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Dream Theater => Dream Theater => Topic started by: Another_Won on December 06, 2018, 08:10:40 AM

Title: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Another_Won on December 06, 2018, 08:10:40 AM
New single to be released December 7th!

https://www.instagram.com/dtimages/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/dreamtheater/photos/a.487625947180/10155706373557181/?type=3&theater
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Progmetty on December 06, 2018, 08:17:04 AM
That odd moment when your single's cover art is better than your album's cover art :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RMGadelha on December 06, 2018, 08:24:14 AM
Can't wait! I'd recommend putting the date (Dec 7th) on the thread title, otherwise people will think it's out right now. Unless that's the point? :D
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: geeeemo on December 06, 2018, 08:25:33 AM
 :metal :metal
I know what I will be jamming to in the car tomorrow when my son and I are heading to the Metallica concert!!
Cool Art
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Mark Levinson Jr. on December 06, 2018, 09:31:24 AM
That odd moment when your single's cover art is better than your album's cover art :lol

I looking all over that image for Majesty logos, 137, and any other hidden stuff. Nothing so far.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: vtgrad on December 06, 2018, 09:53:37 AM
Ah yes... my favorite part of an album cycle!  Looking forward to it!

And do I see Tesseract and AAL with them overseas (I assume that's a festival)... man I'd like to see that bill.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: SuperTaco on December 06, 2018, 10:20:46 AM
This is wonderful news. Tomorrow we'll hear the first full song from the new album.

Maybe we'll find out what the true "sound" of the album is, depending on how they upload it.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gmillerdrake on December 06, 2018, 10:22:48 AM
nb4 'bring portnoy back'..... :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 06, 2018, 10:23:57 AM
You need to knock that off.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: dream416 on December 06, 2018, 10:26:49 AM
This just made my day.... :metal
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: pg1067 on December 06, 2018, 10:42:21 AM
That odd moment when your single's cover art is better than your album's cover art :lol

Someone on Facebook commented that it was sad to see what became of the girl on the cover of I&W....   :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 06, 2018, 10:47:27 AM
:lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gmillerdrake on December 06, 2018, 10:49:59 AM
You need to knock that off.

what? joking around?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: The Letter M on December 06, 2018, 11:08:28 AM
(https://i.redd.it/y5io8x3w4p221.jpg)
(Source - https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/a3qct9/hmmm_new_single_artwork_looks_familiar_again/ )

Welp...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Another_Won on December 06, 2018, 11:15:33 AM
*snip
(Source - https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/a3qct9/hmmm_new_single_artwork_looks_familiar_again/ )

Welp...

-Marc.
Hey, at least he cleaned the blood off the walls.  :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: The Letter M on December 06, 2018, 11:17:23 AM
 :rollin

-Marc.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Architeuthis on December 06, 2018, 11:24:47 AM
Hugh Syme using stock images again, lol!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Progmetty on December 06, 2018, 11:28:31 AM
Uhhhh FFS!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Architeuthis on December 06, 2018, 11:29:37 AM
That odd moment when your single's cover art is better than your album's cover art :lol

Someone on Facebook commented that it was sad to see what became of the girl on the cover of I&W....   :lol
You would think that she would be much older than that by now.. :justjen
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Samsara on December 06, 2018, 11:38:07 AM
*snip
(Source - https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/a3qct9/hmmm_new_single_artwork_looks_familiar_again/ )

Welp...

-Marc.
Hey, at least he cleaned the blood off the walls.  :lol

In all seriousness, why is this even remotely acceptable by DT. I mean, I like the art, but its obvious it was ripped off. Why hire Hugh Syme to do the art if he's not going to do something original?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Anxiety35 on December 06, 2018, 11:40:53 AM
*snip
(Source - https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/a3qct9/hmmm_new_single_artwork_looks_familiar_again/ )

Welp...

-Marc.
Hey, at least he cleaned the blood off the walls.  :lol

In all seriousness, why is this even remotely acceptable by DT. I mean, I like the art, but its obvious it was ripped off. Why hire Hugh Syme to do the art if he's not going to do something original?

Nothing is original anymore.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 06, 2018, 11:53:41 AM
*snip
(Source - https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/a3qct9/hmmm_new_single_artwork_looks_familiar_again/ )

Welp...

-Marc.
Hey, at least he cleaned the blood off the walls.  :lol

Maybe it's a before/after shot.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Kocak on December 06, 2018, 11:54:06 AM
*snip
(Source - https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/a3qct9/hmmm_new_single_artwork_looks_familiar_again/ )

Welp...

-Marc.
Hey, at least he cleaned the blood off the walls.  :lol

In all seriousness, why is this even remotely acceptable by DT. I mean, I like the art, but its obvious it was ripped off. Why hire Hugh Syme to do the art if he's not going to do something original?

Because, Rush, worked with Hugh Syme.
Someone, please, tell Dream Theater that they don't have to work with people who worked with Rush. There are other people out there.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: SeRoX on December 06, 2018, 11:54:19 AM
*snip
(Source - https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/a3qct9/hmmm_new_single_artwork_looks_familiar_again/ )

Welp...

-Marc.
Hey, at least he cleaned the blood off the walls.  :lol

In all seriousness, why is this even remotely acceptable by DT. I mean, I like the art, but its obvious it was ripped off. Why hire Hugh Syme to do the art if he's not going to do something original?

There is lots of young artists who can do it better and probably cheaper and most certainly original. Not that I don't like the cover though.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: vtgrad on December 06, 2018, 12:00:18 PM
*snip
(Source - https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/a3qct9/hmmm_new_single_artwork_looks_familiar_again/ )

Welp...

-Marc.
Hey, at least he cleaned the blood off the walls.  :lol

Maybe it's a before/after shot.

 :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: jingle.boy on December 06, 2018, 12:01:59 PM
nb4 'bring portnoy back'..... :lol

:spitcoffee:
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: King Postwhore on December 06, 2018, 12:13:57 PM
Got to say, you are all ruining the joy of a new release.  I saw the picture and though is was so cool.  Now everybody has to search out if it was something similar.

I could give a rat's ass about that.  It looks great.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 06, 2018, 12:14:14 PM
 :facepalm: Of course my first comment was how much I liked the artwork.   :lol

Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: jingle.boy on December 06, 2018, 12:17:02 PM
Got to say, you are all ruining the joy

First day on the Internet, sir?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Lowdz on December 06, 2018, 12:22:58 PM
First listen to the song - it’s ok. Lots of similarities to previous songs. Underwhelmed by the melody. Instruments are fine.

Hugh Syme is a lazy fucker. As soon as I saw the artwork I knew it wouldn’t take long to find. Tothink hecreated my favourite cover of all time (Grace Under Pressure).
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: MirrorMask on December 06, 2018, 12:27:57 PM
There are trends everywhere and so in cover artworks. Not sure if using stock images can be called a trend, but they're avalaible, it's a thing and I guess some artists simply use it.

Think of the Orange / Blue contrast for example (https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/OrangeBlueContrast), or the trick used by Felipe Machado on many of his cover artworks (https://www.google.it/search?q=Felipe+machado+covers&safe=off&rlz=1C1AOHY_itIT710IT710&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiRo6vP94vfAhWD_aQKHXYTBYcQ_AUIDigB&biw=1920&bih=967)... everyone (well, maybe not everyone) has their "thing" and Syme's thing is probably using a library of stock images.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Anguyen92 on December 06, 2018, 12:30:17 PM
Got to say, you are all ruining the joy of a new release.  I saw the picture and though is was so cool.  Now everybody has to search out if it was something similar.

I could give a rat's ass about that.  It looks great.

Stuff like singles and album release day is like Christmas.  People should not ruin Christmas for Little Timmy.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Architeuthis on December 06, 2018, 12:42:29 PM
First listen to the song - it’s ok. Lots of similarities to previous songs. Underwhelmed by the melody. Instruments are fine.

Hugh Syme is a lazy fucker. As soon as I saw the artwork I knew it wouldn’t take long to find. Tothink hecreated my favourite cover of all time (Grace Under Pressure).
I like Permanent Waves and FBN as my fav Rush album covers,  followed closely by Signals.
Back on track, I do like the artwork to the new DT single even though it's derived from a stock image.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: ariich on December 06, 2018, 12:42:49 PM
Now everybody has to search out if it was something similar.
Sure but they've kind of brought it on themselves. It doesn't stop me thinking the artwork (both for the album and the single) looks great, but I do find it funny how quickly and easily people can find the stock images Syme uses. And it's still all irrelevant to the question of whether the music is good.

It's a shame if it ruins the joy of a new release for you, but for me it makes no difference and if anything I find it fairly entertaining.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: noxon on December 06, 2018, 12:51:38 PM
Finding stock image is ridiculously easy because there exists search engines that literally specialises in that sort of thing, like TinEye. Put in an image in there, and you'll find other places it's been used. So people know DT uses stock images, and they put it in the search engine and finds other results  containing the pieces :P It's been happening since Octavarium :P
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Kocak on December 06, 2018, 12:57:28 PM
Finding stock image is ridiculously easy because there exists search engines that literally specialises in that sort of thing, like TinEye. Put in an image in there, and you'll find other places it's been used. So people know DT uses stock images, and they put it in the search engine and finds other results  containing the pieces :P It's been happening since Octavarium :P

Why not work with someone else?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: King Postwhore on December 06, 2018, 01:02:35 PM
Now everybody has to search out if it was something similar.
Sure but they've kind of brought it on themselves. It doesn't stop me thinking the artwork (both for the album and the single) looks great, but I do find it funny how quickly and easily people can find the stock images Syme uses. And it's still all irrelevant to the question of whether the music is good.

It's a shame if it ruins the joy of a new release for you, but for me it makes no difference and if anything I find it fairly entertaining.

I honestly could care less.  Get me the music.

Got to say, you are all ruining the joy

First day on the Internet, sir?
Got to say, you are all ruining the joy

First day on the Internet, sir?

Humanity is killing me. :lol

Got to say, you are all ruining the joy of a new release.  I saw the picture and though is was so cool.  Now everybody has to search out if it was something similar.

I could give a rat's ass about that.  It looks great.

Stuff like singles and album release day is like Christmas.  People should not ruin Christmas for Little Timmy.

Absolutely.

Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 06, 2018, 01:04:44 PM
Finding stock image is ridiculously easy because there exists search engines that literally specialises in that sort of thing, like TinEye. Put in an image in there, and you'll find other places it's been used. So people know DT uses stock images, and they put it in the search engine and finds other results  containing the pieces :P It's been happening since Octavarium :P

Why not work with someone else?

Because they don't want to, and they like Syme's work. 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: King Postwhore on December 06, 2018, 01:06:40 PM
Finding stock image is ridiculously easy because there exists search engines that literally specialises in that sort of thing, like TinEye. Put in an image in there, and you'll find other places it's been used. So people know DT uses stock images, and they put it in the search engine and finds other results  containing the pieces :P It's been happening since Octavarium :P

Why not work with someone else?

this is a guess on my part.  John loves Rush, he's modeled the live show like Rush would with the visuals so they need a more structured setlist and he likes Syme's work.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 06, 2018, 01:12:01 PM
I don't really get the complaining.  I mean, I get that some people don't like that art form (using combination and manipulation of stock images to create a final work).  But I don't understand the voicing of the same criticism over and over as if this is a new thing.  It's like someone acting surprised because this album features guitars and vocals, and complaining that DT once again used the tired trope of having guitars and vocals on an album.  It's what they do.  And they like working with Syme, which is why they have for almost every album since Octavarium.  It's what they do. 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 06, 2018, 01:15:00 PM
It's like someone acting surprised because this album features guitars and vocals,

DUDE! SPOILERS!


Ugh.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Kocak on December 06, 2018, 01:15:33 PM
I don't really get the complaining.  I mean, I get that some people don't like that art form (using combination and manipulation of stock images to create a final work).  But I don't understand the voicing of the same criticism over and over as if this is a new thing.  It's like someone acting surprised because this album features guitars and vocals, and complaining that DT once again used the tired trope of having guitars and vocals on an album.  It's what they do.  And they like working with Syme, which is why they have for almost every album since Octavarium.  It's what they do.

I guess, for me, it's like, if Dream Theater were to release an album of mashups, I'd be disappointed. Same thing with the artwork. There's so much talent out there for DT to tap into.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Another_Won on December 06, 2018, 01:19:04 PM
For me it's kind of fun to look for the stock images and see how it all came together.  I save all the stock images in the same folder with the rest of the artwork.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: ToT-147 on December 06, 2018, 01:19:04 PM
I'm with kingshmegland here.. They are a band, and make music, let's not get confused..

Can we discuss about the artwork?.. Sure.. And have different opinions about it?.. Absolutely.. But it seems very silly to complain this much about the cover of a SINGLE..
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: ariich on December 06, 2018, 01:30:37 PM
DT once again used the tired trope of having guitars and vocals on an album.
Leaked info.

Banned.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Architeuthis on December 06, 2018, 01:36:01 PM
DT once again used the tired trope of having guitars and vocals on an album.
Leaked info.

Banned.
Whoa! You have the authority to ban Bosk??  That's bad-ass!  :metal.      Jk
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Pettor on December 06, 2018, 01:37:28 PM
Don't understand complaints about the concept of using stock images. Is the artwork good? That is really what matters and I don't see why it has to be original set pieces to be good.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Progmetty on December 06, 2018, 01:42:28 PM
:facepalm: Of course my first comment was how much I liked the artwork.   :lol

Same here.
For the people saying they don't understand the complaints; I honestly can't comprehend how this is okay or justifiable, isn't the art work an integral part of the overall statement and vibe of the album? and further on the album's legacy? Shouldn't it be solely identifiable solely to that album?
That guy is an artist as much as a DJ is an artist, I can't believe he's getting paid to do this.. How many people here CAN'T do this?
I suspect DT themselves are not aware at all of this, cause I really doubt they know and just don't care like that. A shit ton of their fans could have done an original job, hell they could have commissioned fuckin blob and he would came up with something original and more attached to the music of the album.
That's all I'm gonna say about that, I haven't spoken out about it before but my fuse just burnt out with this one.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 06, 2018, 01:52:57 PM
:facepalm: Of course my first comment was how much I liked the artwork.   :lol

Same here.
For the people saying they don't understand the complaints; I honestly can't comprehend how this is okay or justifiable, isn't the art work an integral part of the overall statement and vibe of the album? and further on the album's legacy? Shouldn't it be solely identifiable solely to that album?
That guy is an artist as much as a DJ is an artist, I can't believe he's getting paid to do this.. How many people here CAN'T do this?
I suspect DT themselves are not aware at all of this, cause I really doubt they know and just don't care like that. A shit ton of their fans could have done an original job, hell they could have commissioned fuckin blob and he would came up with something original and more attached to the music of the album.
That's all I'm gonna say about that, I haven't spoken out about it before but my fuse just burnt out with this one.

What a strange way of looking at things.

And I have no idea why you would think that band don't know that Syme uses stock images.  Again, they work with him because they like his work.  It's that simple.  If you don't like it, you're entitled to that, but I don't know what more can be said.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: ariich on December 06, 2018, 01:53:01 PM
DT once again used the tired trope of having guitars and vocals on an album.
Leaked info.

Banned.
Whoa! You have the authority to ban Bosk??  That's bad-ass!  :metal.      Jk
I don't know about authority, but I have the ability to ban Bosk and have, on a couple of occasions, banned Bosk.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 06, 2018, 01:53:34 PM
DT once again used the tired trope of having guitars and vocals on an album.
Leaked info.

Banned.
Whoa! You have the authority to ban Bosk??  That's bad-ass!  :metal.      Jk
I don't know about authority, but I have the ability to ban Bosk and have, on a couple of occasions, banned Bosk.

And he doesn't even need all six infinity stones.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: cramx3 on December 06, 2018, 01:54:03 PM
I guess this is another case where I do like the album art, but am a little let down by the fact it's just another reworked image from the internet and not an original piece of art all around.  I do like all the art I've seen, but just knowing how easy it was and how common it is used is kind of a let down.  I would love for the music which is so artistic and original to have the images associated with it also be artistic and original.  There's just so much missed potential especially because I really dig the ideas behind these artworks.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: noxon on December 06, 2018, 01:58:50 PM
The DJ comparison is apt. Is a DJ making a beat for a rapper not an artist? Artists like Daft Punk or Prodigy use a lot of samples of famous tracks in their stuff and create cool songs:

https://youtu.be/I85DUucY_ek

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZYLp5uX9Yw

It's a tool in a toolbox, and a very valid one at that. Using stock image is no worse than using samples in songs - heck. "HOLD IT NOW; WAIT A MINUTE; COME ON!"
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Kocak on December 06, 2018, 02:03:28 PM
It's after midnight where I am, am I allowed to comment on the single?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: noxon on December 06, 2018, 02:04:31 PM
Wait until it's available in Los Angeles :P
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: cramx3 on December 06, 2018, 02:07:57 PM
The DJ comparison is apt. Is a DJ making a beat for a rapper not an artist? Artists like Daft Punk or Prodigy use a lot of samples of famous tracks in their stuff and create cool songs:

https://youtu.be/I85DUucY_ek

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZYLp5uX9Yw

It's a tool in a toolbox, and a very valid one at that. Using stock image is no worse than using samples in songs - heck. "HOLD IT NOW; WAIT A MINUTE; COME ON!"

Very true and good point, but I also when hearing samples in other music kind of find it a bit unoriginal even if used in an original way.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gzarruk on December 06, 2018, 02:14:13 PM
I'm with kingshmegland here.. They are a band, and make music, let's not get confused..

Can we discuss about the artwork?.. Sure.. And have different opinions about it?.. Absolutely.. But it seems very silly to complain this much about the cover of a SINGLE..

Completely agree with this. It's the artwork for a single, really no one will even remember it after a couple weeks. We're here for the music.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Architeuthis on December 06, 2018, 02:22:31 PM
DT once again used the tired trope of having guitars and vocals on an album.
Leaked info.

Banned.
Whoa! You have the authority to ban Bosk??  That's bad-ass!  :metal.      Jk
I don't know about authority, but I have the ability to ban Bosk and have, on a couple of occasions, banned Bosk.

And he doesn't even need all six infinity stones.
:lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Progmetty on December 06, 2018, 02:34:07 PM
And I have no idea why you would think that band don't know that Syme uses stock images.

Cause I'd like to believe they care about being original.
Is originality not a factor here at all? Is it no longer part of the package of what makes something great? I'm truly asking cause I don't understand y'all's argument for this, to me the argument is "Ah who gives a fuck where it came from, it looks good and that's all that matters", am I understanding this right?
I haven't said a word about the unicyclist or the robot with the skull, somehow this pushed me over the top.

Again, they work with him because they like his work.  It's that simple.  If you don't like it, you're entitled to that, but I don't know what more can be said.

First thing I said about this was I like it, until I found out it's another reworked stock image. But if I understand your point correctly, that is it doesn't matter, then you're 100% right about there being nothing else to be said.
Maybe I just need to get with the times, that's how things work now.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: SeRoX on December 06, 2018, 02:40:20 PM
Well, in Turkey I listened the single more than once...

Waiting for the world.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: King Postwhore on December 06, 2018, 02:45:47 PM
DT once again used the tired trope of having guitars and vocals on an album.
Leaked info.

Banned.
Whoa! You have the authority to ban Bosk??  That's bad-ass!  :metal.      Jk
I don't know about authority, but I have the ability to ban Bosk and have, on a couple of occasions, banned Bosk.

And he doesn't even need all six infinity stones.

You know I will photoshop this. :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 06, 2018, 02:50:52 PM
Please do!  :tup
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: ariich on December 06, 2018, 02:51:09 PM
Snappin' you later.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 06, 2018, 02:51:53 PM
:lol. :zydar:
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Dublagent66 on December 06, 2018, 03:04:56 PM
Another song title referencing "Angel".  How original.  Why don't they just call it On The Backs Of Restless and Untethered Angels?  :lol :|
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Podaar on December 06, 2018, 03:30:54 PM
Please do!  :tup

(https://i.imgur.com/8qkpD62.jpg)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: ariich on December 06, 2018, 03:36:42 PM
Nice. :lol

If bosky is Thanos, presumably that makes me one of the Black Order/Children of Thanos?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 06, 2018, 03:37:15 PM
Please do!  :tup

(https://i.imgur.com/lp6IJqS.jpg)

BUAAAAAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

 :lol :rollin
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: King Postwhore on December 06, 2018, 03:50:02 PM
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/450x600q90/921/aivwZM.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/f/plaivwZMj)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Podaar on December 06, 2018, 04:00:04 PM
I see you sharpened your spoon, King!  :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: ytserush on December 06, 2018, 04:08:17 PM
And I have no idea why you would think that band don't know that Syme uses stock images.

Cause I'd like to believe they care about being original.
Is originality not a factor here at all? Is it no longer part of the package of what makes something great? I'm truly asking cause I don't understand y'all's argument for this, to me the argument is "Ah who gives a fuck where it came from, it looks good and that's all that matters", am I understanding this right?
I haven't said a word about the unicyclist or the robot with the skull, somehow this pushed me over the top.

Again, they work with him because they like his work.  It's that simple.  If you don't like it, you're entitled to that, but I don't know what more can be said.

First thing I said about this was I like it, until I found out it's another reworked stock image. But if I understand your point correctly, that is it doesn't matter, then you're 100% right about there being nothing else to be said.
Maybe I just need to get with the times, that's how things work now.

I've always came down on the originality side myself. It eventually might get to the point where it might heavily influence my opinion, but I'm not there yet. But I've noted it. I've really lost some respect for the guy (Syme) since he went digital, but the digital trap is vast and far reaching.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: King Postwhore on December 06, 2018, 04:10:39 PM
I see you sharpened your spoon, King!  :lol


 :lol.  Nah. Shit luck. :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 06, 2018, 04:15:09 PM
The one with Rich needs to be captioned "I'm snappin' you later."

:rollin @ both of these.  Nicely done!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: The Silent Cody on December 06, 2018, 04:21:22 PM
The Untethered Angel is available on Spotify now, first listen is done :) I'm very satisfied, it's far better than DT's last works on previous two albums... I'm preordering vinyl tomorrow and I'm sure that it will be my favourite DT album from postPortnoy era.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Peter Mc on December 06, 2018, 04:34:07 PM
Will say again that at least they give us cool artwork on the albums. Most bands do an album cover and that’s it and often even that cover is pretty nondescript. The two pieces of artwork released so far look pretty good to me, I couldn’t care less whether Hugh Syme has used stock images, just whether it looks good and complements the music.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: King Postwhore on December 06, 2018, 04:38:22 PM
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/450x600q90/923/wqPPPE.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/f/pnwqPPPEj)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Podaar on December 06, 2018, 04:42:03 PM
Is that supposed to be a fuckin' monocle?  :rollin
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 06, 2018, 04:55:35 PM
Question for you tech-savvy youngsters:  I haven't used Spotify, but I just downloaded the app and set up my account.  I selected DT as one of my "favorites."  Will it notify me somehow when the single is available, or do I just have to manually search for it?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: JRuless on December 06, 2018, 04:58:40 PM
usually it will notify you, but maybe with a little delay...
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: lucasembarbosa on December 06, 2018, 04:58:51 PM
Question for you tech-savvy youngsters:  I haven't used Spotify, but I just downloaded the app and set up my account.  I selected DT as one of my "favorites."  Will it notify me somehow when the single is available, or do I just have to manually search for it?

Not only will notify you when there's new songs, but will create a playlist (Daily Mix 1/2/3/4/5/6, Release Radar, Your Discover Weekly, etc) based on bands similar to the ones you subscribe to.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: dream75 on December 06, 2018, 05:00:15 PM
Question for you tech-savvy youngsters:  I haven't used Spotify, but I just downloaded the app and set up my account.  I selected DT as one of my "favorites."  Will it notify me somehow when the single is available, or do I just have to manually search for it?


There is the single on Youtube !!! Can I publish it?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: JRuless on December 06, 2018, 05:02:40 PM
Question for you tech-savvy youngsters:  I haven't used Spotify, but I just downloaded the app and set up my account.  I selected DT as one of my "favorites."  Will it notify me somehow when the single is available, or do I just have to manually search for it?

There is the single on Youtube !!! Can I publish it?
Youtube is linked to your country´s time as is Spotify. Even if you spread the link, the ones who aren´t in the 7th of december yet will not see the video

Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 06, 2018, 05:10:45 PM
If any links show up, do not post them yet.  Unless they show up on an official band or label sponsored source, you have to wait.  Give it 5 more hours, and then have at it.

EDIT:  And what I have seen from unofficial sources is NOT Dream Theater, even though it is labeled as such.  Have fun with that.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: metrojam on December 06, 2018, 05:14:44 PM
Just heard it on Spotify...welcome back DT :) IF this is any indication as to the rest of the album then it will totally obliterate any memories of that last "effort"!! ;)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: dream75 on December 06, 2018, 05:15:56 PM
If any links show up, do not post them yet.  Unless they show up on an official band or label sponsored source, you have to wait.  Give it 5 more hours, and then have at it.

EDIT:  And what I have seen from unofficial sources is NOT Dream Theater, even though it is labeled as such.  Have fun with that.

Ok boss  :)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: cramx3 on December 06, 2018, 05:16:16 PM
If any links show up, do not post them yet.  Unless they show up on an official band or label sponsored source, you have to wait.  Give it 5 more hours, and then have at it.

EDIT:  And what I have seen from unofficial sources is NOT Dream Theater, even though it is labeled as such.  Have fun with that.

Out of curiosity, I youtubed it to see if there were any funny results (or to see if there was a video page available that I can just refresh after midnight) but the thing that came up was someone playing the guitar solo.  I didnt watch because I'm not interested, but thought that was interesting that someone already learned and recorded themselves playing it.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 06, 2018, 05:17:00 PM
I also saw one with a thumbnail that was a picture of the band purporting to be the actual single, but it was actually a Static X song.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RMGadelha on December 06, 2018, 05:23:09 PM
I also saw one with a thumbnail that was a picture of the band purporting to be the actual single, but it was actually a Static X song.

