prophets of War, it was a great highlight of the DT Melbourne concert Dec. 09  :smiley:
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 06, 2011, 12:55:27 AM
I've loved this song since SC came out. It has a nice groove and it sounds fun and wish they would've played it during the Maiden tour, as the crows loves interaction. If the intro started with just guitar, like how the behind the scenes of the song started out during the dvd. Then the Piano could've came in with the vocals, and they could've kept the Spoken part instrumental. The lyrics hit home, basically about taking charge and making a change. I think these are great lyrics by JLB, better than what the others have put out, especially this line "The only thing that I believe will help us see this through is faith." which is true for anything, as long as you have faith things will be alright.  :metal :tup
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on January 06, 2011, 02:56:56 AM
I love it when these appreciation threads come round. We need them to show that there are people out there who like certain DT songs that normally get some flak around these parts.  :)

Oh yeah, I almost forgot:

'You don't know me but I'm your broooother'
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 06, 2011, 08:19:24 AM
This certainly isn't a favorite of mine by any means, but I don't think it is as bad as many make it out to be.  Parts of it sound a bit awkward or strange, but parts of it are pretty cool, too.  And I think it is definitely better than half of the other songs on SC.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: LieLowTheWantedMan on January 06, 2011, 09:24:11 AM
It's alright.

But the best vocal performance on SC is definitely the "Angels fall all for you heretic" part.
The entire Heretic section is amazing vocally. My favourite part is "I cannot see his face, but I could feel his spite, a presence from the dead, abanboned by the light"
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: LTE3 on January 06, 2011, 11:00:22 AM
One of their weakest songs, but I like the ending.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 06, 2011, 11:46:08 AM
The entire Heretic section is amazing vocally. My favourite part is "I cannot see his face, but I could feel his spite, a presence from the dead, abanboned by the light"
Oooh, that part really is awesome. It's even better on Chaos in motion.  :metal
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metropolis Pt. II on January 06, 2011, 01:03:57 PM
I love the drumming on this song. It's so groovy and different for a change. If you have access to the video footage of the isolated drum track, you will dig it.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: reneranucci on January 07, 2011, 12:59:15 PM
Second favorite on SC for me. I love the main riff, the acoustic bridge and JLB vocals during it. I'm glad to see people appreciating it in this thread after all the crap it's gotten since SC was released.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: toro on January 07, 2011, 01:54:27 PM
It's an awesome live song.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: SnakeEyes on January 07, 2011, 06:34:52 PM
I hate this song.  I love LaBrie's singing in general, but his singing mixed with the "techno"/ whatever beat in the beginning just sounds goofy to me.  The melody is annoying.  The chord progression is annoying.  The lyrics are ridiculous, anti-war/ anti-Bush drivel.  Nothing new, nothing original, nothing educated about it.  This is DT's worst song ever in my opinion.  I enjoy You Not Me more than this song.  That says a lot. 
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: jsem on January 07, 2011, 06:36:39 PM
Never liked it. Still don't.

For some reason it gives the vibes of listening to JLB + Muse  :huh:. (I like muse, but this doesn't work)


Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 07, 2011, 06:38:58 PM
Quote
The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread

-Marc.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: SnakeEyes on January 07, 2011, 06:42:38 PM
k sry
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 07, 2011, 06:43:03 PM
I enjoy You Not Me more than this song.

I was under the impression that you didn't like DT.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 07, 2011, 06:43:49 PM
I enjoy You Not Me more than this song.

I was under the impression that you didn't like DT.
Why?
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 07, 2011, 06:44:48 PM
I think I'll stop being sarcastic and/or joking now. Hef is questioning my posts. :(
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: manticore999 on January 08, 2011, 01:31:10 PM
I can't listen to more than about 1 minute of if before I move on.  Just don't like this song one bit!  Actually, only ITPOE1 is mildly interesting to me.  The rest of this album (like everything since 6DOIT) just doesn't do anything for me.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 08, 2011, 01:54:37 PM
Do people know how to read?

I'm also prob. The only one who enjoys the lyrics. Sure they're not poetic or anything but it gets the job done in saying its time for change
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 08, 2011, 02:39:00 PM
I can't listen to more than about 1 minute of if before I move on.  Just don't like this song one bit!  Actually, only ITPOE1 is mildly interesting to me.  The rest of this album (like everything since 6DOIT) just doesn't do anything for me.
This is an appreciation thread.  If you don't appreciate the song, then you don't need to post in the thread.  Thanks.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: rumborak on January 08, 2011, 03:36:27 PM
I would *love* to have an instrumental version of that tune. Problem is for me, the tune is essentially a Muse song, but with an operatic singer on top, and that never matched very well IMHO.

rumborak
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on January 08, 2011, 04:43:33 PM
I love this song! At first it was my fav on SC! But then I noticed that all the other songs except Forsaken and CM is better, but I Still love it, and it's fun to play! on guitar, that last ittle cable thing is pretty neat too
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on January 08, 2011, 04:56:54 PM
Nothing wrong with it being a Muse song.  TW was, and that's an incredible piece of music.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 08, 2011, 05:30:27 PM
I love this song! At first it was my fav on SC! But then I noticed that all the other songs except Forsaken and CM is better, but I Still love it, and it's fun to play! on guitar, that last ittle cable thing is pretty neat too

This I agree with. I find myself listening to PoW more than those 2 songs which I barely listen to at all. If any song was up for most under-rated DT song it'd be PoW. It's different from their usual song structure, and really makes you feel it.
Title: Re: The Prophets of War Appreciation Thread
Post by: simba on January 08, 2011, 06:00:18 PM
i like the verses alot, which is strange cause i don't like muse at all. really not a fan of the chorus riff's by petrucci, a bit too cop-outish for me. but like alot of opinions towards music, theres lots of negative thoughts in our heads, but when the song actually comes on, its never as bad as it seems. or maybe thats just me? 2nd best song on SC in my opinion.