Which is just a rename, because that video is 3 years old.  :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Peter Mc on December 06, 2018, 05:27:35 PM
Song is available on YouTube now in U.K. as it’s after midnight. I reserve my right to completely change my opinion later but, on first listen, it doesn’t do an awful lot for me I’m sorry to say.  Hopefully will improve with repeat listens.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: pg1067 on December 06, 2018, 05:29:59 PM
There's a video that claims to be UA, but the length is 3:17, and pretty much every comment is to the effect that it's fake.

Someone's already got a video up of him playing the/one of the guitar solos from the song.  I can only dream of having that kind of time on my hands....
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2018, 05:30:37 PM
With all due respect, seeing so many people comment on how careless they are about Hugh Syme's design tendencies, makes me wonder how underrated is a designer's work.
In that case let's make all bands do their own covers and not hiring anyone, fck off, since nobody gives a damn.
As for DT, for me this goes beyond just liking Hugh's work, it's a matter of quality, I'm literally paying you a lot to do nothing,-
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: geeeemo on December 06, 2018, 05:35:04 PM
 I am a newish DT fan (soo much). This is my first new album from them, and I am excited!!!(understatement)

 I don't comment a whole lot as I feel the forums have 1) people who have been around forever and followed the band forever and 2) are maybe musicians and have lots of technical expertise in that area that I don't. ( although I studied piano for about 8 years as a kid) and 3) are just super tech savvy.. I am a bit out of my league with all that.

But, not with my love of DT music. 

I don't give a crap about the art being photoshopped/copied - it's cool to me and I cant do it and...I am going to have fun trying to understand and learn about the meanings of the art as it relates to the album.

I also don't really give a crap if the songs are long or short. DT music for me is always about the unexpected. I really do love the long songs. After all, if it is good, let's have more.  But I love the short songs too, because they rock, are interesting and never bore me.   No albums are alike (some say they are, but that is for the techies, I don't hear it that way), and it is impossible to really have a favorite and from what I see, there would never be anything remotely close to consensus on a favorite album or song or more than 2.
So, I am just 100% enjoying this whole process.  DT foreplay. What could be better..except when I listen to the new single tomorrow!! :metal
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: rumborak on December 06, 2018, 05:36:28 PM
Back to the tune, my impression was it sounds like a love child between Home and ANTR. JR's solo sound gets a big thumbs up, so does JM's gnarly bass. Downsides would be the wall of sound, and dare I mention it? The drums.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2018, 05:39:12 PM
Back to the tune, my impression was it sounds like a love child between Home and ANTR. JR's solo sound gets a big thumbs up, so does JM's gnarly bass. Downsides would be the wall of sound, and dare I mention it? The drums.

Jeez, now what?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: AboutToCrash on December 06, 2018, 05:42:05 PM
Listening to it for like the 10th time... in the UK.. I didn’t like it too much at first but it’s grown on me quickly!!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: metrojam on December 06, 2018, 05:46:53 PM
Back to the tune, my impression was it sounds like a love child between Home and ANTR. JR's solo sound gets a big thumbs up, so does JM's gnarly bass. Downsides would be the wall of sound, and dare I mention it? The drums.

I'm "OK" with the drum sound on this one and love the solo's too. The only "slight" downside was that I feel the vocals are quite "processed" but its only a very "slight" criticism as I really like the song and the icing on the cake is that there's no sign of that piano!!!!!......
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2018, 05:48:11 PM
James's vocals have been increasingly processed since ADTOE, so that's to be expected really.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: metrojam on December 06, 2018, 05:49:32 PM
James's vocals have been increasingly processed since ADTOE, so that's to be expected really.

Thats very true sadly :( :(
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: cramx3 on December 06, 2018, 05:52:33 PM
I am a newish DT fan (soo much). This is my first new album from them, and I am excited!!!(understatement)

 I don't comment a whole lot as I feel the forums have 1) people who have been around forever and followed the band forever and 2) are maybe musicians and have lots of technical expertise in that area that I don't. ( although I studied piano for about 8 years as a kid) and 3) are just super tech savvy.. I am a bit out of my league with all that.

Welcome and don't feel afraid to post.  The people who've been here awhile are very nice and welcoming.  And many of us have no musicianship or technical expertise so don't worry if you feel like you don't understand something.  I certainly don't get the music stuff when people talk technical. 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Ruba on December 06, 2018, 06:01:33 PM
Hmmm... to me this seems quite like Dream Theater by numbers. Reminds me a bit of Black Clouds or ADTOE. Dare I say it's OK, but not really memorable. There's a sweet guitar harmony before the last chorus though.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Evai on December 06, 2018, 06:14:55 PM
Really like the drumming on this :) I think I prefer this to songs from ADTOE/DT12 , I liked how during the guitar/keys unison, JP didn't do any extra overdubs, so you just hear the sound of the band. Awesome stuff. Although.. It might have just been Spotify/my laptop, but I got a ton of compression/pumping sound to what I was hearing, like a dance song or something. Hopefully an issue on my end
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on December 06, 2018, 06:15:18 PM
Honestly, I'm just hoping for a decent sound and mix -  trying to avoid the youtube compression dilemma, so hoping to purchase a decent version on iTunes if available or wherever I can buy a nice finished product.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: lucasembarbosa on December 06, 2018, 06:18:27 PM
Drums and keyboard are STELLAR. Tasty organ solo! They're the highlights of the song, IMO.

Not too many double/quad tracking and overdubbed guitars gave more space for keys and bass, liked it. Specially during the solos. It's really the "live and organic" approach they talked about. (ninja'd by Evai)

Best drum sound in years, I dare to say it's better than some old MP days... It's FAT. POWERFUL. THAT SNARE IS ABSURDLY GOOD. CRACKING. Cymbals are all well audible in the mix.

James is incredible too, full range on. A little buried in the mix, but it doesn't bother me at all. He still shines  :metal

In terms of composition: Lots of nods to Outcry and Moment of Betrayal, which remind me a lot of Behind The Veil (maybe this is the "trademark" of the current line up composition mode... hehe). The pre-solo instrumental reminds me positively of the Constant Motion pre-solo.

It's heavy. It's epic. It's progressive. It's melodic. It's shredding. It has the CHOCOLATE CAKE. And it's just the beginning. Is it Feb 22nd already?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Lonk on December 06, 2018, 06:42:00 PM
Out of curiosity, I youtubed it to see if there were any funny results (or to see if there was a video page available that I can just refresh after midnight) but the thing that came up was someone playing the guitar solo.  I didnt watch because I'm not interested, but thought that was interesting that someone already learned and recorded themselves playing it.

I’ve been playing guitar for 12 years and have a descent ear training, and one time it took me 3 weeks practicing 2-3 hours a day to master 5 seconds of DT’s music. It always fascinates me when someone just listens to a song and learns the whole thing effortlessly.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Dream Team on December 06, 2018, 06:53:43 PM
Drums and keyboard are STELLAR. Tasty organ solo! They're the highlights of the song, IMO.

Not too many double/quad tracking and overdubbed guitars gave more space for keys and bass, liked it. Specially during the solos. It's really the "live and organic" approach they talked about. (ninja'd by Evai)

Best drum sound in years, I dare to say it's better than some old MP days... It's FAT. POWERFUL. THAT SNARE IS ABSURDLY GOOD. CRACKING. Cymbals are all well audible in the mix.

James is incredible too, full range on. A little buried in the mix, but it doesn't bother me at all. He still shines  :metal

In terms of composition: Lots of nods to Outcry and Moment of Betrayal, which remind me a lot of Behind The Veil (maybe this is the "trademark" of the current line up composition mode... hehe). The pre-solo instrumental reminds me positively of the Constant Motion pre-solo.

It's heavy. It's epic. It's progressive. It's melodic. It's shredding. It has the CHOCOLATE CAKE. And it's just the beginning. Is it Feb 22nd already?

VERY happy to hear about the snare. What kind of sound system were you listening on?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: ledlemos08 on December 06, 2018, 07:24:32 PM
I really enjoyed the song! Why not play This Dying Soul after this? Fits perfectly! haha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sovLMswyY0
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: evilasiojr on December 06, 2018, 07:30:03 PM
Besides the composition in general, which I really enjoyed, my highlights are the drum and bass sound!! For me, they both sound amazing, especially the bass, really loud in the mix. The drum sounds like an evolution, the sound I wanted for DT12. The excitement is real  :metal
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 06, 2018, 07:32:53 PM
Just a couple more hours.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2018, 08:06:27 PM
I really enjoyed the song! Why not play This Dying Soul after this? Fits perfectly! haha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sovLMswyY0

Leaaaakkkkk
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: jayvee3 on December 06, 2018, 08:09:37 PM
Heard the track in my country and love it - will comment more once everyone has had a chance to listen.

The artwork stuff simply does not bother me. Both bands shown used stock images to create a scene. Both scenes, even though they use the bedroom stock image tell a vastly different story. Looks great to me. And at the end of the day it is for a single we will likely only see if buying the album in the flesh in the booklet, and likely completely forget about it once the hysteria of the new album has worn off. In this day and age, so many just download digitally anyway. To me, it’s great that DT even in their 50’s, still continue to make new music for the fans regularly and have some nice artwork to look at. I’m old now though, so might be me just being more relaxed in my old age  ;D

Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: ledlemos08 on December 06, 2018, 08:12:48 PM
I really enjoyed the song! Why not play This Dying Soul after this? Fits perfectly! haha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sovLMswyY0

Leaaaakkkkk

Actually the song was released a hour ago for everyone! That's why I waited some minutes to post here haha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5JTiKN0oqA
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Lonk on December 06, 2018, 08:19:44 PM
I really enjoyed the song! Why not play This Dying Soul after this? Fits perfectly! haha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sovLMswyY0

Leaaaakkkkk

Actually the song was released a hour ago for everyone! That's why I waited some minutes to post here haha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5JTiKN0oqA

Actually the song is not available in North America yet.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 06, 2018, 09:32:02 PM
The song sounds like a BC&SL song without the bloat.

I wish they modified the first verse so that it doesn't sound too much like Outcry.

The bass is huge.

If you're not a fan of MM's style before, you will still not like the drumming style in this song. It is very Mangini.

Have they stopped the L-R Cymbals thing? Because it's all coming from the right speaker for me.

The processed JLB vocals didn't bother me because the style fit the song.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: cramx3 on December 06, 2018, 10:08:23 PM
Love it, definitely heavier and that instrumental section is a lot of fun. Time for bed  :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: GasparXR on December 06, 2018, 10:16:26 PM
Need to listen a couple more times, but I think this is probably one of their best single releases ever. It really hits the middle ground between familiar and fresh-sounding. In particular, I think the vocal melodies are really spot-on. I do notice a lot of effect on JLB though -- though it sounds more like an intentional artistic choice than to cover something up (as is the case as usual I think).
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 06, 2018, 10:16:48 PM
Amazing. I guess Spotify used the Eastern Time of 12 as I Got to listen to it right at 10 here.

 :metal :metal

I enjoyed it and might be playing it quite a bit more. Love that 2nd verse and 2nd pre-chorus. Its what I expected from them after The Astonishing, still continuing the self-titled style but added more heavy. The drums and bass sound Huge and LaBrie sounds as good as his recent solo albums.

Really excited for this album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 06, 2018, 10:18:30 PM
(https://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/91F472A9-8300-4D80-B082-14105D93EF11_zpsfo5s2t8c.jpg) (https://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/91F472A9-8300-4D80-B082-14105D93EF11_zpsfo5s2t8c.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 06, 2018, 10:20:02 PM
To me it sounds like ANTR and OTBOA
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Hanz Gruber on December 06, 2018, 10:21:26 PM
Working in the US now.  Probably will be in the minority but after the 1st listen I am not big on this one.  The chorus after the "Untethered Angels" part is a let down. Mumble mumble then suddenly"FREEEEEE"

Instruments sound great  (especially after 2nd chorus) but the vocals are not gripping me.  James sang them well but the melody is not hitting me. I am listening a second time as I am typing this and I am liking it better but it doesn't sound like this one will have longevity for me. Maybe will end up as a solid 6 out of 10 for this song?  Just my opinion.  When I saw the track times I was hoping for more of an "Awake" type of album in term of solid strong songs.  Still very excited as always with every Dream Theater release. 

Third listen is starting now.

Many times it takes multiple listens for me to appreciate new Dream Theater music. When Falling to Infinity came out for example. 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Pound4aBrown on December 06, 2018, 10:22:14 PM
Yup, three spins. Great song. Love that bass. Instrumental sections are fierce. Positive vibes for the rest of the album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RandalGraves on December 06, 2018, 10:23:13 PM
There's something about the mix that is really bothering me. A lot of the vocals I find buried under everything else (vocal effects aside). They're just not very clear. Even Jordan's playing only sticks out on occasion. I dunno, just sounds a little muddy to me.

The song's okay.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: jsbru on December 06, 2018, 10:24:33 PM
The DJ comparison is apt. Is a DJ making a beat for a rapper not an artist? Artists like Daft Punk or Prodigy use a lot of samples of famous tracks in their stuff and create cool songs:

https://youtu.be/I85DUucY_ek

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZYLp5uX9Yw

It's a tool in a toolbox, and a very valid one at that. Using stock image is no worse than using samples in songs - heck. "HOLD IT NOW; WAIT A MINUTE; COME ON!"

That was actually my first thought.  Lots of good art comes from re-working old art.

I miss all the sampling DT did in their early days.  Let's hear some more Conan.  "In Houston they say that?"  Nobody complains about that.

Half of today's pop music is re-worked, re-mixed, or mashed up.  The best rap song ever came from this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n9j86a1cT0

Who cares if the album art is a remix--it looks cool and I like it.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 06, 2018, 10:25:07 PM
Good mix. Except the vocals. They just don’t sound good at all. And I’m a huge James fan.

Some cool riffs but overall feels like DT trying to write a DT single. Meh.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Metro on December 06, 2018, 10:25:20 PM
First impression: I don't love it, but I don't hate it. It feels just like a standard Dream Theater song. It feels like you could have made a checklist of typical Dream Theater tropes and it would have hit every single item on that list. Nothing surprised me. It progressed exactly as I thought it would. It's nothing bad, but it's nothing new.
The keyboard sound Jordan uses at 1:50...I am so sick of hearing that patch. Jesus Jordan, you've got every keyboard sound imaginable at your disposal and you keep coming back to that cheesy patch.
I'm one of the people who did not like the Astonishing(Don't try to change my mind, I've given it many many chances in the almost 3 years since it came out), so I've been waiting 5 years now for a decent follow up to DT12, which I thought was just ok. I know this is only 6 minutes of an hour long album, but I hope this isn't just DT12 2.0.
I don't find myself enjoying DT as much as I used to. Maybe I've just outgrown the band.
This song really doesn't get me excited about the rest of the album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Madman Shepherd on December 06, 2018, 10:29:35 PM
Excellent stuff. Didn't blow me away but I rarely am at first listen. I checked out the comments on YouTube which I almost never do for obvious reasons and they were almost universally positive. This definitely gets me excited for the rest of the album, the upcoming live shows, and hey, maybe even some more Spanish talk shows.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Nefarius on December 06, 2018, 10:35:10 PM
First listen:

Compressed to hell and back even before YouTube, vocals buried in the mix or obscured by effects.

The instrumental mix seems to be balanced and powerful, drums sound like drums, so clearly a significant improvement in that department.

As a whole it feels more like a collection of randomly stitched together riffs instead of a coherent song though.

Absolutely nothing that grabbed me, was in any way memorable for me or made me want to listen to it again.

 :-\

Greetings...
Nef
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: lonestar on December 06, 2018, 10:37:01 PM
Gave it a cursory first spin...fairly standard, and it didn't blow me away. Highlights were JP's chunky ass guitar sound and that instrumental section. I'll also agree with others that JLB's vocals sound muddy in the mix.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2018, 10:42:20 PM
Worst mix I've heard in a long while
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: V_R11 on December 06, 2018, 10:46:45 PM
Okay. Thoughts:

-The mix is bad. Wow. James especially sounds really processed

-I really like Mangini’s drums, and I’m saying this as a JP fangirl

-I wonder who wrote the lyrics

-Don’t hate it, but I wasn’t blown away either. Excited for the album
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Nefarius on December 06, 2018, 10:47:00 PM
It almost seems like they were very conscious and careful to deliver a good mix.

And then they noticed that the vocals weren't done yet and there was no time/budget left to carve out some frequencies for James without doing some serious rebalancing work.

Better luck next time. :(

Greetings...
Nef
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: jsbru on December 06, 2018, 10:50:16 PM
Just listened to it for the first time.

Seems pretty middle of the road for me.

I think they're clearly right off the bat trying to win back the fans that were made unhappy by The Astonishing--by having their first single this time be more of a BC&SL dark/heavy sound.

I'm still excited for the rest of their album.  I am in favor of the shorter track lengths--at least in theory.  I loved TA--I think it's one of their best.  I hope there's some stuff similar to A New Beginning and A Life Left Behind.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: dparrott on December 06, 2018, 10:50:45 PM
Love it start to finish, but yea the vocals sound a bit low.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Anguyen92 on December 06, 2018, 10:53:28 PM
I mean it's a good single, but I don't think I will find myself singing randomly at the lyrics compared to The Gift of Music.  I still believe this album can excite me in ways that they can push where they are at as musicians a little more forward.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Imacer on December 06, 2018, 10:54:12 PM
Anyone else hear fret buzz during the intro riff?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Polarbear on December 06, 2018, 11:03:37 PM
James sounds like he's shouting to a muffled megaphone...

Song is ok. I was not impressed on the first listen, but it improved slightly on subsequent listens. There is a severe lack of any kind of catchy hook in the song. Not a good start, I need to hear the whole album before making a purchasing decision, let alone shelling out 55€ for a Blu-Ray audio...

Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2018, 11:10:18 PM
Seriously, James has so much effect on his voice and is so low it's virtually impossible to tell what the hell is he saying in some parts, it's even annoying, which is sad, because the rest of the song is great.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: LCArenas on December 06, 2018, 11:18:35 PM
MOTHERFUCKER.

 :2metal:

That was just an amazing song.  Feeling real strong "ToT/Heavier parts of SDoIT" in, loving it a lot. Tradeoff solos are back and while I can't say I have missed them I'm not going to complain about them either, great as usual. While I can say that it didn't astonish me (Sorry) as much as The Gift of Music, it still kicks all kinds of ass. Consider me hyped.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: pcs90 on December 06, 2018, 11:20:37 PM
It seems like a pretty standard DT song to me...which isn't necessarily a bad thing, it just doesn't stick out to me from the writing aspect.

Jordan's dirty organ patch is awesome. The fact that you can clearly hear the bass is even more awesome. Mangini sounds a lot better as well, still not my type of snare sound but it is definitely an improvement and the cymbals are a lot clearer as well.

James sounds processed yes, but part of that was clearly an artistic decision. Makes him harder to understand, but I think it fits the vibe of the track at least.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on December 06, 2018, 11:23:00 PM
“Pretty standard DT song”
Yes because they are DT 🤡
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Anguyen92 on December 06, 2018, 11:26:37 PM
“Pretty standard DT song”
Yes because they are DT 🤡

Yeah, but people feel like they need more than a run-of-a-mill DT song (I'm not implying that Untethered Angel is, but I can understand if some people may feel that way) and want something that can "Wow" them in ways they didn't think DT would do.  At least, that's my interpretation of the whole people hearing Untethered Angel as a "standard DT song."  People may want more than just that as a single (though that they may be setting expectations a bit too high for singles).
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2018, 11:27:54 PM
Personally, Moment of Betrayal is a very similar song, except a lot better.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: pcs90 on December 06, 2018, 11:31:22 PM
Personally, Moment of Betrayal is a very similar song, except a lot better.
I agree.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: danoz on December 06, 2018, 11:33:32 PM
I’m getting a ITNOG vibe about this, only stripped down. Anything they put out is always welcome
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 06, 2018, 11:37:50 PM
Untethered angel
Falling to darkness
Don't be afraid of letting gooooo
Mumble mumble mumble set you freeeeee!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Pettor on December 06, 2018, 11:43:43 PM
First impressions:

- Nice opening and main riff
- What the hell is up with the vocals? I am a James fan but it's so muddy and strange.
- First verse sounds like Outcry. Not fan of that type of riffing. But quite short thankfully.
- Second verse is a lot cooler but the vocals have strange effects that just doesn't fit.
- Nice instrumental part & chorus.
- Sounds very much like Moment of Betrayal.
- Like the chaotic and dramatic feel. Some interesting chord changes being used!

Need to listen a bit more but sounds like a good DT songs with some strange issues.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Shooters1221 on December 06, 2018, 11:49:08 PM
Agreed with most of above.

Solid first single IMO, for DT. Vocals are low in mix with effects. Loved guitar sound and instrumental section. Looking forward to the rest of the release.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Willthescout7 on December 06, 2018, 11:53:35 PM
Everything after the final chorus was perfect
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: jayvee3 on December 06, 2018, 11:56:17 PM
Love it. Great classic heavier DT sound, some tip of the hats to Outcry, great melody and solos we have come to expect. I am one who personally loves Mangini’s work, great rhythm and really varied and interesting fills. Definitely agree that James’s voice sounds a little buried early, but seems to get a little better as the song progresses. I really like this one, I actually think it’s one of their strongest singles to date  :tup
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: chrisbDTM on December 07, 2018, 12:00:36 AM
I just don't understand how a band of this caliber and resources continues to release albums with the drums sounding like this. Yes it's a bit better than the other Mangini releases, but still baffling
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: JLa on December 07, 2018, 12:03:51 AM
I always enjoy new songs from DT and this is no exception. It might wear off over time (there's nothing really new or fresh here) but so far so good.

People are complaining over YouTube compression. I'm listening on Spotify and a decent set of headphones, I think it sounds pretty good. James has all this compression and effects on his voice though, not too much of a fan of that.

Great chorus. Cool instrumentals, although fairly 'generic' DT.

I can see myself rocking to this today! Luckily I have the office for myself today.  :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: jadiggerdt on December 07, 2018, 12:06:33 AM
I just don't understand how a band of this caliber and resources continues to release albums with the drums sounding like this. Yes it's a bit better than the other Mangini releases, but still baffling

The main reason is the style of Mangini is different from Portnoy as well as production.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 07, 2018, 12:33:39 AM
For those complaining yet again, what's the problem with the drum sound this time?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 07, 2018, 12:36:14 AM
My only real issue is the voice, really, everything else is cool.

Perhaps that which can't be named's corruption has spread?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on December 07, 2018, 12:37:02 AM
Nothing is wrong with the drums. They sound fine.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: dodido253 on December 07, 2018, 12:51:25 AM
DT did a great job with this one, I've really enjoyed it.

Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: DoctorAction on December 07, 2018, 01:02:08 AM
Liking it. Good energy and vibe. Nice balance of all elements so can hear them well. Sound is pretty compressed via Spotify but we'll see for later files.

But yeah. Good.  :)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: PixelDream on December 07, 2018, 01:06:10 AM
First impression:

The positive side for me is that there’s a killer instrumenal section reminding me of TOT and even SFAM. Very cool and one of their trademarks, done as good as ever here. JP seems to have stepped up his game and gave a lot of thought to his solos. Also, really like JR’s piano playing in the instrumental section.

Drums and bass sound powerful, everything actually sounds pretty good, were it not for the heavy compression.. but that was to be expected.

The vocals sound weird and seem to have come last in the process. Not a fan of the melody either. This track is a bit of a mixed bag for me but I do like it a fair bit.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 07, 2018, 01:09:32 AM
Just gave this a couple of spins.

I agree the mix isn't the best they've put out, it sounds kinda muddy but it's still a powerful tune. Most interesting single they've put out since pretty much I became a fan (2005). I think I still prefer it to DT13's mix (because I'm one of those folks who thinks The Astonishing sounds just fine). Maybe just a way too much cymbal getting through (really noticeable on headphones).

I love vocal effects usually (and effects as a creative resource to a mix), but the problem here I feel is that some of the effects used on LaBrie's voice kinda mess with the comprehension of the lyrics. I don't mind them that much here, though.

Don't wanna sound picky. I really enjoyed it, and the track got me excited for what's to come. I've read some very nasty comments around, tho (not here). DT fans can be jerks sometimes lol (nothing wrong in expressing a negative opinion, but the ways aren't usually the best).
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Vandalism on December 07, 2018, 01:13:03 AM
Great song! The first verse may be a shade ok but the first chorus and beyond I couldn't stop headbanging! Thanks DT always love ya!

The instrument tones and mix reminds me of SFAM (FT/BtL).

BTW may be too obvious but do check your streaming quality setting because the mix improved a lot for me when I switched it to best quality.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 07, 2018, 01:21:48 AM
The song emphasizes once again that Mike Mangini's preferred weapon of choice is the bass drum. He's one of the few drummers who more often than not uses the snare as the metronome and the bass for fills.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Pettor on December 07, 2018, 01:27:15 AM
I think the track is getting there. Nice to hear a riffing powerful track from DT! Sadly Spotify started playing Fatal Tradegy immediately after and just hearing James voice made it clear what the only major issues with it is. Let's hope that can be fixed for final release! I mean he was MVP on TA and sounded amazing there, don't think this can be due to his vocal abilities?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: metrojam on December 07, 2018, 01:28:59 AM
8 hours after first hearing it, the second listen confirms that I really like the song and its definitely a step in the right direction again and makes me look forward to the new album.
I'm fine with the overall "mix" but as I'm not an expert on these things then my opinion on that doesn't count for much. Still a little disappointed about the (processed) vocals but I guess that with James's voice these days, that's what we're always going to get now, so it is what it is.
Overall an 8/10 for me and even if it IS a little "DT by numbers" then those numbers are adding up pretty good! :)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 07, 2018, 01:43:41 AM
Thought it was killer. I immediately noticed the interesting choice to put effects on James's voice. Also thought he was a bit buried. I'm not freaking out about it though. There was a moment or two where it seemed like JP was singing backing vox which we haven't heard on an album since BC&SL I believe, so that's cool. People keep mentioning Outcry, but I heard more of an In The Name Of God vibe. I definitely thought the drums have improved a lot (though, they didn't sound terrible on TA). Overall I'm a fan of the song and this definitely me even more pumped for the album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: SeRoX on December 07, 2018, 02:05:57 AM
I simply don't like it. What even this vocals? I mean it's not James, it's production, it's mix.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Red_Queen on December 07, 2018, 02:26:58 AM
Second listen !

First impression : Ohhh god this sound is huge and massive. All instrument are pretty badass.
I think JP is definetely behind JLB on vocals. Solo section is finally not mindless shredding.
Drums ? MM is beast. His and JM synchonizing with main riffs is mindblowing. Love drum sounds mainly between intro riff and first verse. It sounds amazing.
Someone mentioned fret buzzing. There are some but its caused by piezo pickups.
Vocals are different. I think album version in high quality will set in right place 

I have really enjoyed it  :metal
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Spiritus on December 07, 2018, 02:31:01 AM
It's ok. I wish I could say this is fresh, but to me it's too "been there done that before" and many times over.  Could fit right in on ADTOE or self titled. Great playing as always but, like i said too much of the same, melodies, and the mix.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Kocak on December 07, 2018, 02:37:49 AM
I like the song, but the mix is horrible.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: nobloodyname on December 07, 2018, 02:39:01 AM
Could fit right in on ADTOE or self titled.

Oh no, number one.

Great playing as always but, like i said too much of the same, melodies, and the mix.

Oh no, number two.

It's not a blanket over everything again, is it? That really plagued both A Dramatic Turn of Events and DT12.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Renzo on December 07, 2018, 02:43:32 AM
9/10

I really like the direction DT is taking with this record, UA reminds me of a mixture of ADTOE and TOT a really good blend of their prog and metal side with some awesome chord progressions and harmonies. Only flaw, LaBrie sounds too buried in the mix. But Mangini's presence is awesome. This is my short review of UA.

 :metal
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 07, 2018, 02:46:16 AM
Thought it was killer. I immediately noticed the interesting choice to put effects on James's voice. Also thought he was a bit buried. I'm not freaking out about it though. There was a moment or two where it seemed like JP was singing backing vox which we haven't heard on an album since BC&SL I believe, so that's cool. People keep mentioning Outcry, but I heard more of an In The Name Of God vibe. I definitely thought the drums have improved a lot (though, they didn't sound terrible on TA). Overall I'm a fan of the song and this definitely me even more pumped for the album.

He's totally singing backing vocals numerous times in DT12
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Red_Queen on December 07, 2018, 02:46:53 AM
It's ok. I wish I could say this is fresh, but to me it's too "been there done that before" and many times over.  Could fit right in on ADTOE or self titled. Great playing as always but, like i said too much of the same, melodies, and the mix.
If you put your headphones on and skip song to section 2:15 - 2:55. This is better melody part then anything on ADTOE or DT12.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Pettor on December 07, 2018, 03:13:59 AM
I think OTBOA is a better single but compared to self-titled this is better than any song really, except IT.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: w_marano on December 07, 2018, 03:21:20 AM
If you put your headphones on and skip song to section 2:15 - 2:55. This is better melody part then anything on ADTOE or DT12.

100% agree!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: devieira73 on December 07, 2018, 03:23:42 AM
Really good track! I bought the 320kbps from Google play and it sounds excellent IMO, very good mixing and production
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: lucasembarbosa on December 07, 2018, 03:36:25 AM
"Fear can live inside you / push you to the edge / face the fear within you / wake up from the dead"

Edge?  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Edergilmour on December 07, 2018, 03:43:10 AM
Well, they got some melodies stuck on my mind right now.
Nice riffs and solos.
The drum sound is really good.

I like it!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Progmetty on December 07, 2018, 03:50:37 AM
This going to be an great car album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Red_Queen on December 07, 2018, 03:57:29 AM
After BC&SL I started to missing something in their music. It wasnt about comparing Mike to Mike. Both of them are such great musicians.
ADTOE and DT12 they are good albums. Yes they are but still something missing. TA was huge and Very different but in some point I was like ohhh there it is. I finally hear those elements in which DT were always different from the others. I love DT since i was kid. They are who they are ..legends of prog thats why I cannot turn my face from them. They are my biggest influence in music but something was still missing.
After TA my feelings were still same but when information about D/T started to come out and they say that they are in the same room and making music together in some secret place. I was like THATS IT. Come ooooon do it guys show us some chemistry and soul. Bring back those elements when i first heard I&W or SFAM or heavy mood of ToT and systematic chaos where everything buzzing and we are not able to catch it on first listen and today they served us new single and Im finally satisfied  :hefdaddy and Im really happy.
They are back.
Maybe after all Portnoy was right about take some time and let things just flow and take some rest. I dont know but now you can feel how chemistry is working even without him.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: noxon on December 07, 2018, 04:02:53 AM
I've had a few weeks to digest this song. My initial reaction was that keys and vocals were too low, but after listening to it a bit more (especially in the car), I think the mix is actually working well as they intended - the focus is rhythms and riffs, and it succeeds at driving down the groove. The vocals DO take second position here, but the multi-layered style and distortion filters is actually something I think works very well for this song. It is a quintessential DT song in everything it does - contains all the ingredients of DT in a compact format. And it's a great intro to the rest of the album, imo. I don't expect DT to be revolutionary (heck, they tried that last time, and fans didnt react too kindly to that), so this is a great song for establishing "this is DT in 2018".

I really like the mix as well - it's a bit loud, but not s/t brickwalled. Almost no clipping, and it breathes. Drums sound huge, bass is loud as hell, and guitar tone is magic. And I love the classic rock organ sound. I really like the vocal melody as well. I like how it sounds modern, and raw and natural at the same time. The fret buzz in the beginning is a charming addition.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Dellers on December 07, 2018, 04:02:59 AM
Better than all the singles they released since I became a fan (2007-ish). I enjoyed this a lot, really. Instrumentally it sounds very good. There are a few negative points anyway of course. The first verse isn't that good, and the vocal effects don't sound great. The hi-hat sounds a bit off to me as well. Except for those things, this was a surprisingly good listen. The song was a lot better than I expected based on the snippet. Can't wait to play this in the car sometime. I don't really like any song on DT12, but this sounded a lot better.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: LightCurves on December 07, 2018, 04:52:17 AM
First reaction: Meh. sounds like a BC&SL-outtake. MP would have found a few spots for growling....
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: jingle.boy on December 07, 2018, 04:59:56 AM
First impression: I don't love it, but I don't hate it. It feels just like a standard Dream Theater song. It feels like you could have made a checklist of typical Dream Theater tropes and it would have hit every single item on that list. Nothing surprised me. It progressed exactly as I thought it would. It's nothing bad, but it's nothing new.
The keyboard sound Jordan uses at 1:50...I am so sick of hearing that patch. Jesus Jordan, you've got every keyboard sound imaginable at your disposal and you keep coming back to that cheesy patch.
I'm one of the people who did not like the Astonishing(Don't try to change my mind, I've given it many many chances in the almost 3 years since it came out), so I've been waiting 5 years now for a decent follow up to DT12, which I thought was just ok. I know this is only 6 minutes of an hour long album, but I hope this isn't just DT12 2.0.
I don't find myself enjoying DT as much as I used to. Maybe I've just outgrown the band.
This song really doesn't get me excited about the rest of the album.

It's like you're in my head.  Everything you said there is accurate from my perspective.

This is seriously the first DT album that won't be a day-1 / automatic purchase.  I'll sample it first, then decide if it's purchase-worthy.  It sounds like a song that's designed to attract new fans and/or appeal to newer fans - while not really doing anything new/different/creative.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on December 07, 2018, 05:04:45 AM
Some of the vocal lines in the song have the same melody as "I am ready" on Root of All Evil.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Zydar on December 07, 2018, 05:05:52 AM
I've only listened once this morning, but I'm not blown away by it. So a pretty standard 1st single by DT then.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Pax on December 07, 2018, 05:16:28 AM
Standard DT single, nice 2nd verse, nice drum sound, and some cool. Redundant instrumental section that reminds of Pareidolia, does nothing for the song except of just being there
Considerably inferior to some past singles like OTBOA

The song is very compressed and too short to evolve. I would be ok with that, if there were longer songs on the album, but there are not (3 mins isn't really much). If every song ends up compressed like this, it will be just another DT12 without illumination theory, which would make this their worst album to date (after wdadu). I truly hope that isn't the case
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Ruba on December 07, 2018, 05:17:53 AM
First impression: I don't love it, but I don't hate it. It feels just like a standard Dream Theater song. It feels like you could have made a checklist of typical Dream Theater tropes and it would have hit every single item on that list. Nothing surprised me. It progressed exactly as I thought it would. It's nothing bad, but it's nothing new.
The keyboard sound Jordan uses at 1:50...I am so sick of hearing that patch. Jesus Jordan, you've got every keyboard sound imaginable at your disposal and you keep coming back to that cheesy patch.
--- ---
I don't find myself enjoying DT as much as I used to. Maybe I've just outgrown the band.
This song really doesn't get me excited about the rest of the album.

I very much agree.

I thought I've never been a big fan of DT's singles on Rudess era (OTBOA is a notable exception) and I remember thinking The Enemy Inside was a bit iffy, but I revisited it last night and I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. It's definitely better than Untethered Angel. There are some things I like about UA, but some of its melodies I just find sort of unpleasant for some reason. The chorus just doesn't do it for me.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: King Postwhore on December 07, 2018, 05:21:28 AM
Not bad but not blown away.  I do like production so we'll see about the full album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on December 07, 2018, 05:26:33 AM
 :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: DreamerTV on December 07, 2018, 05:28:05 AM
I really like the general feeling and sound, and that’s a good thing if this’s the mood of the entire album.

Nothing extraordinary, but a good one for sure.


p.s. I can’t help but hear o holy night chorus in UA’s one, at least a part of it.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Phoenix87x on December 07, 2018, 05:50:02 AM
I found it pretty strait forward. Not terrible, not all that great. Not something I would go out of my way to listen to, but there's still a whole album to check out, so we'll see.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: KevShmev on December 07, 2018, 05:55:01 AM
Sounded pretty good and like standard DT fare, not that that's a bad thing.  We'll see how it sounds after a few more listens.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: abydos on December 07, 2018, 06:07:20 AM
The beginning riff sounds very similar to Outcry. There was one other riff towards the middle that I liked but other than that, quite forgettable and generic. The album teaser sounded better as they kept the more melodic part of the song in it.  I like the mix though.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: jayvee3 on December 07, 2018, 06:10:55 AM
Standard DT single, nice 2nd verse, nice drum sound, and some cool. Redundant instrumental section that reminds of Pareidolia, does nothing for the song except of just being there
Considerably inferior to some past singles like OTBOA

The song is very compressed and too short to evolve. I would be ok with that, if there were longer songs on the album, but there are not (3 mins isn't really much). If every song ends up compressed like this, it will be just another DT12 without illumination theory, which would make this their worst album to date (after wdadu). I truly hope that isn't the case

See - and I personally think this kills OTBOA. I really enjoy ADTOE, but skip OTBOA almost every time. To me UA has some great punch, top solos, nice melodies and is compact enough but never feels rushed. OTBOA just never grabbed me from the start, and still doesn't to this day. Different strokes I guess...
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Lax on December 07, 2018, 06:11:13 AM
The album with be a preorder :D not even a day one !

I'm like everybody on the "typical modern DT song", we all hear different songs typical styles in it and I listened it only once in shitty headphones !
To me it sounded like the child of "you build me up, you break me down" and "the ennemy inside", with obviously other parts.

I'm not disappointed because mix and sound seems fantastic and our gods' talent is still unparalleled :)
I hope some other songs are more fantaisist / taking risks, to satisfy my musician ears used to crazy DT. Even if there is no instrumental or epic in the album.

I remember being moved listening to ADTOE, feeling like I was getting back my favorite band, stylewise, maybe this one will make me this kind of effect again :)

Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Joshgirouard on December 07, 2018, 06:29:15 AM
After my first few listens I have mixed feelings .

Things I love :

-drum sound
-short and to the point


Things I dislike :

-opening heavy guitar riff seems lazy
-way to bass/guitar heavy

Overall 7.50/10 but knowing DT , this will probably
Be the most commercial song on the album and I’m really looking forward to the album as a whole
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Art on December 07, 2018, 07:04:03 AM
it's fine. the drum sound has improved, IMHO.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: SeRoX on December 07, 2018, 07:04:20 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gylxuO6dKOw&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0faPGPuiaC8feQ0sSmugS87dKwuwMJNQsOkp3VPgNEEcj4W-wR84pBjMI

Offical video for the single.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Another_Won on December 07, 2018, 07:04:26 AM
Great new single!  I love it!  I think people need to keep that in mind, that it is the single off the album like OTBOA and TEI and evaluate in that context.  The really juicy stuff comes later.  I actually think it's a little better than the other singles.  If this is an indication of how the whole album is going to develop over the tracks then the it's going to be awesome.

The structure is not quite standard verse/chorus.  Good balance of interesting, but still single-like.  Some of it is familiar and I agree with the Outcry references.  But this is how our brains work.  When we see or hear something our brains will immediately try to match it up with something we already know.  DT music has always grown for me as I listen so I'm sure this one will come into it's own over time.  To me if a song is catchy throughout from the beginning then it doesn't grow, it just gets boring.

It's interesting how many people here are so critical and (to me) too nit-picky.  It's just the single and shouldn't be used to evaluate the whole album.  The mix, the drum sound, bass in the mix, keys in the mix, vocals etc.  Sure I get it, we're a very technical bunch and can really give things a thorough review - that's fine.  Let's not forget we're FANS and don't let stuff ruin our enjoyment of the song.  When the song is playing, does your head nod with the music?  Great! go with that. :biggrin:

The great thing about DT is that the music is loved by a wide variety of people with their own musical preferences, but we're ALL FANS! Can't wait for Feb 22nd.   :metal
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: abydos on December 07, 2018, 07:10:16 AM
Mangini looks ridiculous with this setup.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Woodworker1 on December 07, 2018, 07:11:27 AM
DT usually releases a more accessible, commerical track for their single, so keeping that in mind: 

1)  Mangini's drumming is really powerful.  The drum sound is much improved.

2)  The bass presence is also improved; really loving the bass sound on this one.

3)  I like the vocals (but I always like Labrie's vocals!).  The processing doesn't bother me; I wouldn't noticed it if others wouldn't hadn't pointed it out.  It fits the song.

4)  I agree with a previous poster who state the mix/production places emphasis on the rhythm section.  I found myself tapping my foot and nodding my head (my co-workers were looking at me funny).

5)  Can we talk about the guitar solo?  I'm not a muscian; I lack the musical vocabulary to describe it properly, but it sucked me in right away.  I wish it was longer.  I'm sure we will get some longer solo's on the album.  Petrucci really put some effort into composing this one. 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Another_Won on December 07, 2018, 07:12:27 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gylxuO6dKOw&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0faPGPuiaC8feQ0sSmugS87dKwuwMJNQsOkp3VPgNEEcj4W-wR84pBjMI

Offical video for the single.
Wow!  The official video is amazing!  I really like the split screen style.  It's great to watch how each person is playing their part.  It helps to bring out their respective instruments in the mix.  This is also new for DT, right?  I don't recall them doing this before.

How about the clips of BBQ?  Really funny and nice touch.

One thing, where is James?  He doesn't look like he's in the Yonderbarn.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: goo-goo on December 07, 2018, 07:14:24 AM
Loving the song, liking the video....new avatar for me!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: nikatapi on December 07, 2018, 07:16:09 AM
Mangini looks ridiculous with this setup.

I'm pretty sure his setup is this way to better record the cymbals. I might be wrong, but i have a strong feeling about this.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 07, 2018, 07:20:43 AM
I like it, seems like a good solid single-type song.

- Like the clean picking intro. The riff when the band comes in is nice.
- The first verse grooves, just sounds a little too much like Outcry.
- Chorus is pretty good, vocals are a little muffled with the effects, the melody is decent though.
- Second verse is cool, and the groove before the vocals enter is nice. MM does some nice changes in the second cycle of the first section of the verse with his cymbal work, nice.
- The breakdown at like 3:25 is SOOOO Home and I love it.
- Solos sound good, nice trade off and to the point, not too long. JP has some really nice playing in there.
- Unison is good, but feels like it takes away from the momentum of the solos a little. Still a good line though.
- Outro is really cool, nice heavy stuff.

Mix/production observations -
- Drums are probably the best sound MM has got in the studio with DT. Not much to complain about here, the kick is full and present. The snare sounds decent in the mix, and the cymbal balance is WAY better than usual.
- Bass is solid and audible throughout.
- JP guitar tone sounds really nice and heavy, very good tone with less chorus than he's been using in recent years.
- JR had some good patches in there, especially the organ.
- JLB sounds like he performed well, but they went a little overboard with the effects and muffled him a little.

The mix sounds really strong, the balance of the instruments is good. The rhythm section sounds big and heavy, the presence instruments sat well in the mix. The big issue with this track was the vocals. I like the idea of the effect work they put on his voice, I just think they overdid it and the result are the vocals being muffled at times. Overall though, this is a really solid sounding mix and master.

I'm excited for this record.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: dream75 on December 07, 2018, 07:23:10 AM
Official video  :metal
https://youtu.be/gylxuO6dKOw (https://youtu.be/gylxuO6dKOw)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: cramx3 on December 07, 2018, 07:24:22 AM
Second listen this morning and I enjoyed it a bit more than my very much enjoyed first listen, but it is true, the vocals in this mix sound not only low, but the effects kind of make it sound weird.  I listened on my phone last night and didn't want to judge the mix from listening that way, today I am using my laptop and it still sounds muddy a little.  I do like the big heavy guitar and don't mind the lowered keys in favor of the bass and drums.  THe mix isn't horrible and the song is rockin, just think i agree with what others are saying about the vocals here.  I'm sure the rest of the songs won't have the same effects on his vocals so I'm not really worried about the album, if anything this song has just made me 10 times more excited.  This is good heavy DT IMO.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: theanalogkid7 on December 07, 2018, 07:27:36 AM
Is it just me or do the mixes sound different between the single and the video? It could be YT doing what it does, but I almost think the video has a better sound...

I don't know, I need to listen when I'm at home on proper speakers.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 07, 2018, 07:28:37 AM
Second listen this morning and I enjoyed it a bit more than my very much enjoyed first listen, but it is true, the vocals in this mix sound not only low, but the effects kind of make it sound weird.  I listened on my phone last night and didn't want to judge the mix from listening that way, today I am using my laptop and it still sounds muddy a little.  I do like the big heavy guitar and don't mind the lowered keys in favor of the bass and drums.  THe mix isn't horrible and the song is rockin, just think i agree with what others are saying about the vocals here.  I'm sure the rest of the songs won't have the same effects on his vocals so I'm not really worried about the album, if anything this song has just made me 10 times more excited.  This is good heavy DT IMO.

My first listen was in my car this morning (fell asleep last night before the single dropped) and the vocals were hard to make out. Got to the office, and my next couple listens were on a decent pair of headphones and everything much easier to make out.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: rumborak on December 07, 2018, 07:29:06 AM
Is it just me or do the mixes sound different between the single and the video? It could be YT doing what it does, but I almost think the video has a better sound...

I don't know, I need to listen when I'm at home on proper speakers.

That was exactly my reaction too. I felt keys and vocals were clearly audible in the video, whereas in the only-audio track they weren't.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Shooters1221 on December 07, 2018, 07:29:24 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gylxuO6dKOw&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0faPGPuiaC8feQ0sSmugS87dKwuwMJNQsOkp3VPgNEEcj4W-wR84pBjMI

Offical video for the single.

FUCK YEAH! Loving it much more with the video which has no fluff, just play! :tup
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: cramx3 on December 07, 2018, 07:33:16 AM
Is it just me or do the mixes sound different between the single and the video? It could be YT doing what it does, but I almost think the video has a better sound...

I don't know, I need to listen when I'm at home on proper speakers.

That was exactly my reaction too. I felt keys and vocals were clearly audible in the video, whereas in the only-audio track they weren't.

Yea just watched the video which was my 3rd listen of the song and enjoyed that a bit more, also really love the video.  Feel like it's made for youtube plus the shots of the food during JP's solo  :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: T-ski on December 07, 2018, 07:33:56 AM
if there is such a thing as "Dream Theater paint by numbers" this song is it.

6/10.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Metro on December 07, 2018, 07:35:07 AM
Count me in as not liking the mix.
Haken's latest album, Vector, has some of the best Metal production I've ever heard(Thanks to Adam "Nolly" Getgood) and yet they probably had half the budget that DT did for this album. When a bigger band like DT releases something poorly mixed like this, it really stands out and not in a good way.
Whenever DT15 starts production, I sincerely hope they get an outside producer. It's time.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: hotkey on December 07, 2018, 07:35:57 AM
Dat organ solo at 4:16, even better when you see Jordan playing it  :metal https://youtu.be/gylxuO6dKOw?t=255 (https://youtu.be/gylxuO6dKOw?t=255)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: kaos2900 on December 07, 2018, 07:40:00 AM
To be fair I've only had one listen but this was extremely meh for me. Sounds like a reworked version on On the Back of Angels. Nothing new sounding from the last few records. I'm going to wait for the album to listen more but not a great start.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: adamack on December 07, 2018, 07:41:47 AM
This is actually my fav DT single since OTBoA (which I still absolutely love). I guess that’s not saying much, but it’s a good sign for me. As we know, their singles are usually some of  the weaker songs on each album. It that holds true, then this album could be awesome.

Also, a lot of their singles grow on me in the context of the album. When I first heard Moment of Betrayal, I really wasn’t crazy about it at all. But it became a top 3 song on TA after hearing the whole thing. This same thing happened with TEI, and I don’t even think I loved OTBoA on the first few listens.

Edit to add some notes:

- As people have mentioned, this would fit very well on ADtoE. Which I’m digging, as that is my fav MM era album
- Is the album’s mixing process still happening? If so, could this not be the final version of the song? I’m assuming it will be, as DT doesn’t really seem to go back and alter things. IE: the weird auto tune glitch in The Gift of Music that made the final cut
- At 40 seconds...this part sounds massive! That low synth layer Jordan adds is amazing
- Not a fan of the vocal fx for James. It would be nice to hear a more up-front, natural sound. But it’s not a deal breaker
- Love the second verse
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: theanalogkid7 on December 07, 2018, 07:44:36 AM
This song feels very... safe. It's a cool tune, with a few moments that I enjoy, but it's not grabbing me overall. Dare I say it, I think The Gift of Music was a bit more compelling of a single.

Not saying I dislike it, but I'm not finding myself wanting to play it on repeat like I have before. Perhaps it is the mix, which in all fairness is better than it has been, but it's still lackluster.

I also noticed the pre-order is available now:
Quote
Distance Over Time” is available as Standard CD Jewel Case, Special Edition Digipak (incl. 1 bonus track), 180g Gaefold 2LP Edition (incl. 1 bonus track, an 8-page-LP-booklet & the entire album on CD), Ltd. Edition Artbook (incl. 1 bonus track, 5.1 mix with video animations, instrumental mixes, high res files of the album, stems for “Untethered Angel”, extended liner notes, additional artwork incl. photos from the writing session and additional video content), as Deluxe Collector’s Box Set (incl. lenticular cover card, Artbook, 180g 2 LP Gatefold Edition with exclusive artwork and an exclusive LP colour, exclusive picture 7”, 60 x 60 cm poster, 10 art cards, slipmat, patch, pin and a hand-numbered certificate of authenticity)and as Digital Album (incl. 1 bonus track).
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: The Letter M on December 07, 2018, 07:49:15 AM
Official video  :metal
https://youtu.be/gylxuO6dKOw (https://youtu.be/gylxuO6dKOw)

Somehow, this sounded MUCH better to my ears. Still just a fairly good song, nothing revolutionary, but still likeable.

Also, as a drummer, it annoys me that Mangini now moved his hihats to the upper half of his kit. WHY?! Just to show off his muscles some more on stage?! LOL It seems very awkward and not ergonomically efficient.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Chris Hinton on December 07, 2018, 07:51:54 AM
I just listened to it.  I liked it enough -- not their best song -- but a good safe single release. 

I'm going to hold off listening again until the album comes out. 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: CrimsonSunrise on December 07, 2018, 07:54:47 AM
Very reminiscent of OtBOA's for me.  Sounds good!  Really like the instrumental sections.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on December 07, 2018, 07:57:57 AM
Official video  :metal
https://youtu.be/gylxuO6dKOw (https://youtu.be/gylxuO6dKOw)

Somehow, this sounded MUCH better to my ears. Still just a fairly good song, nothing revolutionary, but still likeable.

Also, as a drummer, it annoys me that Mangini now moved his hihats to the upper half of his kit. WHY?! Just to show off his muscles some more on stage?! LOL It seems very awkward and not ergonomically efficient.

-Marc.

Same here...for some reason, I warmed up to the song more after seeing the video. And Petrucci's face at 3:22 is AWESOME!!!!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 07, 2018, 08:03:33 AM
WAIT WAIT WAIT

Why does the Youtube video sound ao much better than the Spotify audio? Is it because I am not using Spotify premium, which is why the stream is only 160, not 320?

My takeaway feom the video? These guys are really just having fun right now.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: MirrorMask on December 07, 2018, 08:05:18 AM
I also noticed the pre-order is available now:
Quote
Distance Over Time” is available as Standard CD Jewel Case, Special Edition Digipak (incl. 1 bonus track), 180g Gaefold 2LP Edition (incl. 1 bonus track, an 8-page-LP-booklet & the entire album on CD), Ltd. Edition Artbook (incl. 1 bonus track, 5.1 mix with video animations, instrumental mixes, high res files of the album, stems for “Untethered Angel”, extended liner notes, additional artwork incl. photos from the writing session and additional video content), as Deluxe Collector’s Box Set (incl. lenticular cover card, Artbook, 180g 2 LP Gatefold Edition with exclusive artwork and an exclusive LP colour, exclusive picture 7”, 60 x 60 cm poster, 10 art cards, slipmat, patch, pin and a hand-numbered certificate of authenticity)and as Digital Album (incl. 1 bonus track).

I wonder what those art cards would be. For that price, it would be cool if they were artistic renditions of the lyrics, like if they were pages of an old book or something, each one with their own background artwork.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: TH1RT3EN on December 07, 2018, 08:11:45 AM
WAIT WAIT WAIT

Why does the Youtube video sound so much better than the Spotify audio? Is it because I am not using Spotify premium, which is why the stream is only 160, not 320?

My takeaway from the video? These guys are really just having fun right now.

Yeah, that's it. Spotify's audio sucks really bad if you're using a free account, sometimes it oscillates so much that it almost sounds like there's a flanger effect on it.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: ZKX-2099 on December 07, 2018, 08:24:45 AM
The song was exactly what I was hoping for. Can't wait. Now I shall not listen to it again till Feb 22.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Kocak on December 07, 2018, 08:30:29 AM
I'm still unsure about the drum sound.
Lacks the necessary dynamics imo.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Kocak on December 07, 2018, 08:33:33 AM
Count me in as not liking the mix.
Haken's latest album, Vector, has some of the best Metal production I've ever heard(Thanks to Adam "Nolly" Getgood) and yet they probably had half the budget that DT did for this album. When a bigger band like DT releases something poorly mixed like this, it really stands out and not in a good way.
Whenever DT15 starts production, I sincerely hope they get an outside producer. It's time.

Thank you, Sir! Exactly what I think. I can't help but think that DT did a MIDI cover of itself.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: SeRoX on December 07, 2018, 08:36:29 AM
WAIT WAIT WAIT

Why does the Youtube video sound ao much better than the Spotify audio? Is it because I am not using Spotify premium, which is why the stream is only 160, not 320?

My takeaway feom the video? These guys are really just having fun right now.

I guess no. I use premium it sounds really bad. Especially vocals so layered and unnatural. But I have to agree that YT sounds better vocally.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Kocak on December 07, 2018, 08:39:44 AM
WAIT WAIT WAIT

Why does the Youtube video sound ao much better than the Spotify audio? Is it because I am not using Spotify premium, which is why the stream is only 160, not 320?

My takeaway feom the video? These guys are really just having fun right now.

I guess no. I use premium it sounds really bad. Especially vocals so layered and unnatural. But I have to agree that YT sounds better vocally.

I use premium too, not the best mix.
Audio Engineering 101: Always test your mix through different outputs.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: WilliamMunny on December 07, 2018, 08:43:37 AM
I'll weigh in:

I love it!

-Easily my favorite single in years (Rite of Passage, OTBOA, The Enemy Inside, and TGOM) all failed to really capture my attention. But THIS...this is something else.

-I love the vocals (but I'm all about the Queen-ified production on vocals)

-I love the mix.

-Mangini's drums sound great. His best snare sound on a DT record.

-The art is cool. (I really, really, really don't understand why anyone cares where the images came from. There's a million ways to do an album cover, DT tends to go with the 'collage' method, which I dig.)

The single totally did it's job in that I can't wait for the record!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 07, 2018, 08:45:16 AM
I'm still unsure about the drum sound.
Lacks the necessary dynamics imo.

Why would you expect much dynamics in the drums in a song that's heavy from start to finish? I don't get it.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Kocak on December 07, 2018, 08:51:48 AM
I'm still unsure about the drum sound.
Lacks the necessary dynamics imo.

Why would you expect much dynamics in the drums in a song that's heavy from start to finish? I don't get it.

So it doesn't sound super mechanical?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Hourglass Prison on December 07, 2018, 08:57:23 AM
I dig it! I’ll give it some more listens to let it sink in. :)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Hourglass Prison on December 07, 2018, 08:58:14 AM
I'm still unsure about the drum sound.
Lacks the necessary dynamics imo.

Why would you expect much dynamics in the drums in a song that's heavy from start to finish? I don't get it.

So it doesn't sound super mechanical?

Haha! You beat me to it on the avatar.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gmillerdrake on December 07, 2018, 09:01:21 AM
After a few listens....It's a solid song....love the video and watching them play ...also, the random shots of them cooking food thrown in is pretty funny :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: CDrice on December 07, 2018, 09:01:34 AM
I like it! The vocals do feel a bit low, but I had the same feeling with The Enemy Inside at first and now I think it's fine. Also did Jordan used a different lead patch than usual? I feel that his solo sounded really good.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Shooters1221 on December 07, 2018, 09:01:40 AM
I'm still unsure about the drum sound.
Lacks the necessary dynamics imo.

Why would you expect much dynamics in the drums in a song that's heavy from start to finish? I don't get it.

So it doesn't sound super mechanical?

I think what you’re hearing is the YouTube compressed meh mix. I think everything will breathe more on the final cut. I think his toms sound fucking great and the snare/snares sound fine, especially at the 4:27 mark. Just my thoughts.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 07, 2018, 09:03:29 AM
I'm still unsure about the drum sound.
Lacks the necessary dynamics imo.

Why would you expect much dynamics in the drums in a song that's heavy from start to finish? I don't get it.

So it doesn't sound super mechanical?

The drumming in this song sounds mechanical?

Give me an example of a song with this feel with more dynamic drums.

For those wondering about the non-ergonomic positioning of Mangini's cymbals, he's really just reverting to how he did it decades back. I think he really hust felt comfortable with that setup.

https://youtu.be/k3-g0BKtPeE
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: jakepriest on December 07, 2018, 09:04:31 AM
I'm still unsure about the drum sound.
Lacks the necessary dynamics imo.

Why would you expect much dynamics in the drums in a song that's heavy from start to finish? I don't get it.

So it doesn't sound super mechanical?

Tbh this sound drum production better than most modern metal bands that overdub their drummers with programmed drums like 50/50, and that's coming from someone who can't stand drums on DT12 and TA.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 07, 2018, 09:07:00 AM
I like it! The vocals do feel a bit low, but I had the same feeling with The Enemy Inside at first and now I think it's fine. Also did Jordan used a different lead patch than usual? I feel that his solo sounded really good.

I think he played both his solos on a Hammond Organ.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 07, 2018, 09:08:03 AM
I have listened a few times.  My initial reaction was that it simultaneously sounded very busy, but very simple at the same time, if that makes sense.  I definitely like the song.  But I feel like it's too early to form any very strong opinions.  I had seen some of the comments making comparisons to Outcry, which intrigued me.  When I heard the riff on the first verse (starting at about :50), it was pretty clear why people were comparing it to that song.  The similarities are striking.  Then when the keyboard solo kicked in at about 3:25, I said to myself, "Okay, this song is like Outcry's little brother!"  :lol  Definitely some strong musical connections there.  A few other things that jumped out at me:

-The chorus felt (and feels) a bit out of place.  The rest of the song mostly has a very dark vibe, but in the chorus, it takes on a very, almost-happy, major chord feel.  And that's fine.  But I kind of felt like, for it to really work and be a moment, it had to have a bit more power and "oomph!" that it was lacking.  Part of that is the way James performed it.  Not that he's doing anything "wrong" or singing "badly."  No, his singing is fine.  But it sounds like he is singing completely head voice without belting it, and even if he isn't, Jordan's "light, airy" keyboard patch during that part and him directly harmonizing with the vocals I think unintentionally takes away some of the power that part could otherwise have.  Maybe after the song gets more time to sit with me, I won't feel that way.  That's really the only minor "gripe" (if you want to call it that) that I have with the song.

-The song manages to sound complex and simple at the same time.  Which is a really interesting accomplishment.  It kind of feels a bit on the short side, but I think I was predisposed to feel that way given my premature feelings about the song lengths of the album as a whole.

-Some of the riffage is HUGE.  Some of the standouts are that riff after the keyboard solo that follows the first chorus.  LOVE that riff!  The one at 3:14 is tasty as well.  And then the one at the end that we heard in the teaser clip, which shows up at about 5:17...that one has been stuck in my head. 

-Along kind of similar lines as my previous point, there are some cool moments throughout the song where DT uses one of their signature elements:  Taking a musical idea and using "orchestration" techniques to open it up when it is revisited later in the song, and putting slight variations on it to make it bigger, more complex, and "hookier."  For example, they do this with the opening riff after the acoustic intro.  That part, to me, sounded a bit overly simplistic at the beginning of the song.  But when it shows up later in the song, it is opened more more, more varied, and just sounds both meatier and more groovy.  I love that they do that.  And the fact that it is executed so frequently and so well in such a short song is a pretty cool feat.

-The video itself is really cool.  I like the splits creen effect.  I like the interjection of shots of them just having, goofing off, and...prepping FOOD!  I like that everyone is so casual.  You don't see the band in full wardrobe with perfectly groomed hair.  Nope.  T-shirts, hair pulled back, just being in the studio and letting it rip.  It has a very..."comfortable" vibe to it.  Yeah, it may not really tell a story that fits the vibe of the song.  But all the fans know the band has been locked away in the studio just enjoying their time writing music, and this video felt like a nice payoff to the fans that have been following in anticipation of the new music.  I like that a lot.  :tup
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Shooters1221 on December 07, 2018, 09:17:46 AM
I'm still unsure about the drum sound.
Lacks the necessary dynamics imo.

Why would you expect much dynamics in the drums in a song that's heavy from start to finish? I don't get it.

So it doesn't sound super mechanical?

The drumming in this song sounds mechanical?

Give me an example of a song with this feel with more dynamic drums.

For those wondering about the non-ergonomic positioning of Mangini's cymbals, he's really just reverting to how he did it decades back. I think he really hust felt comfortable with that setup.

https://youtu.be/k3-g0BKtPeE

Nice pull Erwin, been awhile, but I think it has to do with the “show” aspect too, I mean, Steve Vai defines showmanship. With MM, you can pretty much put the drums on the ceiling or walls and he’ll find a way. Love the drum sound on this new song.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: pg1067 on December 07, 2018, 09:18:30 AM
I listened to it half a dozen times or so before I went to sleep last night (the official YouTube video on cheap earbuds).  I listened to it another few times this morning (same YouTube video through my car stereo).  I did not read through the 4 pages of comments posted in the 15+ hours since I last was on here yesterday.

My first reaction was that the intro was reminiscent of OTBOA, but that changed pretty quickly.

My biggest overall reaction is that it seems shorter than it is.  That's a good thing.  I'd rather have a 6 minute song that feels 4 minutes than the other way around.  I want more of it *kinda like with anything on side 1 of Moving Pictures).

The sounds seem all good.  I'm not a huge fan of the riffage that sits (almost) exclusively on the 7th string of the guitar, but I recognize that's pretty much JP's thing and has been for probably the last decade or more.  I've never had any problem with MM's drums and still don't.  The key sounds were pretty standard JR stuff.  The bass peaked through occasionally (never enough for me).  Didn't really care for the processed sound of the vocals in the verses.  It was better in the choruses.

I particularly liked the unison section before the last chorus.  Lots of breathing room, and there were a few other places in the song where there was room.  Good thing.

Compositionally, the song reminded me of a bunch of post-8VA material.  Nothing terribly new or adventurous here, but there's nothing wrong with a solid song that sticks to the band's trademark sound.

All in all, a very good song that leaves me looking forward to the rest of the album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: TheGreatPretender on December 07, 2018, 09:21:23 AM
I haven't been around for a long time, but naturally, a new single from the upcoming album will always bring me back.

I love it so far. I've listened to it maybe 7 times now, and not back to back, so I'm letting it sink in, and yeah, aside from LaBrie being a bit low in the mix, I really have no complaints about it at all. I love the energy, I love the melody, the solo section.
I really like the lyrics. They seem like they're about mental health issues of some sort, JP really likes his "inner turbulence" subject matter. But at the same time, I feel like they're ambiguous enough that you could interpret it in a more imaginative way if you wanted.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: DT89 on December 07, 2018, 09:21:41 AM
I transcribed all of the guitar parts:

https://youtu.be/JOHqUEu2dT0
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: CDrice on December 07, 2018, 09:26:52 AM
I like it! The vocals do feel a bit low, but I had the same feeling with The Enemy Inside at first and now I think it's fine. Also did Jordan used a different lead patch than usual? I feel that his solo sounded really good.

I think he played both his solos on a Hammond Organ.

I see, thanks! I always liked his solos better when he's using something else than his usual lead sound, so I hope he uses the organ some more on the album :)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 07, 2018, 09:32:36 AM
A comment on the drum sound.  A couple of folks said they feel that it lacks "dynamics."  (sorry, I usually like to quote posts, but there have been a lot of comments in the last few pages)  I partly agree.  But here's the thing, Mangini puts a TON of emphasis on playing in a very consistent manner.  He wants all of his hits to sound precise and identical to one another.  He really values that precision and works hard to achieve that.  That is just part of his style.  But I get that it can can also make his playing sound a bit "mechanical" at times simply because his style is kind of the antithesis of using variation on volume of his drum hits to achieve effect.  Rather, he simply uses all the different instruments on his kit to achieve variation.  That is a very different style than Portnoy.  And a very different style from the vast majority of rock/metal drummers.  I do miss what Portnoy brought to the table in that regard, because I think he was not only very good at it, but also used it to great effect to add a lot of complexity and nuance to DT's sound.  But I get what Mangini brings to the table as well.  It is just an entirely different thing.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Shooters1221 on December 07, 2018, 09:39:54 AM
A comment on the drum sound.  A couple of folks said they feel that it lacks "dynamics."  (sorry, I usually like to quote posts, but there have been a lot of comments in the last few pages)  I partly agree.  But here's the thing, Mangini puts a TON of emphasis on playing in a very consistent manner.  He wants all of his hits to sound precise and identical to one another.  He really values that precision and works hard to achieve that.  That is just part of his style.  But I get that it can can also make his playing sound a bit "mechanical" at times simply because his style is kind of the antithesis of using variation on volume of his drum hits to achieve effect.  Rather, he simply uses all the different instruments on his kit to achieve variation.  That is a very different style than Portnoy.  And a very different style from the vast majority of rock/metal drummers.  I do miss what Portnoy brought to the table in that regard, because I think he was not only very good at it, but also used it to great effect to add a lot of complexity and nuance to DT's sound.  But I get what Mangini brings to the table as well.  It is just an entirely different thing.

Yeah, what he said.^^^ perfect.

...and for those who don’t read back pages, they did release the OFFICIAL video https://youtu.be/gylxuO6dKOw
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Anxiety35 on December 07, 2018, 09:52:04 AM
I like the vocal effects. It's something they haven't done too much so, here's to something newer for DT.
That keyboard solo is nuts. Jordan is the all-star on this song.
As a drummer, I don't see how it could be comfortable to play cymbals that stinkin' high up. Maybe for recording purposes? My shoulders would kill after 1 song.
I really love the section from 2:34 to 2:52.
The video is great! Petrucci's face at is hilarious at 3:23.

The song is a grower. The first 2 listens I thought it was pretty much "stock" MM era DT. After the 4th listen, it clicked with me. I'm looking forward to the rest of the album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Max Kuehnau on December 07, 2018, 10:00:22 AM
A comment on the drum sound.  A couple of folks said they feel that it lacks "dynamics."  (sorry, I usually like to quote posts, but there have been a lot of comments in the last few pages)  I partly agree.  But here's the thing, Mangini puts a TON of emphasis on playing in a very consistent manner.  He wants all of his hits to sound precise and identical to one another.  He really values that precision and works hard to achieve that.  That is just part of his style.  But I get that it can can also make his playing sound a bit "mechanical" at times simply because his style is kind of the antithesis of using variation on volume of his drum hits to achieve effect.  Rather, he simply uses all the different instruments on his kit to achieve variation.  That is a very different style than Portnoy.  And a very different style from the vast majority of rock/metal drummers.  I do miss what Portnoy brought to the table in that regard, because I think he was not only very good at it, but also used it to great effect to add a lot of complexity and nuance to DT's sound.  But I get what Mangini brings to the table as well.  It is just an entirely different thing.
These are the reasons why MM is one of my heroes.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RoeDent on December 07, 2018, 10:00:25 AM
It's only really the keyboard/tom-tom bit in the middle that reminded me of Outcry. My initial just-woken-up reminiscence of the intro was The Count of Tuscany, but then later I thought In the Name of God might work better as a comparison. And the chorus brought to mind A Nightmare to Remember ("Life was so simple then...").

Very impressed. The song has grown on me with each listen.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Hanz Gruber on December 07, 2018, 10:05:07 AM
I like that John Myung keeps nodding at the end of the video when the song is over.   He is in that space. 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Mebert78 on December 07, 2018, 10:32:34 AM
Good song!  Still sinking in for me, but I get a "Moment of Betrayal" vibe for some reason.  Love the live playthrough video!  I'd definitely welcome more of that type of stuff from DT. :)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Red_Queen on December 07, 2018, 10:39:30 AM
Guys I just listening iTunes version of single and this high quality version is mindblowing. There is no way to have opinion without listen this version. Spotify and YT version are really awfully compress.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 07, 2018, 10:40:06 AM
I listened to the audio-only 3 times this morning.  After those listens, I must say, I didn't love it.  I did, however, think it would be a monster live.

After seeing the official video (which sounds much better, BTW), I "get" it more.  I still think it's the least of the MM-era initial singles (I prefer On The Backs of Angels, The Enemy Inside, and The Gift of Music), but I like it more than I did.  Not bad.

Looking forward to hearing more of the new material.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: zappafrank2112 on December 07, 2018, 10:48:45 AM
Maybe it's my headphones, but I really miss a nice snappy-sounding snare.  The snare here sounds way too muffled for my liking.

I agree that it will be a monster live.  I see where the comparisons are coming re: belonging on ADToE, but I personally have no feelings about that one way or the other.

I dig the hard Hammond sound underlying everything.

I agree with whoever said that MM having his toms up high is ergonomically questionable.  In theory I have no dog in that fight, but from a lay perspective, it looks like he actually has to reach for them, lifting off his stool a bit.  Whatever floats his boat, I guess.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: the_silent_man on December 07, 2018, 10:50:15 AM
Doesn't blow me away, but I am definitely enjoying it. The intro is beautiful and the outro kicks ass. Also love the instrumental section, very tasty indeed.
I'm not loving the production, however. Its good to hear the bass and the drums do sound better, but it's really muddy. I hope this is just the usual YouTube compression.
The whole song speeds by so fast I wish it was longer! This is a good thing, though.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 07, 2018, 11:13:44 AM
A comment on the drum sound.  A couple of folks said they feel that it lacks "dynamics."  (sorry, I usually like to quote posts, but there have been a lot of comments in the last few pages)  I partly agree.  But here's the thing, Mangini puts a TON of emphasis on playing in a very consistent manner.  He wants all of his hits to sound precise and identical to one another.  He really values that precision and works hard to achieve that.  That is just part of his style.  But I get that it can can also make his playing sound a bit "mechanical" at times simply because his style is kind of the antithesis of using variation on volume of his drum hits to achieve effect.  Rather, he simply uses all the different instruments on his kit to achieve variation.  That is a very different style than Portnoy.  And a very different style from the vast majority of rock/metal drummers.  I do miss what Portnoy brought to the table in that regard, because I think he was not only very good at it, but also used it to great effect to add a lot of complexity and nuance to DT's sound.  But I get what Mangini brings to the table as well.  It is just an entirely different thing.

Agreed 100%, and let me add something: metal drums usually lack dynamics big time. The modern approach to mixing metal seeks an even balance of drum kit intensity, while keeping a pretty constant kick drum and snare level. This is a 100% metal track, and the approach to the production was like that.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 07, 2018, 11:17:13 AM
Guys I just listening iTunes version of single and this high quality version is mindblowing. There is no way to have opinion without listen this version. Spotify and YT version are really awfully compress.
Holy shit, agreed 100%. I just checked out the iTunes version and it's so superior sonically.

EVERYONE CHECK IT OUT PLS.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Pound4aBrown on December 07, 2018, 11:22:52 AM
I'd definitely welcome more of that type of stuff from DT. :)

Signed.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 07, 2018, 11:23:40 AM
A comment on the drum sound.  A couple of folks said they feel that it lacks "dynamics."  (sorry, I usually like to quote posts, but there have been a lot of comments in the last few pages)  I partly agree.  But here's the thing, Mangini puts a TON of emphasis on playing in a very consistent manner.  He wants all of his hits to sound precise and identical to one another.  He really values that precision and works hard to achieve that.  That is just part of his style.  But I get that it can can also make his playing sound a bit "mechanical" at times simply because his style is kind of the antithesis of using variation on volume of his drum hits to achieve effect.  Rather, he simply uses all the different instruments on his kit to achieve variation.  That is a very different style than Portnoy.  And a very different style from the vast majority of rock/metal drummers.  I do miss what Portnoy brought to the table in that regard, because I think he was not only very good at it, but also used it to great effect to add a lot of complexity and nuance to DT's sound.  But I get what Mangini brings to the table as well.  It is just an entirely different thing.

Agreed 100%, and let me add something: metal drums usually lack dynamics big time. The modern approach to mixing metal seeks an even balance of drum kit intensity, while keeping a pretty constant kick drum and snare level. This is a 100% metal track, and the approach to the production was like that.

Yup and yup. I think the drums on this sound solid for sure. Snare could use a little more snap, but it's not bad. I think at this point if someone listens to this and HATES the drum sounds, like Bosk described, you might just not like MM's approach to playing, which is totally fine.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: wolven74 on December 07, 2018, 11:24:48 AM
I like it. I agree with another assessment that it sounds eerily similar to Lost Not Forgotten--at least in the chorus, but it definitely has "first single" appeal. Not as much as say... OTBOA, but still. I think they've done a good job of mixing Mangini in this time. Still has The Astonishing sound, but that's ok. I do hope for Mangini's sake, he takes a larger kit on the road. Having watched the video they released with it, I can't imagine playing cymbals that high off the kit night after night. Talk about some serious muscle strain. :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 07, 2018, 11:29:30 AM
A comment on the drum sound.  A couple of folks said they feel that it lacks "dynamics."  (sorry, I usually like to quote posts, but there have been a lot of comments in the last few pages)  I partly agree.  But here's the thing, Mangini puts a TON of emphasis on playing in a very consistent manner.  He wants all of his hits to sound precise and identical to one another.  He really values that precision and works hard to achieve that.  That is just part of his style.  But I get that it can can also make his playing sound a bit "mechanical" at times simply because his style is kind of the antithesis of using variation on volume of his drum hits to achieve effect.  Rather, he simply uses all the different instruments on his kit to achieve variation.  That is a very different style than Portnoy.  And a very different style from the vast majority of rock/metal drummers.  I do miss what Portnoy brought to the table in that regard, because I think he was not only very good at it, but also used it to great effect to add a lot of complexity and nuance to DT's sound.  But I get what Mangini brings to the table as well.  It is just an entirely different thing.

Agreed 100%, and let me add something: metal drums usually lack dynamics big time. The modern approach to mixing metal seeks an even balance of drum kit intensity, while keeping a pretty constant kick drum and snare level. This is a 100% metal track, and the approach to the production was like that.

Yup and yup. I think the drums on this sound solid for sure. Snare could use a little more snap, but it's not bad. I think at this point if someone listens to this and HATES the drum sounds, like Bosk described, you might just not like MM's approach to playing, which is totally fine.

Yeah, which would be kinda weird considering that 85% of other modern metal bands sound just like this. If someone loves Periphery's production approach and hates this would sound to me as some negative bias towards MM, just because he isn't MP  :lol (and I've seen plenty of that in the past 8 years).

MM's performance was great, and I think that if this song was to be released by another artist (excluding JLB's extremely recognizable voice) some people wouldn't even make a flinch. I know it's more complicated, and I know DT has 14 albums and a wonderful EP as a musical history; and everything they do will inevitably be compared to that, but I've found really cool the activity of just shutting down the "compare this song to their previous stuff" chip and just enjoy it for what it is.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 07, 2018, 11:33:28 AM
There's totally a large bias towards MP, but again that's against many bands that had an original member leaving.
Clear example is people saying that I&W triggered drum sound is awesome and characteristic, when we all know MP clearly didn't intend that.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 07, 2018, 11:39:25 AM
Yeah, which would be kinda weird considering that 85% of other modern metal bands sound just like this. If someone loves Periphery's production approach and hates this would sound to me as some negative bias towards MM, just because he isn't MP  :lol (and I've seen plenty of that in the past 8 years).

MM's performance was great, and I think that if this song was to be released by another artist (excluding JLB's extremely recognizable voice) some people wouldn't even make a flinch. I know it's more complicated, and I know DT has 14 albums and a wonderful EP as a musical history; and everything they do will inevitably be compared to that, but I've found really cool the activity of just shutting down the "compare this song to their previous stuff" chip and just enjoy it for what it is.

I agree with your overall point here, but I will say that, to my ears, Periphery gets a much better drum sound and overall mix/production. Nolly is my favorite engineer/producer in modern rock/metal right now. I think his approach to drum engineering is second to none. Also, Matt's drumming style requires a little more flex in the snare sound with his heavy use of ghost notes. So their snare sound tends to be a little less compressed and relies on the room mics more. That said, I agree with your larger point. I think a predisposition toward MM has more to do with some people's reactions than the actual sound of the drums on this single.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 07, 2018, 11:41:42 AM
Agreed. Periphery is better at it essentially because they've put out like 6 albums that sound just like that. They've perfected the style and they've even made business selling their drum samples and guitar tones (which sound pretty neat BTW). DT changes things up every time regarding approach and production because their music is so much more diverse than Periphery's; but Untethered Angel is a fine modern metal track that maybe was overcompressed quite a bit but is still nice (the iTunes version sounds much better tho).
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: DP_Gumby on December 07, 2018, 11:41:54 AM
As someone who came to the world of DT through ToT I can appreciate the heavy stuff more than usual. And I might have obsessed a bit this time, because I have played it on repeat virtually nonstop since I woke up this morning. I have enabled scrobbling to last.fm on Spotify, and at the time of writing this I have according to that site played the song 85 times.  ::)

That being said, there's no surprise I have also got some impressions, and who wouldn't when they listen to something that many times?  :lol

The intro riff reminded me of the TCoT intro. Also the last guitar chord would be a nice transition into SOC live.
Happy to hear they more or less managed to mix MM roughly the same as he was mixed on Into The Great Divide.
I don't mind how JLB is mixed with regards to the vocal effects. It fits great in the fabric of the song.
And that Hammond Organ!  :chill
That section from 3:28 and to the end  :metal

I'm curious to learn where the backstory for the lyrics comes from, what inspired the lyricist? Because I interpret the lyrics to be maybe be about something related to mental health.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: MirrorMask on December 07, 2018, 11:49:40 AM
I'm curious to learn where the backstory for the lyrics comes from, what inspired the lyricist? Because I interpret the lyrics to be maybe be about something related to mental health.

I haven't heard the song yet, but in an interview Petrucci said that it was more about unfilfilled potential, people being afraid to do what they love because they might fail, that kind of stuff.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: lucasembarbosa on December 07, 2018, 11:50:26 AM
JESUS F* CHRIST

Another nugget in the first verses, specially because of the focking mellotrons:

Have you woke up screaming in the silence of the night?
You wish you could start dreaming in clouds of white
But everything could change tonight
When you duel with the devil living in your mind
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 07, 2018, 11:50:46 AM
As someone who came to the world of DT through ToT I can appreciate the heavy stuff more than usual. And I might have obsessed a bit this time, because I have played it on repeat virtually nonstop since I woke up this morning. I have enabled scrobbling to last.fm on Spotify, and at the time of writing this I have according to that site played the song 85 times.  ::)

That being said, there's no surprise I have also got some impressions, and who wouldn't when they listen to something that many times?  :lol

The intro riff reminded me of the TCoT intro. Also the last guitar chord would be a nice transition into SOC live.
Happy to hear they more or less managed to mix MM roughly the same as he was mixed on Into The Great Divide.
I don't mind how JLB is mixed with regards to the vocal effects. It fits great in the fabric of the song.
And that Hammond Organ!  :chill
That section from 3:28 and to the end  :metal

I'm curious to learn where the backstory for the lyrics comes from, what inspired the lyricist? Because I interpret the lyrics to be maybe be about something related to mental health.

Ah I can relate to this
The Astonishing actually ruined my life.
I couldn't stop hearing it, heard it every hour of the day, had it on a cycle in Spotify.
Stopped going to school until eventually I was fired, stopped eating and pretty much wanted to be Gabriel, so I started singing with all my heart until I couldn't do no more. I heard around 900+ hours of The Astonishing. I was also fired from my band because I was totally consumed and was hearing it during rehearsals so I fucked up songs all the time, because I could only hear The Astonishing.
Then I went to the show...
They played The Astonishing, best moment of my life, but then it ended...
They didn't play it twice...
That pissed me off so hard...
I was so used to hearing Descent of the NOMAC's again after Astonishing that I couldn't endure this, so I yelled at Petrucci to start again, he didn't listen.

I felt so betrayed.

Worth noting that my Astonishing CD's where destoyed beyond recovery because of too much abuse.

So yes, I get you, you're going that way.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Podaar on December 07, 2018, 11:52:54 AM
 :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 07, 2018, 11:53:25 AM
Any word on who wrote the lyrics to this one?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: lucasembarbosa on December 07, 2018, 11:56:17 AM
Any word on who wrote the lyrics to this one?

In the Rolling Stone interview Petrucci talked about it, I guess it's penned by him.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: kaos2900 on December 07, 2018, 11:57:16 AM
I listened to the audio-only 3 times this morning.  After those listens, I must say, I didn't love it.  I did, however, think it would be a monster live.

After seeing the official video (which sounds much better, BTW), I "get" it more.  I still think it's the least of the MM-era initial singles (I prefer On The Backs of Angels, The Enemy Inside, and The Gift of Music), but I like it more than I did.  Not bad.

Looking forward to hearing more of the new material.

Same for me. Watching them play it made me enjoy it more. Still not loving it but it is good. Looking forward to the album. I will say that I've officially come to terms with the fact that DT is no longer my favorite band.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Edergilmour on December 07, 2018, 11:57:58 AM
Any word on who wrote the lyrics to this one?

Composer, Lyricist, Producer: John Petrucci

From the official audio on youtube.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: rab7 on December 07, 2018, 12:06:54 PM
Any word on who wrote the lyrics to this one?

In the Rolling Stone interview Petrucci talked about it, I guess it's penned by him.

This was not talked about in the RS interview. It was in here, though:

https://www.myjaxchamber.com/news/2018/11/14/member-news/the-distance-over-time-tour-celebrating-20-years-of-scenes-from-a-memory/
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: DP_Gumby on December 07, 2018, 12:11:09 PM
As someone who came to the world of DT through ToT I can appreciate the heavy stuff more than usual. And I might have obsessed a bit this time, because I have played it on repeat virtually nonstop since I woke up this morning. I have enabled scrobbling to last.fm on Spotify, and at the time of writing this I have according to that site played the song 85 times.  ::)

That being said, there's no surprise I have also got some impressions, and who wouldn't when they listen to something that many times?  :lol

The intro riff reminded me of the TCoT intro. Also the last guitar chord would be a nice transition into SOC live.
Happy to hear they more or less managed to mix MM roughly the same as he was mixed on Into The Great Divide.
I don't mind how JLB is mixed with regards to the vocal effects. It fits great in the fabric of the song.
And that Hammond Organ!  :chill
That section from 3:28 and to the end  :metal

I'm curious to learn where the backstory for the lyrics comes from, what inspired the lyricist? Because I interpret the lyrics to be maybe be about something related to mental health.

Ah I can relate to this
The Astonishing actually ruined my life.
I couldn't stop hearing it, heard it every hour of the day, had it on a cycle in Spotify.
Stopped going to school until eventually I was fired, stopped eating and pretty much wanted to be Gabriel, so I started singing with all my heart until I couldn't do no more. I heard around 900+ hours of The Astonishing. I was also fired from my band because I was totally consumed and was hearing it during rehearsals so I fucked up songs all the time, because I could only hear The Astonishing.
Then I went to the show...
They played The Astonishing, best moment of my life, but then it ended...
They didn't play it twice...
That pissed me off so hard...
I was so used to hearing Descent of the NOMAC's again after Astonishing that I couldn't endure this, so I yelled at Petrucci to start again, he didn't listen.

I felt so betrayed.

Worth noting that my Astonishing CD's where destoyed beyond recovery because of too much abuse.

So yes, I get you, you're going that way.


Good to know.  :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: MoraWintersoul on December 07, 2018, 12:14:47 PM
I like it when DT go a little heavier and this is what I wanted for ADTOE - keep the idea and some noodling, cut the detours. I also like the weird vocal effects, but imo they clash with the organic sound of the synth.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 07, 2018, 12:15:45 PM
Agreed. Periphery is better at it essentially because they've put out like 6 albums that sound just like that. They've perfected the style and they've even made business selling their drum samples and guitar tones (which sound pretty neat BTW). DT changes things up every time regarding approach and production because their music is so much more diverse than Periphery's; but Untethered Angel is a fine modern metal track that maybe was overcompressed quite a bit but is still nice (the iTunes version sounds much better tho).

Agreed on all counts. Getgood Drums is a fantastic product.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 07, 2018, 12:32:56 PM
Maybe the song could have used a reprise of the calm intro after the very last chord, and just fade away, or end like the intro.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 07, 2018, 12:45:45 PM
I liked the little unison part that is only accompanied by drums and bass, and no additional rythm guitar.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: PMA on December 07, 2018, 12:46:38 PM
Posted this in the other thread on the album release:

Just listened to Untethered Angel and my initial reaction is that it hits all the more typical DT compositional elements.  No real surprises.  Hoping that the Youtube sound is not representative of their actual release.  Sounded more compressed than I would like but I was glad to hear more keys and bass than usual.  It's not a bad song but not in the same league as other material they've released prior.  For example, if Breaking All Illusions is an A+, this would be a B in my opinion.  Of course, their playing is stellar as usual and I did like the split screen video including some quick flybys of their cooking for each other.  I'm still really looking forward to this release and am hoping that this tease is just the tip of the iceberg with true surprises coming.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Anxiety35 on December 07, 2018, 01:11:55 PM
Video nugget...

At 5:24, you hear 3 crashes but Mangini doesn't play the first one in the video.

Not a complaint, just something I noticed.

Carry on...
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 07, 2018, 01:13:54 PM
Maybe the song could have used a reprise of the calm intro after the very last chord, and just fade away, or end like the intro.

That would've been cool, a Beyond This Life-esque outro. I can't help but to feel that it ends just like Moment of Betrayal. I don't mind it, tho. This song structure I think makes way more sense in a live setting.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Mladen on December 07, 2018, 01:27:21 PM
I'm enjoying the single quite a bit. It's not particularly pushing the envelope, but there are some quirky bits thrown in in order not to make this a typical modern DT single. The section from 2:16 up to 2:51 is brilliant. I enjoy the solos as well, especially the unison. The chorus is very solid, as well as the outro.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 07, 2018, 01:29:01 PM
That is the perfect video for DT. Just them being them doing their thing, not trying to look all cool and tough or anything. Love it.


Song is still meh though. Not bad. Not great. Mostly forgettable with some cool moments.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: cramx3 on December 07, 2018, 01:42:51 PM
That is the perfect video for DT. Just them being them doing their thing, not trying to look all cool and tough or anything. Love it.

Totally agree, I love the simplicity of it plus you get to watch the guys do what they do best.  But I also love how it's such a trend for cover bands to make youtube videos with the multiple cameras so in a way this is like the professionals doing it.  Redemption did it for a music video too and I really love it as someone who loves watching bands perform. 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Thematt202 on December 07, 2018, 01:46:27 PM
After the grandeur of The Astonishing, I knew that this would be a more straightforward DT album, but holy shit the single is so underwhelming.  It's just "metal DT" by numbers with no sign of the melody and compositional magic that they're so good at.  Listen to Dystopian Overture/TGoM then listen to this and there's just no comparison. 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: cramx3 on December 07, 2018, 01:50:58 PM
Listen to Dystopian Overture/TGoM then listen to this and there's just no comparison.

Seems like what they are going after though, although I'd imagine there's more of what you are looking for on the album since DT's singles are all fairly like this, straightforward DT.  I do think there is melody in this song though.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on December 07, 2018, 01:51:22 PM
(https://i.postimg.cc/HLPTcdQq/Capture.png)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 07, 2018, 01:52:18 PM
Yeah, there is PLENTY of melody in this song.  I do agree that there is "no comparison" between Dystopian Overture/TGoM and Untethered Angel.  But that is because they are such completely different types of songs as to make comparisons kind of pointless.

EDIT:  Oh, hi Mr. Petrucci. 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on December 07, 2018, 01:54:25 PM
Love the heavy riff after the chorus!!! I don't know why, but I enjoyed the song much more after watching the video. sonically, it still bothers me that it's so compressed, but this is going to sound amazing live.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: wolfking on December 07, 2018, 01:58:36 PM
I thought after one listen the song was pretty decent.  James' vocals are very bizarre, but only in the verses, the chorus is fine IMO.  Really sounds like ITNOG/CM/TDEN kind of feel which I dig.  It's DT sounding like DT though, but promising start already over TA.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on December 07, 2018, 02:00:24 PM
I thought after one listen the song was pretty decent.  James' vocals are very bizarre, but only in the verses, the chorus is fine IMO.  Really sounds like ITNOG/CM/TDEN kind of feel which I dig.  It's DT sounding like DT though, but promising start already over TA.

Bizarre indeed. Funny how thy said so many times that the new album was organic, but it seems kind of overproduced, at least in the vocals department. On the positive side, Mangini sounds MUCH better than before, and we can hear Myung's bass after such a long time!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: The Silent Cody on December 07, 2018, 02:00:44 PM
Love the heavy riff after the chorus!!! I don't know why, but I enjoyed the song much more after watching the video. sonically, it still bothers me that it's so compressed, but this is going to sound amazing live.
This, I have the same feel about liking it much after watching the video. I won't complain about the sound, it's ok for me. Bassline in chorus is simple and perfect - it's a great choice not to exactly follow JP, just pump the E string, sometimes less means better!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 07, 2018, 02:01:30 PM
Yeah, there is PLENTY of melody in this song.

Yeah, no doubt.

Just listened to the song again after some meetings at work and it feels fresh to me. Not just because it's new, but it has a good, exciting energy to it.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Pax on December 07, 2018, 02:23:29 PM
I liked the little unison part that is only accompanied by drums and bass, and no additional rythm guitar.
If you're referring to that part before the last chorus, it's not unison
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Mebert78 on December 07, 2018, 02:30:55 PM
I followed the "order" link on the YouTube video and see there's a $150 collector's cd box set available for Distance Over Time.  Wow!  I wish DT would do a t-shirt/cd bundle like many other bands do these days though, as I always go for those bundles. 

Also, anyone know where that photo was taken of DT in front of the river on Blabbermouth?  Looks like Watkins Glen State Park or Letchwork State Park in upstate New York, possibly.  Just curious.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: goo-goo on December 07, 2018, 02:33:32 PM
I'm still unsure about the drum sound.
Lacks the necessary dynamics imo.

Why would you expect much dynamics in the drums in a song that's heavy from start to finish? I don't get it.

So it doesn't sound super mechanical?

You copied my avatar!! LOL (I changed it around page 5-6 on this thread ;) )
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 07, 2018, 02:51:33 PM
I liked the little unison part that is only accompanied by drums and bass, and no additional rythm guitar.
If you're referring to that part before the last chorus, it's not unison
I just listened to it once, but I guess youre right, it's harmonies, the point is I like the 'live feel' of that section.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: SuperTaco on December 07, 2018, 03:01:10 PM
As others have mentioned, the lack of guitar overdubs in this song is appreciated, especially during the solo trade-off.

It's weird though... I don't feel even remotely qualified to criticize the work they do, but I hope the rest of the album is better than this... Right now there's a lack of any sort of emotional connection. Gonna stay out of the picture until I can buy the whole album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: mike099 on December 07, 2018, 03:08:21 PM
(https://i.postimg.cc/HLPTcdQq/Capture.png)

Now this thread has really ‘poked the bear’
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Thematt202 on December 07, 2018, 03:09:06 PM
Right now there's a lack of any sort of emotional connection.

Yes!  I think this is what I was trying to say above.  There's melody, for sure, but not the special kind of melody that only DT can write.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: YtseJam on December 07, 2018, 03:09:51 PM
Please increase the bass presence!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: noxon on December 07, 2018, 03:10:47 PM
Uhm. I think there's enough bass in the mix as it is :P
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: As I Am on December 07, 2018, 03:12:23 PM
Sorry, but to my ears that was THE MOST UNINSPIRED song DT has ever recorded. Hopefully it will sound better in the context of the new album, but UA is a big FAIL for me!  :tdwn
PS JLB sounds horrible. Not his voice but the way his sound is coming across.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: T-ski on December 07, 2018, 03:15:51 PM
excuse my naivety, but is there a purpose to the intro? is it repeated anywhere?

seems it was just thrown in there to be an intro.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: genome on December 07, 2018, 03:16:32 PM
One thing that puzzles me about new album releases is that prog metalheads seem to spend half the time talking about the mix rather than the actual song.

Do fans of other genres do this? Do dubstep fans argue that Skrillex's bass doesn't wub enough in the 100hz region?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 07, 2018, 03:17:38 PM
MM's posts:

SAME KIT AS ADTOE except the 24" BD. Cymbals are up high for isolation and because it is fun for me to do different things.

To answer many KIT questions from many sites: ADToE used the 5.5" depth 20Ply Reference Snare. Self titled used the same 6.5" depth D.O.T. snare but tuned very low. Astonishing used it too but tuned a bit higher. D.O.T. also uses it, but tuned at its highest. So 3 of 4 albums are with this snare: same as Breaking the 4th Wall. The D.O.T. toms are the same as ADToE while the kick is the first 24" kick. It is a Reference Series. The Self Titled and Luna Park toms & kicks are the same. The Astonishing & 4th Wall entire kits are the same.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Polarbear on December 07, 2018, 03:20:35 PM
This song could end up being a grower!

I've listened to it a few times now, I got better feelings for it already. I like the second verse, probably my favorite part of the song.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: goo-goo on December 07, 2018, 03:21:47 PM
I'm loving this song. It's got the right hooks and enough "Dream Theaterisms" with not overdoing it. That JP riff at the 2:00 min, I just can't get it out of my head. I liked the effects on James' voice. Suits the song very well imo. Finally, a good drum mix, although keys seem to be a bit low. Other than that, I would say bring it!!  :tup
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: YtseJam on December 07, 2018, 03:23:11 PM
Uhm. I think there's enough bass in the mix as it is :P

Umm, no
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 07, 2018, 03:25:15 PM
Cymbals are up high for isolation and because it is fun for me to do different things.

Ah, interesting.  That makes sense.  Although I will say (and this is just an observation, and not in any way a jab at Mangini) that Mike Portnoy was and is a master at miking his entire kit and getting every piece to cut through the mix quite well. 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: genome on December 07, 2018, 03:25:32 PM
Case in point ^
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: danidogma on December 07, 2018, 03:26:26 PM
I love Dream Theater but I don't understand what they meant when they said that the sound would be more organic...the drums are a little better than The Astonishing, but they still sound a little "automatic".
As for the guitar tone, I hope it's for Youtube, but in my humble opinion, in the cover of Xanadu (Rush), it sounds like a thousand times better, more present, more crunchy and definite.
The voice is buried in effects, I'm more of a fan of more direct sounds, but I understand that it will be the finish they wanted to give to the song.
I like the song but it is clearly below the three previous singles. The vocal melodies aren't what I just got, but James sings it quite well.

Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: noxon on December 07, 2018, 03:30:00 PM
The bass in this mix is very loud, to the point of it almost being overwhelming the other instruments. I don't see why you'd want even more.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 07, 2018, 03:31:38 PM
Case in point ^

Not really.

1.  I already gave my thoughts on the song in pretty good detail.  And since nobody has really responded to that post at all, other than comments about Mangini, there aren't really any additional thoughts I can give at this point in time.

2.  I'm not complaining about the mix, as your example.  I'm fine with it.  I'm responding to the post where Mangini was explaining why his kit was set up that way, which a good many people have wondered about since we first saw his setup in earlier pictures and videos from the studio. 

But that said, there's nothing wrong with talking about the mix. 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 07, 2018, 03:32:35 PM
The bass in this mix is very loud, to the point of it almost being overwhelming the other instruments. I don't see why you'd want even more.

Really?  I haven't been getting that.  But then again, the only time I listened loud was the Spotify version in my car.  It didn't jump out at me as being overly loud.  Yeah, it was audible, and probably seemed a bit louder than on the previous few albums.  But not really enough to be noticeable.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: genome on December 07, 2018, 03:37:47 PM
Case in point ^

Not really.

1.  I already gave my thoughts on the song in pretty good detail.  And since nobody has really responded to that post at all, other than comments about Mangini, there aren't really any additional thoughts I can give at this point in time.

2.  I'm not complaining about the mix, as your example.  I'm fine with it.  I'm responding to the post where Mangini was explaining why his kit was set up that way, which a good many people have wondered about since we first saw his setup in earlier pictures and videos from the studio. 

But that said, there's nothing wrong with talking about the mix.

I wasn't singling you out, I was referring to the previous few posts. Nor was I complaining. It's just a weird observation I had.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 07, 2018, 03:48:02 PM
Leaked video for Room 1237!!!!!!!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtyxEdQiVHY
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: genome on December 07, 2018, 03:51:16 PM
Leaked video for Room 1237!!!!!!!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtyxEdQiVHY

Finally Mangini sounds like Portnoy!!!!11!1
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 07, 2018, 03:52:36 PM
AND DO YOU HEAR THAT MIX?!?!?!?!?!?!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: TAC on December 07, 2018, 03:54:17 PM
Wow! Reminds me a lot of Stargazer.



Anyway, I listened to Untethered Angel once on Spotify and once watching the video. First, I think that first verse riff is way too close Outcry. It's almost uncomfortable to listen to.
But other than that,,fantastic! The musical breakdown section is amazing. I don't remember hearing a prechorus, but James sounds great in the chorus.

But, if this ends up being my favorite song on the album, I won't be happy. Looking forward to the new album though and this song does not make me think it won't be great.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on December 07, 2018, 03:55:53 PM
As a drummer the height of MMs cymbals looks uncomfortable as hell, I wouldn't last a song with my arms streched out like that. Thinking him lasting a whole set is crazy for me but yea I guess it's ok for him.

The fill at 3:35 made me smile, that's a visually cool fill that looks great with the setup he has.

Overall a pretty good song and I think one of the better first singles i've heard from them in a while.

Best part is the instrumental section with the guitar/key duals.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 07, 2018, 04:12:44 PM
I think Myung is loud and clear, which is awesome.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 07, 2018, 04:26:18 PM
I listened to a flac version, listened on Spotify, listened the YouTube link and listened on Apple Music, the flac version and the Apple Music version sounded millions time better. So far, not a fan of the song, I hope it gets listening to it with the rest of the songs
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: KevShmev on December 07, 2018, 04:35:49 PM
Regarding the alleged lack of melody, I will open up the can of worms by saying a song like this is where a guy like Kevin Moore is really missed.  He was so good at laying down some atmospheric backdrops in an otherwise heavy song (think Caught in a Web or The Mirror), and Rudess does a really good job of that at times as well, but in this one, JR seems to just hammer away with a lot of leads, almost like he is playing along with the riffing instead of finding a countermelody full of chords that serve as a melodic backdrop, if you catch my drift. I know, I know, it's been 24 years now!  :lol :lol I am just saying, the thought that went through my head on the last listen was that it is times like this where I really miss Kevin Moore.  And I hadn't really thought that about a new DT song since probably the late 00's.
 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RMGadelha on December 07, 2018, 04:51:53 PM
I love the chorus. Also, the little melody before the last chorus reminds me of old/retro videogame music. I got Shovel Knight vibes.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gborland on December 07, 2018, 06:13:35 PM
(https://i.postimg.cc/HLPTcdQq/Capture.png)

Conclusive proof that a bear does indeed shit in the woods.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gzarruk on December 07, 2018, 06:16:48 PM
So, I've listened to the song a looooooot of times, and by that I mean A LOT, but I just didn't have the time to sit and write my thoughts here untill now, so here they are:

Love the sound and mix overall. The vocals and keyboards sounded buried to me at first, but I guess I've gotten used to it now. James' voice, as everyone else has said, has heavy processing/effects but that doesn't distract or bother me, they're intended to be there.

The guitar intro is pretty standard JP, but the haunting keyboard underneath it gives it a very nice and different feel to what we've seen before :tup

Still not a big fan of the first verse, but the rest of the song works very well to me, the chorus is amazing and have been singing it all day, nice melody and lyrics. No complaints there at all.

That low JP riff at around 2:00 with Mangini playing half time on the hi hat is one of my favorite parts. Everytime I hear this section, I just go :metal :metal :metal :metal

The second verse and bridge sound a bit chaotic, like there's a lot going on, but I really like them anyway. Mike's cymbal work is a highlight there.

Very cool instrumental section. I was like :hefdaddy by the way MM played the starting fast unison using the two snares, very cool.

On the Inside Out instagram stories that featured short interviews with JP and JR, John said that he got really inspired by seeing all these crazy guitarists who came to teach at his guitar camp and that he went straight to record his solos after that. Well... he wasn't lying. HOLY GUITAR SOLOS, BATMAN. When you think JP can't improve his craft anymore, he comes up with this :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

Love how they didn't include any background guitars or keys during that harmonic run after the solos, it definitely helps with the raw and live feeling they wanted to get for the album. It sounded massive with just JM and MM supporting the rhythm.

Btw, something I noticed from the drum track is that the drums are mixed again from the drummer's perspective (meaning when he plays the left part of the kit, you hear it on the left side and viceversa) just like ADTOE and most, if not all, of MP era albums. In contrast, DT12, TA and the live albums from that era were mixed with the audience perspective (when he plays left side, you hear it on the right). As a drummer myself, I appreciate this a lot.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 07, 2018, 06:17:17 PM
After listening 32 times ( LOL ), I have to say that if only they have a better first verse, these would have been a great song. Listening from the section after the first chorus onwards is amazing.

For Mike Mangini gems, my favorite part is the beginning of the instrumental. While he was playing around with the snare playing along with the other instruments, he was still maintaining the bass-snare 1-3 metronome. Then when they go double time, he transferred the metronome to hi-hat and snare, while transferring the fill to the bass.

And I just love the unison part. They could have gone off the rails and played it fast but they didn't and kept it melodic.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 07, 2018, 06:20:43 PM
Even though I still think the vocal writing is pretty weak, I think James' performance could have been improved if they played this song on a 7 strong and lowered it that 4th.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: dream75 on December 07, 2018, 06:50:17 PM
Now is my favorite of the new album  :rollin
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: lucasembarbosa on December 07, 2018, 07:02:26 PM
Btw, something I noticed from the drum track is that the drums are mixed again from the drummer's perspective (meaning when he plays the left part of the kit, you hear it on the left side and viceversa) just like ADTOE and most, if not all, of MP era albums. In contrast, DT12, TA and the live albums from that era were mixed with the audience perspective (when he plays left side, you hear it on the right). As a drummer myself, I appreciate this a lot.

Not only drums, but keyboard and guitars are panned in the band's perspective in their concerts. JP on left and JR on right.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 07, 2018, 07:05:16 PM
I always prefer drummer's perspective (as a drummer myself).

I also give a band a pass on doing it audience perspective for live releases. That one makes sense.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gzarruk on December 07, 2018, 07:49:03 PM
I think the audience perspective mix was a Chycki thing to do, because all the releases with him have that kind of panning. I first noticed this when I compared the same songs on ADTOE and LALP. The former, mixed by Andy Wallace, has drummer's perspective and the latter has the audience perspective.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Architeuthis on December 07, 2018, 07:50:12 PM
So how do you know it's mixed from the drummers perspective when it's done on a ambidextrous kit?  I guess it could go either way..lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gzarruk on December 07, 2018, 08:00:04 PM
So how do you know it's mixed from the drummers perspective when it's done on a ambidextrous kit?  I guess it could go either way..lol

It's harder with Mangini :lol but he uses his right hi-hat at the main one and it's lower in pitch than his left hi-hat, that way you can identify it. Another one is his gong drum, which is the last drum on his right, but on DT12 and TA you hear it on the left side when he does does long rolls on it.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Architeuthis on December 07, 2018, 08:13:40 PM
Good observation!  I guess you could also tell when he does fills on the upper octogons or whatever they're called..
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: The Letter M on December 07, 2018, 09:36:00 PM
Good observation!  I guess you could also tell when he does fills on the upper octogons or whatever they're called..

Octobans  :lol octogons are the shapes of STOP signs.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 07, 2018, 09:42:27 PM
Is this a reference to Octavarium?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: nobloodyname on December 08, 2018, 12:10:10 AM
Good observation!  I guess you could also tell when he does fills on the upper octogons or whatever they're called..

Octobans  :lol octogons are the shapes of STOP signs.

-Marc.

Octobarns if you're an MP.com refugee :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Dublagent66 on December 08, 2018, 02:18:12 AM
Middle section sounds like Outcry.  Vocals are muddled and drowned out.  Recycled DT by numbers.  I don’t get it.  When are these guys gonna start getting back to their roots of original progressive metal?  I’m sick and tired of this shit!!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertielee on December 08, 2018, 03:45:02 AM
Middle section sounds like Outcry.  Vocals are muddled and drowned out.  Recycled DT by numbers.  I don’t get it.  When are these guys gonna start getting back to their roots of original progressive metal?  I’m sick and tired of this shit!!

Who would have thought…?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: genome on December 08, 2018, 04:06:55 AM
Even though I still think the vocal writing is pretty weak, I think James' performance could have been improved if they played this song on a 7 strong and lowered it that 4th.

Been a while DT did a song in C Standard tuning on a six... when was the last one? Nightmare to Remember?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: evilasiojr on December 08, 2018, 06:01:34 AM
More details about the song in this article

https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/listen-to-new-dream-theater-song-untethered-angel/
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: emtee on December 08, 2018, 06:10:38 AM
I've spun it about 10 times.

It's got everything you would expect from a modern-day DT song and yet, as hard as I try, I can make no
emotional connection to it at all. Album after album I keep hoping they create something that truly blows me
away and takes me on a journey. The only song that does that, from modern-day DT, is Illumination Theory.

I am continually awed by the speed and precision of Mangini but I have no desire to dissect his fills. They always
sound like machine gun fire to me.

To me, it feels like this song could/should be on one of JLB's solo albums.

I know the band gave it everything they had. They always do. What's missing (for me only) is that genre-leading,
pioneering spirit that drove those classic albums. I've spun those songs hundreds if not thousands of times, and just
like Floyd, Genesis, Yes, Zeppelin, Rush...they still blow me away and take me on a journey. Modern-day DT simply
doesn't do that for me.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertielee on December 08, 2018, 06:34:59 AM
I've spun it about 10 times.

It's got everything you would expect from a modern-day DT song and yet, as hard as I try, I can make no
emotional connection to it at all. Album after album I keep hoping they create something that truly blows me
away and takes me on a journey. The only song that does that, from modern-day DT, is Illumination Theory.

I am continually awed by the speed and precision of Mangini but I have no desire to dissect his fills. They always
sound like machine gun fire to me.

To me, it feels like this song could/should be on one of JLB's solo albums.

I know the band gave it everything they had. They always do. What's missing (for me only) is that genre-leading,
pioneering spirit that drove those classic albums. I've spun those songs hundreds if not thousands of times, and just
like Floyd, Genesis, Yes, Zeppelin, Rush...they still blow me away and take me on a journey. Modern-day DT simply
doesn't do that for me.

I haven't listened to the song, but I get what you mean. For me, the trend began with SC : they began sounding more mechanical, more clinical and I guess that's when they became the modern DT (if that makes sense). My "faith" was renewed with ADToE and continued from them, but I can see why MM may seem robotic tou you or other people.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: adastra on December 08, 2018, 07:49:44 AM
I decided to write something after a long time of only reading the forum and not contributing.

I really waited for the new single. Checked internet couple of times a day for couple of weeks if the single had dropped.
Yesterday I let go of my grandmother at the local hospital. It was quick and painless death. I got home and slept for couple hours. After I woke up the single had dropped. And holy shit did it hit hard. Couldn't hold the tears back.

After a 10 listen or so, I'd rate it 7/10. I was hoping for something more like FII, but didnt have my hopes up.

It is Not a bad song, but not great. Something a modern DT single is supposed to be. Im Really excited to hear the full album!

I bet the single will always have a big emotional impact for me because of what happened couple of hours before I heard it.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertielee on December 08, 2018, 08:23:29 AM
I decided to write something after a long time of only reading the forum and not contributing.

I really waited for the new single. Checked internet couple of times a day for couple of weeks if the single had dropped.
Yesterday I let go of my grandmother at the local hospital. It was quick and painless death. I got home and slept for couple hours. After I woke up the single had dropped. And holy shit did it hit hard. Couldn't hold the tears back.

After a 10 listen or so, I'd rate it 7/10. I was hoping for something more like FII, but didnt have my hopes up.

It is Not a bad song, but not great. Something a modern DT single is supposed to be. Im Really excited to hear the full album!

I bet the single will always have a big emotional impact for me because of what happened couple of hours before I heard it.

Sorry for your loss, adastra. I'm a very emotional guy, but when my father died last year, i became more so. And music makes me now cry more often than not, so I know the feelings that are yours.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: chwik on December 08, 2018, 08:46:38 AM
I've spun it about 10 times.

It's got everything you would expect from a modern-day DT song and yet, as hard as I try, I can make no
emotional connection to it at all. Album after album I keep hoping they create something that truly blows me
away and takes me on a journey. The only song that does that, from modern-day DT, is Illumination Theory.

I am continually awed by the speed and precision of Mangini but I have no desire to dissect his fills. They always
sound like machine gun fire to me.

To me, it feels like this song could/should be on one of JLB's solo albums.

I know the band gave it everything they had. They always do. What's missing (for me only) is that genre-leading,
pioneering spirit that drove those classic albums. I've spun those songs hundreds if not thousands of times, and just
like Floyd, Genesis, Yes, Zeppelin, Rush...they still blow me away and take me on a journey. Modern-day DT simply
doesn't do that for me.

I would argue that - with the exception of a small amount of passages - DT has never been or will be a band to take the listener on an emotional journey throught an album. On a proggy/metal journey filled with catchy riffs and technical fills, yes; emotional shiwer down your spine/"teary eyed" laden journey, no. If it is the latter that is your goal, they will never satisfy you - there are other bands out there that are better for that purpose. For me at least, I look to Dream Theater as a band that can provide me the joy of somewhat "easy listening" (using the term loosely) metal/prog where - unless the timesignature are too complex - can tap my foot along to the music or hum/wistle the choruses and main riffs. In that regard, I think the band serves its purpose (remember that Pull Me Under, a rather simplisitc straight forward metal/prog song, is still considered the epitome of DT by the average fan). And for the record, the cliche consept aside, I really enjoyed TA last year as I think DT went outside the box to a certain extent (although at the detrimet of their own success, hence the reason DOT will be "safe"), and this new song is solid - nothing more nothing less.     
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: ErHaO on December 08, 2018, 09:28:02 AM
I like it! I prefer it over the debut singles of the last couple of albums, so that is a good sign for me (and I like all of those albums). I love the riffing in particular. And while there isn't a lot of originality, the quality is there for me.

I think the mix is solid, I can appreciate all elements of the song. My only qualm is that the vocals sound a bit odd. Not Labrie's voice, his performance sounds good, but they way they are recorded(?). They sound a tad tinny or something.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Dream Team on December 08, 2018, 10:32:30 AM
I really hope it ends up being my least favorite on the album because it does absolutely nothing for me. The Outcry part is cool I guess.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Peter Mc on December 08, 2018, 10:35:25 AM
I've spun it about 10 times.

It's got everything you would expect from a modern-day DT song and yet, as hard as I try, I can make no
emotional connection to it at all. Album after album I keep hoping they create something that truly blows me
away and takes me on a journey. The only song that does that, from modern-day DT, is Illumination Theory.

I am continually awed by the speed and precision of Mangini but I have no desire to dissect his fills. They always
sound like machine gun fire to me.

To me, it feels like this song could/should be on one of JLB's solo albums.

I know the band gave it everything they had. They always do. What's missing (for me only) is that genre-leading,
pioneering spirit that drove those classic albums. I've spun those songs hundreds if not thousands of times, and just
like Floyd, Genesis, Yes, Zeppelin, Rush...they still blow me away and take me on a journey. Modern-day DT simply
doesn't do that for me.

I think it doesn’t help that it’s not that good a song anyway. It’s an ok song, nothing more imo. If you feel like that in general though, I suppose it just happens over time. I have the same thing with Axel Rudi Pell. He put out album after album that I loved but for whatever reason I do not feel the same way about his last few albums. They are not particularly any different from the others but maybe there’s only so many similar sounding songs you can take before diminishing returns sets in. I’ve not reached that with DT yet but this latest song does feel like a bit of a rehash of old ideas only not as well done.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: KevShmev on December 08, 2018, 11:21:40 AM
Song sounded better when I listened to it again this morning. I think it'll end up being a song I like, but don't love. I am sure there will be much better songs on the forthcoming album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Architeuthis on December 08, 2018, 11:24:08 AM
Earlier in this thread I said I wasn't going to listen to it and just wait until the album came out. I caved in, I just had to hear it once! 
 I thought it was GREAT!   I'm definitely excited for the album even more now than I was before. I thought the sound was just fine, at least for listening on my cheesy little phone. If anything the vocals seemed a little high in the mix. Others have said that they seem burried in the mix, but it seemed the opposite. I need to hear it on a better sound system to get an accurate take on that.
 Anyway, I loved the song and no complaints here!  :metal :metal :tup
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Logain Ablar on December 08, 2018, 11:36:26 AM
I’ve listened to it probably  over 20 times now. I have to admit that the first couple of times through didn’t really do much for me, but it’s definitely been a grower.

The first verse sounds a bit weak, melodically, but the chorus lifts it, and the second verse sounds completely different.

I really like the half time feel coming out of the chorus. It’s a definite head bobbing / air drumming  moment. The harmony section before the final chorus is cool too, where the rhythm guitar backs off and you can hear the interplay between the 3 different parts.

I hear what people have been saying about the vocals being too much in the background, and I noticed it too, but after a couple of listens it doesn’t really bother me any longer.

In short, I think it’s a solid opening single, and it’s definitely got me excited for the rest of the album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: SeRoX on December 08, 2018, 11:37:30 AM
It is just disturbing there is huge difference between spotify and youtube (oddly enough spotify is much worse) and add to that I try iTunes today and it has absoluletly best sound. Comparing between spotify and iTunes is like 144P and 1080P.

This way I like the single much more.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: YtseJam on December 08, 2018, 12:13:08 PM
The bass in this mix is very loud, to the point of it almost being overwhelming the other instruments. I don't see why you'd want even more.

What?

Also unless you are a bass player, you probably do not understand what the term presence means
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: noxon on December 08, 2018, 12:32:22 PM
So you’re talking about the very specific function on tube amps (which btw is not really bass exclusive as guitar amps has it too), and not the actual mix then. Making yourself clear is important in communication...
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: DoctorAction on December 08, 2018, 12:33:46 PM
It's totally clicked for me now. Love it. Somehow fun, uplifting, chunky, twiddly. And the vocal fx in the chorus are totally working for me.

Double excited for the whole platter.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: nicmos on December 08, 2018, 12:43:32 PM


I would argue that - with the exception of a small amount of passages - DT has never been or will be a band to take the listener on an emotional journey throught an album. On a proggy/metal journey filled with catchy riffs and technical fills, yes; emotional shiwer down your spine/"teary eyed" laden journey, no. If it is the latter that is your goal, they will never satisfy you - there are other bands out there that are better for that purpose. For me at least, I look to Dream Theater as a band that can provide me the joy of somewhat "easy listening" (using the term loosely) metal/prog where - unless the timesignature are too complex - can tap my foot along to the music or hum/wistle the choruses and main riffs. In that regard, I think the band serves its purpose (remember that Pull Me Under, a rather simplisitc straight forward metal/prog song, is still considered the epitome of DT by the average fan). 

Yeah, I would argue against your argument.  There's lots of examples I could pick, but SDOIT is perhaps the best one.  That's a goddamn 42 minute journey if I've ever heard one. Octavarium title track, SFAM, more recently Breaking All Illusions..., 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Lethean on December 08, 2018, 12:49:58 PM


I would argue that - with the exception of a small amount of passages - DT has never been or will be a band to take the listener on an emotional journey throught an album. On a proggy/metal journey filled with catchy riffs and technical fills, yes; emotional shiwer down your spine/"teary eyed" laden journey, no. If it is the latter that is your goal, they will never satisfy you - there are other bands out there that are better for that purpose. For me at least, I look to Dream Theater as a band that can provide me the joy of somewhat "easy listening" (using the term loosely) metal/prog where - unless the timesignature are too complex - can tap my foot along to the music or hum/wistle the choruses and main riffs. In that regard, I think the band serves its purpose (remember that Pull Me Under, a rather simplisitc straight forward metal/prog song, is still considered the epitome of DT by the average fan). 

Yeah, I would argue against your argument.  There's lots of examples I could pick, but SDOIT is perhaps the best one.  That's a goddamn 42 minute journey if I've ever heard one. Octavarium title track, SFAM, more recently Breaking All Illusions...,

The Astonishing even more recently than that... :)

As for the single - I've heard it, and think it's fine, but will wait until I hear the whole album before deciding how I really feel about it.  I was kinda "meh" on The Gift of Music, and came to love it when the album came out.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gzarruk on December 08, 2018, 01:11:54 PM
Noxon, have you listened to the whole album already? Just curious to know.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RoeDent on December 08, 2018, 01:12:12 PM
I can't help but feel sorry for chwik, that DT hasn't hit you on an emotional level. There are many many many moments in DT songs that have given me goosebumps and indeed almost moved me to tears on occasion. DT are one of the best bands in the world at taking you on an emotional journey through the album. They marry that aspect perfectly with technical music making and "chops", so to speak. And even with the chops, the emotions experienced can include thrill, excitement, anger, rage.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: majo on December 08, 2018, 01:35:12 PM
Honestly, I'm just hoping for a decent sound and mix -  trying to avoid the youtube compression dilemma, so hoping to purchase a decent version on iTunes if available or wherever I can buy a nice finished product.
no yt dilemma really. if the sound is good it will sound good on yt also (millions of examples out there). if the sound is shit on yt it's usually shit (unless heavily altered before actual release)
as for the song itself: meh, same shit again. kinda similar to Syme's approach with the artwork  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: ReaPsTA on December 08, 2018, 01:57:20 PM
...I think it'll end up being a song I like, but don't love. I am sure there will be much better songs on the forthcoming album.

Basically how I feel. There's a lot of cool stuff going on here (like the old school synth patch under the guitar at the beginning, and I ***love*** the riff you first hear at 2:04), but there's DT songs I like more.

That said, do give it a listen on Spotify or something other than Youtube if you can. The overall mix is less blocky sounding, the drums sound much better, and the bass goes from inaudible to sounding really good.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Cool Chris on December 08, 2018, 02:06:07 PM
ReaPsTA!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: JLa on December 08, 2018, 02:08:55 PM
It's still good! Not a classic by any means, but a solid single. Sounds very similar to the stuff on their self titled one. Maybe this will be the 'trademark' sound of this lineup?

I can't help but lip syncing (I really want to sing, but... family and neighbours... I choose not to...) when the chorus returns at 4:48. Great stuff.

Heh, Spotify put on "The Enemy Inside" when the song finished, and YIKES those two are mixed differently. I had UA at a comfortable level on headphones and when TEI started it was SUPER LOUD. Ouch!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: chwik on December 08, 2018, 02:26:03 PM
I can't help but feel sorry for chwik, that DT hasn't hit you on an emotional level. There are many many many moments in DT songs that have given me goosebumps and indeed almost moved me to tears on occasion. DT are one of the best bands in the world at taking you on an emotional journey through the album. They marry that aspect perfectly with technical music making and "chops", so to speak. And even with the chops, the emotions experienced can include thrill, excitement, anger, rage.

I guess I am not the emotional type then ;) And for the record, I really enjoy DT - in fact they are one of my favorite bands - however, for pure emotions I do listen to other bands. DT, in that sence, tingles more the technical rather than the deep emotional side of music for my part. 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: ReaPsTA on December 08, 2018, 02:29:54 PM
ReaPsTA!

A new album is upon us! I couldn't stay away!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on December 08, 2018, 02:55:06 PM
Killer track.  I think I'm going to really dig the nugget-sized songs on this album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: PetFish on December 08, 2018, 03:20:35 PM
Isn't it amazing how art can have so many different opinions and they're all correct?  This song has everything from 'it sucks' to 'it rocks' and everything in between.

For me, Untethered Angel is middle of the road.  It didn't grab me and my very first thought was 'Outcry' and it held onto that sound/feel for most of the song.

I think back to last time when The Gift of Music was the first single and it was 10/10 and blew me away.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: noxon on December 08, 2018, 03:25:42 PM
Noxon, have you listened to the whole album already? Just curious to know.

Due to my "upgraded" role in the DT sphere as the fan club leader, I find it very hard to be objective anymore - mostly due to me getting close to a lot of the people who work with DT and DT themselves. Therefore I'm not going to be doing what I did for previous releases. At least not in that scale.

Yes, I have. And I love it.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Dream Team on December 08, 2018, 03:40:36 PM
.005 font! Good to hear.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: jayvee3 on December 08, 2018, 04:38:46 PM
After reading much of this thread, some of the more negative opinions always intrigue me. Of course opinions will range from those who love it to those that don’t, but when it’s accused of being nothing new or the “same old shit”, I have to wonder about expectations.

14 albums in, and this band has given us a bit of everything. Many of the singles they have released are generally a bit more straight up and “accessible “ - and once again this song seems to fit that bill. Surely by now we understand their sound and the elements that make them DT - why wouldn’t they have similarities and some of their signature sound in the new music?  Songs like “Lie” and “Hollow Years” were released from Awake and FII, and in the case of Lie, released with a video minus the rip-roaring solo and context of its album connection to The Mirror etc. So if you were introduced to these songs on MTv back then, they wouldn’t have been anything earth shattering, but came from terrific albums. I guess I’m just trying to point out that by this stage in the catalogue, we usually have a fair understanding of how the first single generally goes.

I’ve been with these guys since I&W, and love the fact that to this day, they are bringing out new music, and get genuinely excited for new albums and singles. I don’t have preconceived expectations because after all this time, I know every album has given me something to like. I just aim to enjoy the ride without overthinking stuff I guess...
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Peter Mc on December 08, 2018, 04:48:33 PM
Not making any prejudgment about the album but find the single a bit underwhelming that is all.  I’m aware that this is not likely to be the high point of the album so am still looking forward to it. I will say though that I immediately loved The Gift Of Music and consider OTBOA to be a classic DT song now so it’s not always the case that the single is weak. Not that UA is terrible, it isn’t, it just hasn’t raised my excitement level for the album in  the way I was hoping.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: lovethedrake on December 08, 2018, 05:16:39 PM
Long time lurker.  Used to post a bit years ago. 

I have listened to the single about 8 times or so now....

This is definitely "modern DT paint by numbers" with one exception.. the middle of the instrumental section has more energy and actually reminds me of 90's DT.

One thing that drives me crazy though.... when I go back and listen to 90's DT every instrument is SO clear, the vocals are raw and sound amazing and you can hear everything perfectly.

Everything is insanely muddled now with them.    You can barely even hear Labrie on this song and the keys by jordan are buried so low it almost distracts from the song.

DT just simply changed after Six Degrees.   I thought the Astonishing was a slight return to form in terms of not needing to sound like NU Metal on every song.   This one has gone back to the "too much metal" side for me.   

I don't mind heavy, I love Awake but Awake is dynamic, has an amazing soundscape and takes you on a progressive journey.   

Anyways, I hope this is the most straight forward song on the album and that we can hear the vocals more clearly on the rest of the tracks.

Im not expecting another SFAM, but when you go back and listen to that its almost hard to believe this is the same band.  They used to be influenced by Rush, Pink Floyd, Metallica.... im not quite sure who they sound like now.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Cool Chris on December 08, 2018, 05:19:20 PM
"Love the Drake" :)

One thing that drives me crazy though.... when I go back and listen to 90's DT every instrument is SO clear, the vocals are raw and sound amazing and you can hear everything perfectly.

Isn't this more an aspect of music in general, something that could be said about most bands, and not a defining characteristic specific to DT?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: lovethedrake on December 08, 2018, 05:27:07 PM
Definitely.... I don't even love 90's music (im a 60's and 70's guy) but 90's music sounded much better.    I just don't understand why DT can't go back to that. 

Im not an engineer and I am definitely a laymen on music production in general.... just because music in general sounds bad today it means DT has to?   
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gzarruk on December 08, 2018, 08:56:40 PM
Noxon, have you listened to the whole album already? Just curious to know.

Due to my "upgraded" role in the DT sphere as the fan club leader, I find it very hard to be objective anymore - mostly due to me getting close to a lot of the people who work with DT and DT themselves. Therefore I'm not going to be doing what I did for previous releases. At least not in that scale.

Yes, I have. And I love it.

So, this means you won’t post your usual in-depth review? I hope, at least, you keep giving us little pieces of information from the album :tup

Feb 22 can’t get soon enough.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Dublagent66 on December 08, 2018, 11:28:33 PM
Middle section sounds like Outcry.  Vocals are muddled and drowned out.  Recycled DT by numbers.  I don’t get it.  When are these guys gonna start getting back to their roots of original progressive metal?  I’m sick and tired of this shit!!

Who would have thought…?
Well, DT obviously didn’t put much thought into it.  :p
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertielee on December 09, 2018, 02:26:01 AM
Middle section sounds like Outcry.  Vocals are muddled and drowned out.  Recycled DT by numbers.  I don’t get it.  When are these guys gonna start getting back to their roots of original progressive metal?  I’m sick and tired of this shit!!

Who would have thought…?
Well, DT obviously didn’t put much thought into it.  :p

Haha, I don't know because I didn't listen. Maybe I would have if I had thought about it. ;D

B.Lee
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertielee on December 09, 2018, 02:29:19 AM
Im not expecting another SFAM, but when you go back and listen to that its almost hard to believe this is the same band.  They used to be influenced by Rush, Pink Floyd, Metallica.... im not quite sure who they sound like now.

Like modern DT and that's already Something. Welcome back to the forum as a poster btw.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: noxon on December 09, 2018, 02:35:51 AM
DT put a lot of thought into the making of this album. The preparations, the vibe in studio, the fun they had while making it. It reinvigorated them after the poor reception by a certain group of fans of the astonishing. So to say they didn’t care, didn’t try to make something cool.. I dunno where to even start.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Groundhog on December 09, 2018, 03:15:13 AM
I have been listening to Untethered Angel on my headphones from Deezer Hi-Fi, iTunes and the split screen video from the Youtube and I am not hearing difference between these. The sound is certainly an improvement over the latest albums. Drums have more weight to them and I really like how the guitars sound. I was hoping that on repeated listens the vocal sound would grow on me, but it just sounds weird. This track still has too much compression (DR7). That’s nothing new though so I was expecting this, but it is disappointing. I guess we will not be getting a dynamic sound on modern DT releases as they’ve proven time after a time that they are following the loudness war trend which is a shame. I can only hope that some of the other formats (vinyl, Blu-ray, hi-res files) has better mastering than this. I'd argue that the lack of dynamic range is the number one reason why modern albums sound muddled in comparison to the old ones. There's just not enough room for the instruments to breath and have clarity.

I like the song, but it very much sounds like modern DT. There’s nothing we haven’t heard from them before. I get that this is probably why this is the single. I like the energy of it and there are some great riffs and I really enjoy the instrumental section. For me the singles has always been the weakest songs on DT albums so I am looking forward to hearing the rest of the album. I’ll probably end up buying the vinyl and maybe the blu-ray, but I am going to wait and see how the mastering on those are before making the decision. If it is the same on every format I’ll just grab the vinyl and as far as the digital version goes I just stick to Deezer. I am interested in the hi-res files, but if they are only offered with the collector’s edition then the price is too much for me.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertielee on December 09, 2018, 03:48:56 AM
DT put a lot of thought into the making of this album. The preparations, the vibe in studio, the fun they had while making it. It reinvigorated them after the poor reception by a certain group of fans of the astonishing. So to say they didn’t care, didn’t try to make something cool.. I dunno where to even start.

Well, I guess (and it is only conjecture as I don't know him personnally) Dublagent66 is no longer into DT and it has to do with them as much as it has to do with him, IMO. Once again, I didn't listen to the single, but, yeah, what with the treasure hunt and such, they seem to have put a lot of effort into that album. Whether we appreciate it or not depends on us, not them.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: wolfking on December 09, 2018, 04:10:31 AM
I've listened to the song for the second time.  I probably won't listen to it again until the album comes out though.  Second time, I surprisingly had no issues with James' vocal mix, I actually thought it was decent enough.

I also think the chorus is pretty good, should fit well in the album and I think should sound even better.  I do hope there are a lot better songs on the album though.

Saying that, I feel DT seems to be turning into just another prog metal band.  They had such uniqueness, originality and each album had it's own unique sound, feel, characteristics, style and atmosphere.  Since ADTOE they seem to be losing that and now so much of their stuff can be reminded of older songs with similar and sometimes stale feel.  Although I didn't like ADTOE and TA, I really loved DT12, that had a spark with some of that old flame, but this song while good seems the band just treading familiar, somewhat generic territory.  Flame me if you will and will happily eat my words if the album proves otherwise, but that's my feel when listening to this song.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertielee on December 09, 2018, 04:25:16 AM
I've listened to the song for the second time.  I probably won't listen to it again until the album comes out though.  Second time, I surprisingly had no issues with James' vocal mix, I actually thought it was decent enough.

I also think the chorus is pretty good, should fit well in the album and I think should sound even better.  I do hope there are a lot better songs on the album though.

Saying that, I feel DT seems to be turning into just another prog metal band.  They had such uniqueness, originality and each album had it's own unique sound, feel, characteristics, style and atmosphere.  Since ADTOE they seem to be losing that and now so much of their stuff can be reminded of older songs with similar and sometimes stale feel.  Although I didn't like ADTOE and TA, I really loved DT12, that had a spark with some of that old flame, but this song while good seems the band just treading familiar, somewhat generic territory.  Flame me if you will and will happily eat my words if the album proves otherwise, but that's my feel when listening to this song.

I don't know if they're turning into just another prog metal band, but the tendency to become a more "clinical" band (for lack of a better term), IMO, was initiated with SC and continued with BC&SL. For me, it was better with ADToE and TA, but the in-between DT12 had that same vibe.

B.Lee

Edit : I will gladly see you eat your words and even the CD if you are proven wrong. Don't forget to film too! :biggrin:
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: wolfking on December 09, 2018, 04:34:08 AM
I've listened to the song for the second time.  I probably won't listen to it again until the album comes out though.  Second time, I surprisingly had no issues with James' vocal mix, I actually thought it was decent enough.

I also think the chorus is pretty good, should fit well in the album and I think should sound even better.  I do hope there are a lot better songs on the album though.

Saying that, I feel DT seems to be turning into just another prog metal band.  They had such uniqueness, originality and each album had it's own unique sound, feel, characteristics, style and atmosphere.  Since ADTOE they seem to be losing that and now so much of their stuff can be reminded of older songs with similar and sometimes stale feel.  Although I didn't like ADTOE and TA, I really loved DT12, that had a spark with some of that old flame, but this song while good seems the band just treading familiar, somewhat generic territory.  Flame me if you will and will happily eat my words if the album proves otherwise, but that's my feel when listening to this song.

I don't know if they're turning into just another prog metal band, but the tendency to become a more "clinical" band (for lack of a better term), IMO, was initiated with SC and continued with BC&SL. For me, it was better with ADToE and TA, but the in-between DT12 had that same vibe.

B.Lee

Edit : I will gladly see you eat your words and even the CD if you are proven wrong. Don't forget to film too! :biggrin:

True, it does probably go back to SC but even that and Black Clouds both had a bit more personality than what they band has been doing lately.  I know it's probably a weird thing to say after TA but maybe the term 'clinical' has merit.  I think there is so many things in this song that reminds of older stuff and DT never use to be that band.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: EPIC Outro on December 09, 2018, 04:43:50 AM
I love the new single. So many awesome sections for a song that is relatively short by Dream Theater standards. I agree that the vocals are hard to understand at points, and I do hope DT tinkers with the mix before release, like they did with Breaking the Fourth Wall. But the vocal melodies are really unique. I love how their sound has evolved over the years, and how passionate they still are about the music they give us. I can't wait to dig into the rest of the album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: noxon on December 09, 2018, 05:15:05 AM
I really don't understand the argument that everything post Portnoy is similar. and becoming generic.  ADTOE, DT12 and TA couldn't be more different albums. The sound, the mix, the song structure, the riff styles - everything is very different. I don't think there's a single album in DTs catalogue where I'd go "man, this is just a rehash of that album". Look at The Astonishing. It's full of chord changes and melodies that are very unique to DT - they'd never done it before. JP has even said he was very challenged by the album due to the complex chords that were so different from what he was used to.

Untethered Angel is the one track on D/T that sounds a bit like "modern DT" - but you'll never escape the DT-isms. They'll always be there. That's their signature. Without them, the fans would complain. JP is going to use the Alex Lifeson chord a lot. That's just how it is. Jordan and JP is going to be trading solos. At 14 studio albums, there's simply going to be a way that DT just "are". They're not going to revolutionise the genre again. Leave that to bands like Leprous.

And yet, on this album, there's so much new that I've never heard DT done ever before. It's riff driven, it's heavy, it's melodic, it's proggy and drums and bass are often taking the driving role throughout songs. I love driving around to the album. I put it on when I work out.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: lonestar on December 09, 2018, 05:20:18 AM
Please, don't leave it to Leprous.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: dream75 on December 09, 2018, 05:41:32 AM
I really don't understand the argument that everything post Portnoy is similar. and becoming generic.  ADTOE, DT12 and TA couldn't be more different albums. The sound, the mix, the song structure, the riff styles - everything is very different. I don't think there's a single album in DTs catalogue where I'd go "man, this is just a rehash of that album". Look at The Astonishing. It's full of chord changes and melodies that are very unique to DT - they'd never done it before. JP has even said he was very challenged by the album due to the complex chords that were so different from what he was used to.

Untethered Angel is the one track on D/T that sounds a bit like "modern DT" - but you'll never escape the DT-isms. They'll always be there. That's their signature. Without them, the fans would complain. JP is going to use the Alex Lifeson chord a lot. That's just how it is. Jordan and JP is going to be trading solos. At 14 studio albums, there's simply going to be a way that DT just "are". They're not going to revolutionise the genre again. Leave that to bands like Leprous.

And yet, on this album, there's so much new that I've never heard DT done ever before. It's riff driven, it's heavy, it's melodic, it's proggy and drums and bass are often taking the driving role throughout songs. I love driving around to the album. I put it on when I work out.

I totally agree  :tup
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertielee on December 09, 2018, 06:28:41 AM
I really don't understand the argument that everything post Portnoy is similar. and becoming generic.  ADTOE, DT12 and TA couldn't be more different albums. The sound, the mix, the song structure, the riff styles - everything is very different. I don't think there's a single album in DTs catalogue where I'd go "man, this is just a rehash of that album". Look at The Astonishing. It's full of chord changes and melodies that are very unique to DT - they'd never done it before. JP has even said he was very challenged by the album due to the complex chords that were so different from what he was used to.

Untethered Angel is the one track on D/T that sounds a bit like "modern DT" - but you'll never escape the DT-isms. They'll always be there. That's their signature. Without them, the fans would complain. JP is going to use the Alex Lifeson chord a lot. That's just how it is. Jordan and JP is going to be trading solos. At 14 studio albums, there's simply going to be a way that DT just "are". They're not going to revolutionise the genre again. Leave that to bands like Leprous.

And yet, on this album, there's so much new that I've never heard DT done ever before. It's riff driven, it's heavy, it's melodic, it's proggy and drums and bass are often taking the driving role throughout songs. I love driving around to the album. I put it on when I work out.

This has got me hyped for the new album even more. Sorry if I sounded like I didn't like modern DT, because I do. Maybe I don't like the band as much as before, but after 25 years following the band, It's  kinda normal and has to do with me as much as it has to do with them.
For me, ADToE and above all TA reinvigorated my faith in them. No Reason I won't like D/T given the "description" you made of it.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: KevShmev on December 09, 2018, 06:58:26 AM
With all due respect to Mike Mangini, if the drums are taking the driving role in a lot of the new songs, I hope they are a little more fun and exciting than the ones in Untethered Angel.  Not that the drums in that song are bad by any means, but if you had told me that the drums in that song were programmed by the band on a drum machine (like what Devin Townsend did on his first Ziltoid record), I would have believed it.  At some point, I'd love to hear Mangini do his own thing back there instead of always staying in lock step with what the other band members are doing 99% of the time.

Please, don't leave it to Leprous.

My sentiments exactly.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gzarruk on December 09, 2018, 07:23:15 AM
“This sucks because it sounds like generic prog metal” So, are we faulting DT for sounding just like the genere they created and made popular? That doesn’t make sense to me. There might be other bands that have a similar sound, but they’re basically copying DT,  not the other way around.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: rumborak on December 09, 2018, 07:26:18 AM
With all due respect to Mike Mangini, if the drums are taking the driving role in a lot of the new songs, I hope they are a little more fun and exciting than the ones in Untethered Angel.  Not that the drums in that song are bad by any means, but if you had told me that the drums in that song were programmed by the band on a drum machine (like what Devin Townsend did on his first Ziltoid record), I would have believed it.  At some point, I'd love to hear Mangini do his own thing back there instead of always staying in lock step with what the other band members are doing 99% of the time.

That sums up my feelings about the drums to the T, Kev. I actually spent some time trying to get behind what makes the drum track that way, and I think it's the fact that he is playing too much "for the song" (I realize that's an odd criticism, since most drummers get accused of not playing for the song). The snare is almost exclusively used to indicate the beat, and the bass drum mirrors the accents of the guitar and bass more often than not. Even the tom runs will fall hit-wise on the bass notes.
I think that approach somewhat robs the drums of their individuality.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Mladen on December 09, 2018, 07:33:12 AM
That's why one of my favorite sections is the one from 2:15. Mangini is in his own world compared to the rest of the guys.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 09, 2018, 08:14:08 AM
But that is Mangini's M.O. It's his drumming philosophy. Ever since Extreme and Steve Vai.

You are basically asking him to leave the band.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 09, 2018, 08:20:13 AM
But that is Mangini's M.O. It's his drumming philosophy. Ever since Extreme and Steve Vai.

You are basically asking him to leave the band.

So you're saying Mangini has restricted himself to one very specific type of playing and is unable/unwilling to try anything beyond his comfort zone? And that asking him to is akin to asking him to leave the band?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: rumborak on December 09, 2018, 08:28:47 AM
I also disagree that he's always played that way. Listen to his drumming on "No Respect" and "Leave Me Alone" by Extreme, I really like his drumming in those days.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: TAC on December 09, 2018, 08:34:10 AM
Personally I think the drumming is amazing.

I hope the vocals sound better on the CD. I mean, it's a not a problem with James' performance, but the vocals really sound ..mechanical.

Not crazy how the final verse ends. Feels anticlimactic. I don't like that they went lower there. The last few measures seem to drag a bit and reminds me of the ending of ANTR.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertielee on December 09, 2018, 08:37:43 AM
But that is Mangini's M.O. It's his drumming philosophy. Ever since Extreme and Steve Vai.

You are basically asking him to leave the band.

So you're saying Mangini has restricted himself to one very specific type of playing and is unable/unwilling to try anything beyond his comfort zone? And that asking him to is akin to asking him to leave the band?


Yes, I don't see how criticizing MM's style would be akin to asking him to leave. Look, I prefer the band now to where they had come with MP, but I really miss what MP brought to the table. His style was looser and MM's style, while technically Superior, doesn't appeal to me as much because I find it more clinical. I'm not a drummer like you, Erwin (I think Adami is but I may be wrong) and I have to "feel" the drumming : in many cases, I don't feel MM's while I felt MP's practically all the time I heard him play.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 09, 2018, 08:43:45 AM
I am a drummer of 21 years.


What MM does is VERY cool and wayyyyyy beyond my abilities. Though if I could become my own ideal drummer, MM's style would simply be one of many tools in my bag, as opposed to an entire philosophy of drumming.

Iced Earth had a similar issue for a few albums. They had a run of albums where the kick drum doubled almost every guitar chug. When done as an accent, it's super cool. But when done 99% of the time, it becomes flat, lacking dynamics, and boring.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: goo-goo on December 09, 2018, 08:45:20 AM
I really don't understand the argument that everything post Portnoy is similar. and becoming generic.  ADTOE, DT12 and TA couldn't be more different albums. The sound, the mix, the song structure, the riff styles - everything is very different.

After SFAM, the writing changed and those albums after SFAM, have a very similar style all the way to Black Clouds. I do think creatively, the band was getting stale (or at least with MP producing). Aside from the production issues and the drum sounds, the Mangini era albums have been very different sounding. And the albums have been more song song focused. So I agree with noxon on this one.

I think JP (even with MP in the band) wanted a more concise approach in the song writing . Look at Wither. I can totally see Wither being in ADTOE or DT12. Same for These Walls and Endless Sacrifice. Those have JP written all over them (and yes, they were mostly written by him). It's just that with MP at the helm (and personality) it was a bit tough to sway away from the post SFAM DT sound/writing approach and the obligatory LTE/instrumental crazy sections, which some of them sound unnecessary and made the last MP albums sound a bit samey.

Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 09, 2018, 09:15:55 AM
I also disagree that he's always played that way. Listen to his drumming on "No Respect" and "Leave Me Alone" by Extreme, I really like his drumming in those days.

Relisten to those songs and tell me that his drumming is not locked to Pat Badger's bass for the entirety of the songs, with his drum rolls in No Respect not locking in with Nuno's shredding.

So you're saying Mangini has restricted himself to one very specific type of playing and is unable/unwilling to try anything beyond his comfort zone? And that asking him to is akin to asking him to leave the band?

Of course he can play several types of styles. Into The Great Divide is proof of that. The style in Egg Zooming is different from Elements of Persuasion, his Annihilator stuff, and his Dream Theater stuff. But he does have a specific drumming philosophy, and that is good drumming in a band means playing with the other instruments and supporting them. You can see that with how he modified the Images and Words' songs in the IW&B tour, how he's so giddy showing to fans how he modified parts to follow JP's guitar down the scale in Surrounded, and JP's fast runs in Metropolis and Learning to Live. He lives for those moments when he nails those parts locking in with what the rest of the band is doing. It basically defines what is Mangini about Mangini's drumming. It's the reason why I think he does not do the MP-style showboating at the end of Finally Free. I don't think it fits his philosophy of what sounds musical.

So yes, I stand by what I said. If you really want drumming that does not lock in with what the other instruments are doing, it's basically asking Mangini to leave. Because you are asking a 50-year old drummer to change his mind of what he thinks makes a good drum composition.

And everytime I read someone say one could basically program a drum machine to play like Mangini, I just laugh. Like, you would really come up with how Mangini wrote the drum part from 3:25-3:35 of Untethered Angel?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertielee on December 09, 2018, 09:41:55 AM
For my part, I never thought MM played like a drum machine. Like you said, Erwin, good luck to try and program some of MM's parts. Once again, I mostly don't "feel" his drumming, I don't say it's not good, it's not exactly to my liking. But I can appreciate what he does for what it is, simply not as much as what MP did.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 09, 2018, 09:46:09 AM
I'll go check out that part to see. But you're missing the point. We're not saying every single beat/fill can be EASILY programmed by anyone. We're saying his general style sounds like someone programmed it because it's such a predictable approach. Do what the other guys do. Double it. Of course there are exceptions, but those prove the rule.


But to your other point, I get that you really identify, admire, and even love Mangini's philosophy. We get what he does, and you don't need to continuously explain what he's doing. Those of us who don't connect to it aren't going to suddenly connect to it.

However, I wanted to point out that even though we do seem to focus on MM, this applies to everyone in the band. JM gets ragged on (or did) when he was simply doubling what JP did.

JP and JR get flack for doing "DT by numbers" pretty often as well.

MP gets endless crap for "same back of tricks" criticisms.

So while this conversation focuses on MM, he's not the only one who gets this criticism. But when enough people say the exact same thing, they're not all wrong. They just don't always dig what he does. And that's cool.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: robwebster on December 09, 2018, 10:05:21 AM
I've listened to Untethered Angel a few times now (Five? Six?) and been a bit disappointed. The first verse sounds like the first verse of Outcry. The chorus is a bit limp, bit weak. Riffs are muddy. Wasn't doing it for me.

Until, on this latest listen, it just... clicked! I suddenly like the chorus, the riffs feel more lively, I'm buying what it's selling. And - with the caveat that I don't know what comes next (obviously) - I like it as an intro to an album.

I'm... relieved, if anything! I'd never been so cold on a DT lead single before; I loved ARoP, which I'd probably say is the weakest, all things equal. Glad to be on the page, again.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 09, 2018, 10:21:27 AM
Also listened to that 3:25-3:35 part.

Yes, that could have been programmed to the point where the difference is only noticeable to people studying the parts. Easily. That's a key indicator of an issue though. You're (Erwin) analyzing which drum he's hitting at which time. Most people just notice that he's playing the guitar part on the snare(s).
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Peace and Love on December 09, 2018, 10:26:47 AM
My opinion on the drums following the rhythms of the other instruments falls somewhere in between what's been expressed here. I think it gets boring when the drums do it all the time, but when used sparingly it's a great compositional technique. For example, in Metallica's song One, when Lars introduces the "machine gun" pattern a few measures before the guitars join in - that type of "musical foreshadowing" is highly effective.

Coming to Untethered Angel itself, I think the song is absolutely kickass - a solid 8.5/10 song that makes me tremendously excited for the album!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Kyo on December 09, 2018, 10:31:17 AM
I don't have a problem with Mangini's playing on this track, but I do generally agree that by doubling so many of the others' parts ("orchestrating", as he calls it) he wastes a lot of opportunities to create original, substantial and memorable drum parts. I keep wishing that he'd heed what Miles Davis used to say: "Don't play what's there. Play what's not there". One of the most obvious cases where that would be good advice.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: WilliamMunny on December 09, 2018, 10:37:47 AM
I also disagree that he's always played that way. Listen to his drumming on "No Respect" and "Leave Me Alone" by Extreme, I really like his drumming in those days.

Waiting for the Punchline is such an underrated album...I freaking love that record!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: KevShmev on December 09, 2018, 10:46:31 AM
I'll go check out that part to see. But you're missing the point. We're not saying every single beat/fill can be EASILY programmed by anyone. We're saying his general style sounds like someone programmed it because it's such a predictable approach. Do what the other guys do. Double it. Of course there are exceptions, but those prove the rule.

This!

And to all, yes, I get that this is Mangini's style and it is not going to change. 

And I am obviously not one of those "bring Portnoy back!" people (the ones who do that constantly on FB need to get the hell over it), as I think the good has massively outweighed the bad since late 2010.  Heck, Mangini is just as fun and enthusiastic to watch live as Portnoy was with Dream Theater, and as a non-musician, I am sure almost everything he does is completely over my head :lol, but I am just saying, as a listener, his drum parts often sound, for lack of a better term, too stiff.  I rarely get the impression that he is just letting loose and rocking out and who cares if every single hit is perfectly on point, accents the instrument it should, etc. 

Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Nefarius on December 09, 2018, 11:23:38 AM
Second listen: This time on good earbuds. The relentless oversaturation of the lows continues to feel taxing just like it does since it started over a decade ago, though luckily it's not quite as exhausting as the almost unlistenable CD master of the selftitled album.

The vocal effects take all focus away from the already not very catchy melody line and only add to that damp blanket vibe. As a singer I very much feel for James, I would guess he hated it. I've experienced the frustration of trying to add to an already saturated instrumental frequency spectrum myself and it's inevitably pointless to expect anything rewarding.

I will change to very neutral studio headphones without any overemphasis on the lows for the next listen and hope for at least some of the fog to clear.

Greetings...
Nef
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: King Postwhore on December 09, 2018, 11:35:36 AM
I also disagree that he's always played that way. Listen to his drumming on "No Respect" and "Leave Me Alone" by Extreme, I really like his drumming in those days.

Groove and swing to his playing.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Dream Team on December 09, 2018, 12:16:41 PM
All I want from DT drums is cool, creative rhythms like MP composed on the first 6 albums. Don’t need machine-gun fills or polymeters in 17/16 and 23/8. Oh and it’s nice if you can hear the drums clearly as well.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Kocak on December 09, 2018, 01:49:45 PM
All I want from DT drums is cool, creative rhythms like MP composed on the first 6 albums. Don’t need machine-gun fills or polymeters in 17/16 and 23/8. Oh and it’s nice if you can hear the drums clearly as well.

I also want a good mix. A recent example would be Soen. Their single Martyrs is a great example.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Sebastián Pratesi on December 09, 2018, 02:45:38 PM
Therefore I'm not going to be doing what I did for previous releases.
Oh, I can help you with that! :P I'm not remotely as close to the band as you are, so I don't have a problem listening to an unreleased song and writing some comments. Let me know! :P

Look at The Astonishing. It's full of chord changes and melodies that are very unique to DT - they'd never done it before. JP has even said he was very challenged by the album due to the complex chords that were so different from what he was used to.
Interesting. Do you have any examples that come to mind? Maybe the instrumental intro in "Begin again"?

Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 09, 2018, 03:23:28 PM
The entire album is melodically and harmonically complex, and The Gift of Music is also the most rythmically complex single perhaps in the history of forever.

It's a true prog album, despite most people being drawn back by some stuff there.
Personally, when comparing how I felt when I first heard The Gift of Music, as well as for the song itself, with Untethered Angel, The Gift of Music felt incredibly fresh, proggy, melodic as fuck and a lot of great things, this one felt underwhelming to say the least, I don't know if anyone shares this thought.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Groundhog on December 09, 2018, 03:35:10 PM
All I want from DT drums is cool, creative rhythms like MP composed on the first 6 albums. Don’t need machine-gun fills or polymeters in 17/16 and 23/8. Oh and it’s nice if you can hear the drums clearly as well.

I also want a good mix. A recent example would be Soen. Their single Martyrs is a great example.

Never listened to Soen before. Just took a listen to Martyrs and Rival. Great stuff! I agree about the mix on this. Surprisingly balanced and good clarity for such a loud master. This is a good comparison for Untethered Angel as this is has similar dynamic range (DR7). Just read a review for Soen Lotus and vinyl is supposed to have better mastering with DR12. I am definately getting this on vinyl. Thanks for mentioning this.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gzarruk on December 09, 2018, 04:15:53 PM
I think Mangini's drumming fits DT perfectly, and I don't think any of the other drummers at the audition would've been a better fit for the band. We just shouldn't expect him to approach his drum parts as Portnoy would, simply because he isn't Portnoy. Also, if MP never left, we would probably be complaining about how he's been using the same fills and tricks on every album since the 90s (we do, but not talking about DT records, just MP records in general) and how we'd like to hear something different instead.

BTW, DT12 is, to me, the ultimate Mangini drumming album so far, it just has everything you'd expect from his drumming (ITGD is a very good option too). Let's see if DOT is able to top it (keep in mind I'm just talking about the drumming and not the songs).
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: lucasembarbosa on December 09, 2018, 04:57:09 PM
BTW, DT12 is, to me, the ultimate Mangini drumming album so far, it just has everything you'd expect from his drumming (ITGD is a very good option too). Let's see if DOT is able to top it (keep in mind I'm just talking about the drumming and not the songs).

I think exactly the same, hoping for DOT to be the 'unleashed MM' album!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: ErHaO on December 09, 2018, 05:51:48 PM
I really don't understand the argument that everything post Portnoy is similar. and becoming generic.  ADTOE, DT12 and TA couldn't be more different albums. The sound, the mix, the song structure, the riff styles - everything is very different. I don't think there's a single album in DTs catalogue where I'd go "man, this is just a rehash of that album". Look at The Astonishing. It's full of chord changes and melodies that are very unique to DT - they'd never done it before. JP has even said he was very challenged by the album due to the complex chords that were so different from what he was used to.

I agree. Most modern DT song have certain signature elements that have been well established at this point, which applies to most artists this long in the game. Often, and as is the case with DT, those very elements are what define them and please the people listening to them. But regardless of that, their last three albums are different in many aspects. And the Astonishing in particular, that album is very unique in their discography for many (musical) reasons.

Anyways, I look forward to hearing the rest of the album, the single is a good start for me. But then again, I like all "modern" DT albums.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 09, 2018, 07:02:38 PM
I also disagree that he's always played that way. Listen to his drumming on "No Respect" and "Leave Me Alone" by Extreme, I really like his drumming in those days.

Groove and swing to his playing.

Because the music that he is locking on to has that groove and swing which is entirely different from DT'S music. You want MM's playing to go back to that style, you have to ask DT to play like Extreme.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 09, 2018, 07:06:53 PM
Also listened to that 3:25-3:35 part.

Yes, that could have been programmed to the point where the difference is only noticeable to people studying the parts. Easily. That's a key indicator of an issue though. You're (Erwin) analyzing which drum he's hitting at which time. Most people just notice that he's playing the guitar part on the snare(s).

He's playing the guitar part on the snare while the bass and the snare is continuing to play the 1-3 metronome. Yes, that could have been programmed? You would think of composing drums like that? Really?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 09, 2018, 07:11:28 PM
Yes.

But you're missing the point. We're not saying every single beat/fill can be EASILY programmed by anyone. We're saying his general style sounds like someone programmed it because it's such a predictable approach. Do what the other guys do. Double it. Of course there are exceptions, but those prove the rule.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 09, 2018, 07:15:31 PM
I also disagree that he's always played that way. Listen to his drumming on "No Respect" and "Leave Me Alone" by Extreme, I really like his drumming in those days.

Groove and swing to his playing.

Because the music that he is locking on to has that groove and swing which is entirely different from DT'S music. You want MM's playing to go back to that style, you have to ask DT to play like Extreme.

This is also true. DT aren’t writing stuff that really swings and grooves. Not MMS fault on that part.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Lethean on December 09, 2018, 07:51:31 PM
I guess.... I don't really care too much about "groove" maybe.  I love Rush and have no complaints about Neil Peart, but I certainly read a lot of "lacks groove" complaints about him over the years.  But when I started listening to DT, I read even more comments like that about MP, and Neil was compared favorably to MP and people said he had "more" groove.  Now that Mike Mangini has replaced MP, suddenly MP has lots of groove and MM has none.  I love all 3 drummers, from my non-drummer perspective.  I love Baard Kolstad too - I wonder if people consider him too robotic as well, or lacking groove, or whatever.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 09, 2018, 08:17:53 PM
I don't really look for groove when I listen to any kind of modern metal, I think. I love and understand the delicacies of an amazing groove and "out-of-the-grid" playing in a wide array of musical genres (as I do and produce music for a living, so I'm exposed to music probably like 8 hours a day), but I consider that a super strict and sharp quantized-like feel is part of the modern metal aesthetic now; and MM brings that to the table and I think it's fine. MP seemed to want to take DT in this metal direction during his last years with the band (and I'm willing to debate anyone who disagrees on this :P ), was heavily criticized back then, and funnily enough, MM brought the band to that level and people reject it because DT music lacks "soul" now or something to that extent (probably most used ever argument in the post-MP days among the DT fandom). It's a thing worth to analyze, at least to me.

Also, someone said that The Astonishing was really progressive by spirit and I wholeheartedly agree. TA is one of my favorite DT albums ever, and I don't care if it's overlong (and yeah, it kinda drags at some point), but for some reason the melodic wealth of that album really clicked with me. No wonder since the music I listen to the most nowadays is classical and film scores. Like it or hate it, The Astonishing is what progressive rock is all about in my book. I get people who say that it's boring or whatever, but that controversial spirit is what made some pieces of music stand out the test of time; and I'm gonna shut up about TA now lol.

New song is still growing on me. I really like it now, and although I recognize and agree the mix is far from perfect (as Haken's Vector is), but it's still really enjoyable. Verse 2 is probably my favorite part of the song, and the hammond solo. That one really rocked.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on December 09, 2018, 09:03:24 PM
Oh, I don't think I've actually mentioned my opinion of the song here.

ITS AMAZING  :hefdaddy

Seriously, this song is such a joy to listen to. It's not the most elaborate thing they've done, but it knows exactly when to be forceful, when to be soulful and when to just prog the fuck out. It never feels like anything's out of place or even changes all too much, but it makes feel so many different things that is feels like I'm going on a journey every time I listen to it. This is such a great track & now I'm even more hyped for the album.

I mean, there's never been a DT lead single that I didn't absolutely love (except Hollow Years), but it's just another reminder that this band never disappoints.  :metal
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: lovethedrake on December 09, 2018, 10:35:55 PM
A few more listens and the song has definitely grown on me.     If this is the most modern song on the album it could be a special album.

The vocals aren't sounding as low anymore to me and the instrumental section is pretty great.   

Very excited for the album.     
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Schurftkut on December 09, 2018, 10:50:17 PM
You guys gave me a good reason to listen to Andromeda - Reaching Deep Within. Brilliant drumming and kinda DT-ish song.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 10, 2018, 12:21:36 AM
I've read through the last four pages of this thread, shaking my head the entire time. I'm flabbergasted at the level of entitlement some of you have. I want this, I want that. Someone even literally wrote that they were "sick and tired of this shit" and someone else was saying that DT didn't put a lot of thought into it. It honestly and sadly makes me wonder why I spend my time coming to DTF, which is sad because I was so happy when I found this place eight years ago - a community of people who share a love for my favorite band. The level of complaining about someone else's art is frankly disgusting. If you don't like it then Jesus Christ that's fuckin fine, but to wine and complain because you want DT's music to be something other than what DT wants it to be is just flat out wrong and disrespectful as fuck, and to make outlandish claims like they "didn't put thought into it" just because you didn't like the song is such bullshit. If it's not what you want it to be it's because it's not your music. If you want some other type of music to exist, feel free to make it yourself.

Now on to my opinion - to compare this to my thoughts on their other recent singles, I like it more than I liked TEI when that was released, though the two songs are similar in terms of style and heaviness. I don't think I like it nearly as much as I liked TGOM, but I definitely don't dislike UA. I initially thought James's vocal effects were an interesting choice, and I originally thought the vocals were low in the mix as most of you have pointed out. I think the vocal effects work really well during the "Fear can live inside you" section. Actually, I'm surprised more people haven't commented on how cool that part is. That's definitely a highlight of the song for me. JP's solos are excellent as usual. I'm enjoying the heavy half time riffs and I certainly think this is the best drum sound from the MM era (though every album is an improvement [with the exception of DT12's snare]). James's execution of some of the higher parts lacks diction which is something that's typically very prominent in his live performances but happens less often on DT's studio albums. I suppose in his older age in order to hit some of those higher notes that's something he has to sacrifice, so that's a bit unfortunate. Overall I like it. DT's first album singles aren't usually the best songs on the album, and for me personally, they usually end up being my least favorite, so it's probably a good sign that I'm enjoying this as much as I am.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 10, 2018, 01:59:10 AM
I don't really look for groove when I listen to any kind of modern metal, I think. I love and understand the delicacies of an amazing groove and "out-of-the-grid" playing in a wide array of musical genres (as I do and produce music for a living, so I'm exposed to music probably like 8 hours a day), but I consider that a super strict and sharp quantized-like feel is part of the modern metal aesthetic now; and MM brings that to the table and I think it's fine. MP seemed to want to take DT in this metal direction during his last years with the band (and I'm willing to debate anyone who disagrees on this :P ), was heavily criticized back then, and funnily enough, MM brought the band to that level and people reject it because DT music lacks "soul" now or something to that extent (probably most used ever argument in the post-MP days among the DT fandom). It's a thing worth to analyze, at least to me.

Now that you brought it out, I think it is telling that the DT drummer audition pieces were A Nightmare To Remember and The Dance Of Eternity. It sort of tells you what drummer type they were looking for, and Mangini was tailor fit for those songs.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: MirrorMask on December 10, 2018, 02:15:51 AM
I thought that The Dance of Eternity was picked simply because if you can play THAT crazy stuff, you can basically play anything  :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Lax on December 10, 2018, 02:46:18 AM
After a few listens on better speakers it's definitively a grower :)
I have the chorus in the head and the solos section is quite crazy, so it's a solid song to me.
I don't know if we can really dislike the fact that modern DT sounds like modern DT, they aren't writing scenes from a memory or six degrees each time they get together.

On a side note, I wish dream theater was more like LTE with a singer, but it will not happen, and maybe a lot of fans would hate that ! (I know a lot of fans that hates every mellow or not heavy machine-gunning songs, like if DT didn't exist before TOT).
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: MirrorMask on December 10, 2018, 02:57:55 AM
On a side note, I wish dream theater was more like LTE with a singer, but it will not happen, and maybe a lot of fans would hate that ! (I know a lot of fans that hates every mellow or not heavy machine-gunning songs, like if DT didn't exist before TOT).

"LTE with a singer" is basically the only aspect of DT I was never 100% on board with. By the end of MP's tenure too many songs had a solo section clearly conjured in "LTE mode" where the guys would just jam and, I assume, use as solo section whatever came up, at expense of the flow and the mood of the song. Instrumental music is one thing, a proper song is another, and I want a song to flow, and the solo section, as crazy and long as it might be (see Metropolis), to not stray completely away from the mood of the song.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertielee on December 10, 2018, 03:35:14 AM
I also disagree that he's always played that way. Listen to his drumming on "No Respect" and "Leave Me Alone" by Extreme, I really like his drumming in those days.

Groove and swing to his playing.

Because the music that he is locking on to has that groove and swing which is entirely different from DT'S music. You want MM's playing to go back to that style, you have to ask DT to play like Extreme.

This is also true. DT aren’t writing stuff that really swings and grooves. Not MMS fault on that part.

Yes, I agree as well , but just listen to the second verse of Never Enough: what MP does is groovy as hell ;  the breakdown before the solo in Constant Motion? The same. It dépends on the drummer as well as the music IMO.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: JRuless on December 10, 2018, 04:07:55 AM
shaking my head the entire time.

Entire post +1
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 10, 2018, 04:10:09 AM
If Myung wanted to jam like the old days...I'm feeling the main riff is Myungs. Watch the music video. And you know how Myung wrote the heavy part of Strange Dejavu. This is Myungs musical contribution.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Kyo on December 10, 2018, 04:33:40 AM
I thought that The Dance of Eternity was picked simply because if you can play THAT crazy stuff, you can basically play anything  :lol

From watching quite a few videos of it, I'd say a lot of TDoE isn't really all that hard to play on drums - there isn't a whole lot going on where you need superhuman speed or limb independence. The main challenge is remembering all the time signature changes.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: noxon on December 10, 2018, 04:45:46 AM
Well, whenever I see people who really knows how to play stuff, it looks so effortless and easy. Then I try it myself and just realize that I don't know what the hell I'm even talking about ;)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Kocak on December 10, 2018, 05:04:18 AM
All I want from DT drums is cool, creative rhythms like MP composed on the first 6 albums. Don’t need machine-gun fills or polymeters in 17/16 and 23/8. Oh and it’s nice if you can hear the drums clearly as well.

I also want a good mix. A recent example would be Soen. Their single Martyrs is a great example.

Never listened to Soen before. Just took a listen to Martyrs and Rival. Great stuff! I agree about the mix on this. Surprisingly balanced and good clarity for such a loud master. This is a good comparison for Untethered Angel as this is has similar dynamic range (DR7). Just read a review for Soen Lotus and vinyl is supposed to have better mastering with DR12. I am definately getting this on vinyl. Thanks for mentioning this.

My pleasure. I just wanted to provide an example of what I think a balanced mix should be. Glad you like it as well.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Another_Won on December 10, 2018, 05:58:18 AM
Does anyone else hear what sounds like a sample of a voice talking at the end of the song?  Like the one in BAI.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: jayvee3 on December 10, 2018, 06:10:59 AM
I've read through the last four pages of this thread, shaking my head the entire time. I'm flabbergasted at the level of entitlement some of you have.

Amen to that whole section of your post brother  :tup
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gzarruk on December 10, 2018, 06:16:31 AM
I've read through the last four pages of this thread, shaking my head the entire time. I'm flabbergasted at the level of entitlement some of you have.

Amen to that whole section of your post brother  :tup

Indeed :tup
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: TAC on December 10, 2018, 06:44:43 AM
I don't think entitlement is the right word at all. People are passionate about their music. The bands I am most critical about are the bands that I love the most. It can be frustrating if they go into a direction that you don't like.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: genome on December 10, 2018, 06:56:49 AM
Listened to it a good bunch of times now.

I really love the "Fear can live inside you" part - such a nice tonality and voicing, I hope there's more of that on the album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Chino on December 10, 2018, 07:21:42 AM
This song didn't do a whole lot for me tbh. Not really feeling the vocal effects, and while I loved the song Outcry, the beginning of this song felt like the rejected demos of that song.

All the video did was make me wish we could get a 6 minute video of JP cooking meat.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: New World Rushman on December 10, 2018, 08:10:03 AM

All the video did was make me wish we could get a 6 minute video of JP cooking meat.

There is some legit barbecue going on there. Looks like giant burgers in the tray JLB is holding. Then we have JP putting some big ass chicken thighs on a nice looking drum smoker, and I noticed a 22" Weber kettle in the background with a proper charcoal chimney; no lighter fluid for John. Excellent.

Oh yeah, and I like the song.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertielee on December 10, 2018, 08:21:05 AM

All the video did was make me wish we could get a 6 minute video of JP cooking meat.

There is some legit barbecue going on there. Looks like giant burgers in the tray JLB is holding. Then we have JP putting some big ass chicken thighs on a nice looking drum smoker, and I noticed a 22" Weber kettle in the background with a proper charcoal chimney; no lighter fluid for John. Excellent.

Oh yeah, and I like the song.


I like it how you added that as an afterthought. :rollin As an aside, you make me wanna go eat some barbecued stuff.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: fischermasamune on December 10, 2018, 08:26:09 AM
I listened through it via the Youtube music video.

Initially, it did seem souless, and incredibly safe, DT-by-numbers as they put it. But I listened more times in search of redeeming features.

Now, 20 listens later, it has clicked. The first third is about expected and not too special, but the second third has a better verse (both lyrically and instrumentally), being a well-composed Dream Theater experience. The instrumental break is quite good, not too heavy, with breathing space, short and at the same time tasty with good ideas. It's the opposite of dragging (I can't express this idea in a single word). The last third (starting with the last chorus) is nice in the sense that they didn't go crazy, and rather follow an interesting warm-down of the song (a better one than Moment Of Betrayal). Although sometimes it appears to be a wall of sound, it isn't that much. I think Rudess frenetic playing makes sense - without it, it could sound like another other band, and this song would have less of an identity.

As for the lyrics, initially I thought they were about suicide (although some verses need to be correctly interpreted). Not too outlandish, and as I mention, the second verse is quite good (with the exception of the line "something needs to change", which could have more syllables). The chorus appeared a little too bland and traditional at the start, but now I think it's adequate.

If all the songs are of this quality, I will be satisfied. (It will, though, take a dozen hours of listening to learn to appreciate them!)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Pound4aBrown on December 10, 2018, 08:26:37 AM
I don't think entitlement is the right word at all. People are passionate about their music. The bands I am most critical about are the bands that I love the most. It can be frustrating if they go into a direction that you don't like.

Kinda sounds like entitlement to me.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: deggs37 on December 10, 2018, 08:28:55 AM
On first listen it was a 6 or 7 out of 10, kinda felt like by the numbers DT. But the more I listen the more I am liking it. I am getting a lot of Home vibes, which is one of my favorites. The mix of the instruments sounds much better than the last couple albums. The instrumental section really shows off how great Mangini is at complementing JR and JP - really fantastic playing.

I have always enjoyed JLB on the albums, but the vocal mix on this song sounds weird to me, although I will reserve judgement until I hear a better quality version. I am very excited for this album!

Now I am ready for some BBQ :yarr
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: TAC on December 10, 2018, 08:32:33 AM
I don't think entitlement is the right word at all. People are passionate about their music. The bands I am most critical about are the bands that I love the most. It can be frustrating if they go into a direction that you don't like.

Kinda sounds like entitlement to me.

Entitlement means having a right to something. I understand the point, but I just don't think it's the correct word.


I don't like 90's Metallica, and I have a right to say that, but I would never say that I was entitled to more thrash. I may prefer it, but I'm not entitled to it.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Lax on December 10, 2018, 08:56:22 AM
Just the part between the second verse and chorus, and the solo part, JP and mainly the organ sound, just makes this song solid :D
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: deggs37 on December 10, 2018, 09:09:35 AM
I don't think entitlement is the right word at all. People are passionate about their music. The bands I am most critical about are the bands that I love the most. It can be frustrating if they go into a direction that you don't like.

Kinda sounds like entitlement to me.

Kinda sounds like you are overly sensitive to criticism of your favorite band. I'd rather hear "entitlement" over blind fanboy-ism. Some of the opinions might be a little too harsh, but that's what you get when you have a band like DT that changes things up from album to album. Sometimes people love it, sometimes they don't - but it all comes from a place of love for the band. And it certainly keeps things interesting, that's why I keep coming back to see what they are gonna do next.

If you wanna see the dangers of forced blind fanboy-ism go visit the MP forums... oh wait.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Lethean on December 10, 2018, 09:10:40 AM
I don't think entitlement is the right word at all. People are passionate about their music. The bands I am most critical about are the bands that I love the most. It can be frustrating if they go into a direction that you don't like.

Kinda sounds like entitlement to me.

Entitlement means having a right to something. I understand the point, but I just don't think it's the correct word.


I don't like 90's Metallica, and I have a right to say that, but I would never say that I was entitled to more thrash. I may prefer it, but I'm not entitled to it.

I don't think entitlement is the right word for most of the comments here, or for an attitude like yours which I think is more respectful.  But some of them maybe; or some of them are just kinda rude.  It's one thing to say you don't like something or prefer something else, and another to call it shit or assume the artist didn't put any thought into it.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: noxon on December 10, 2018, 09:36:22 AM
One thing to consider is that negative comments have a tendency to amplify and overshadow the positive. Even if the new song has like 96% Likes on it on youtube, if you read the comment section it seems like it's the worst song DT has ever made. And it creates a feedback loop where those types of sentiments become okay to state. Imagine then what the band must think when they look at it. I sure wouldn't be in their shoes now. Constructive critism is one thing, but anonymity is destroying any decency between people. Would those people have those kinds of vitriolic comments face to face? Probably not. So why spend so much time and energy on being negative. If I don't like something, I don't engage. Simple as that.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Samsara on December 10, 2018, 09:47:09 AM
That is the reality of the Internet.

I think the song is OK. I'm hoping the rest of the record is better. I've pre-ordered it, but don't really have high expectations based on the single. It's not bad, but it didn't WOW me either.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 10, 2018, 09:48:20 AM
If I don't like something, I don't engage. Simple as that.

Totally true.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 10, 2018, 09:54:27 AM
If I don't like something, I don't engage. Simple as that.

Totally true.

So only positive feedback? Nothing else?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: noxon on December 10, 2018, 09:58:21 AM
There’a simply too much great art in the world that spending time obsessing over the art I don’t like is simply not worth it. Hence my statement. It’s getting ridiculous the way people react to things they don’t like. Like the whole Star Wars last Jedi thing. I mean , really, death treats to one of the actresses in the movie just because you didn’t like it? Wtf is that about.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: cramx3 on December 10, 2018, 10:00:27 AM
That is the reality of the Internet.

Yup and it's not just DT.  I have no issue with posting or reading constructive criticism or just legit feelings as long as it's not bashing.  However, I'm not a fan of the negative trolling posts you see on social media.  I think it's fair and fine to talk about what you dislike though. 

As for myself, if it's something I like then I have no issue engaging in what I also dislike, it's just part of fandom IMO.  But if I don't like it in the first place, then I'll just move along, I don't need to be there just for negativity.  That's not fun to just be a negative nancy.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Rammstein on December 10, 2018, 10:05:04 AM
@noxon
As far as I know you have heard the entire album. Could you give us a statement about whether the voice effects on James are on every song like on untethered Angel?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 10, 2018, 10:06:52 AM
So why spend so much time and energy on being negative.

No, probably you missed that part Adami.

I think you can also state your -if any- negative comment, but some people seems to get stuck on them, and repeated it time after time, that's what bothers me. It is like some posts on th General Music Discussion, ther are some bands I have listened to this year and I don't like them just as much as some others have, and I won't go there to engage on a back and forth on why I don't like certain band, or album or video.

I didn't like The Astonishing, but I see no point on going to th thread and state it time over time.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gzarruk on December 10, 2018, 10:15:24 AM
Yes, like others have said here, there's a BIG difference between saying "I didn't like this song so much, I hope I like the others better, if not, I'll just pass on this album" and "OMG, DT can't make good music anymore. They suck. No soul since 2010. Bring Portnoy back".

Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: KevShmev on December 10, 2018, 10:17:00 AM
@noxon
As far as I know you have heard the entire album. Could you give us a statement about whether the voice effects on James are on every song like on untethered Angel?

Personally, I would rather keep the rest of the album as spoiler-free as possible.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 10, 2018, 10:19:34 AM
@noxon
As far as I know you have heard the entire album. Could you give us a statement about whether the voice effects on James are on every song like on untethered Angel?

No, he isn't going to comment on anything further than the single because (1) he takes his position with the band very seriously and is too professional to do that, and (2) even if that weren't the case, it wouldn't be allowed here.  It's kind of disappointing that people would even ask for information about the entire album from people who have heard it or have access to info about it.  Be patient, and when it is time to release more information, more information will be released.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Rammstein on December 10, 2018, 10:35:42 AM
@noxon
As far as I know you have heard the entire album. Could you give us a statement about whether the voice effects on James are on every song like on untethered Angel?

No, he isn't going to comment on anything further than the single because (1) he takes his position with the band very seriously and is too professional to do that, and (2) even if that weren't the case, it wouldn't be allowed here.  It's kind of disappointing that people would even ask for information about the entire album from people who have heard it or have access to info about it.  Be patient, and when it is time to release more information, more information will be released.

Although I get what you are trying to say and I would agree to it in general, I don't think that a simple question like that would really disappoint anyone, compared to the responses of some folks regarding the new song. It was just a normal question, if such a statement would be possible. In my opinion nobody would care If you would ask, if the guitar mix is the same through the album, because you could assume that (not meaning different tunings etc). I mean I didn't ask, if he could share specifics on lyrics or about the song structure, just if the vocals will have that very much talked about effects on every word on the album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Progmetty on December 10, 2018, 10:38:45 AM
That's it, no more Untethered Angel for me until the album comes out.
After one more spin.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Pound4aBrown on December 10, 2018, 11:12:48 AM
I don't think entitlement is the right word at all. People are passionate about their music. The bands I am most critical about are the bands that I love the most. It can be frustrating if they go into a direction that you don't like.

Kinda sounds like entitlement to me.

Kinda sounds like you are overly sensitive to criticism of your favorite band. I'd rather hear "entitlement" over blind fanboy-ism. Some of the opinions might be a little too harsh, but that's what you get when you have a band like DT that changes things up from album to album. Sometimes people love it, sometimes they don't - but it all comes from a place of love for the band. And it certainly keeps things interesting, that's why I keep coming back to see what they are gonna do next.

If you wanna see the dangers of forced blind fanboy-ism go visit the MP forums... oh wait.

It does? Dude I have 20 posts here. Don't think I am being overly sensitive. I mean it isn't like I posted that I didn't like the song, so I listened for 20 or 30 or 40 times, until it 'clicked'. That is some fanboi nonsense.
I've lurked on this forum for years, and a case can be made that it has some of the most butthurt folks when it comes to what they want and don't want from this band.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: King Postwhore on December 10, 2018, 11:20:41 AM
Well that's in all walks of life.  From fans of an actor, or fans of a team to fans of a band.  The butthurt is everywhere. 


I see no problem in fandom.  We all lean to protect what is personal to us. 


I'm not overly critical but you'll here me say life for The Astonishing, I just didn't gravitate to it.   
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertielee on December 10, 2018, 11:38:14 AM
One thing to consider is that negative comments have a tendency to amplify and overshadow the positive. Even if the new song has like 96% Likes on it on youtube, if you read the comment section it seems like it's the worst song DT has ever made. And it creates a feedback loop where those types of sentiments become okay to state. Imagine then what the band must think when they look at it. I sure wouldn't be in their shoes now. Constructive critism is one thing, but anonymity is destroying any decency between people. Would those people have those kinds of vitriolic comments face to face? Probably not. So why spend so much time and energy on being negative. If I don't like something, I don't engage. Simple as that.

At the same time, the people commenting on YT have never been known for having measured opinions. Frankly, except on one occasion that I can think of, the criticism here has been very civil and more often than not backed up by what we didn't like and why we didn't like it.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RoeDent on December 10, 2018, 12:11:13 PM
So apparently giving a song by a band you enjoy a chance to click with you is blind fanboyism? Then call me a blind fanboy! It's certainly more enjoyable than being a critic. And apparently we have to find something to dislike about DT if we're not to be called blind fanboys. The only thing I dislike about DT are certain elements of the "fan"base.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: geeeemo on December 10, 2018, 12:25:47 PM
Ya, guess I am a fangirl  :laugh:

I am really liking the song. I have listened about 10x this weekend and now just heard at work with better speakers.  :metal Very Heavy - which I like. I do wish I could hear the vocals more - vocals are important to me and I dig JLB voice, even now. As with some of  DT, I find the music grows on me with time. This song has a great intro. I love the short heavy, but I also like their long weird songs as well.  Interesting, that after UA, came AD (spotify) - such different sounding music, both signature DT and what I love about them. Never boring.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertielee on December 10, 2018, 12:28:03 PM
So apparently giving a song by a band you enjoy a chance to click with you is blind fanboyism? Then call me a blind fanboy! It's certainly more enjoyable than being a critic. And apparently we have to find something to dislike about DT if we're not to be called blind fanboys. The only thing I dislike about DT are certain elements of the "fan"base.

If it is aimed at me, show me where exactly I said that. Good luck! And frankly, by isolating the word "fan" (I quote), you're behaving exactly like some people of whom you reproach the negative remarks.

Now, I didn't say anything negative about the single as I didn't listen to it, I had a more general approach as to what bothered me about modern DT. To be clear, I still love DT, they're still my favorite band by a long stretch and I liked ADToE, DT 12 and all the more so TA on first listen. And I will probably love D/T on first listen too.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Samsara on December 10, 2018, 12:55:29 PM
This thread is getting ugly.

It's a single to DT's new album. People should be able to say they love it, like it, don't like it, hate it, and explain why, without getting jumped on, as long as it is done respectfully, as per the mods' judgment.

I happen to think the single is OK, but nothing Earth-shattering. I don't take offense to people of different opinion, and frankly, neither should anyone here.

New DT music is on the way - be happy to see where it goes, and enjoy the ride, good and bad.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Skeever on December 10, 2018, 01:21:25 PM
At this point, I've come through full cycle from "Raging DT Fanboy" to "Disillusioned Critic" to what is probably my final resting place "Fan with Reasonable Expectations and Reasonable Opinions".

I think this song is alright! My favorite part, by far, is the instrumental section. Otherwise, it sounds a bit too familiar in places (some parts sound like Home, other parts sound like Forsaken, and there are yet other parts that sound like In The Name of God), but as far as DT singles go, it's not bad.

In terms of production, this song sounded better than much of what I've heard from the band recently, so that's a plus, though I do wish they would go for a less produced drum sound.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Progmetty on December 10, 2018, 01:25:52 PM
At this point, I've come through full cycle from "Raging DT Fanboy" to "Disillusioned Critic" to what is probably my final resting place "Fan with Reasonable Expectations and Reasonable Opinions".

Haha well said, I think I'm in the same head space now.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Max Kuehnau on December 10, 2018, 02:08:15 PM
I'm in the headspace of a "grateful person", whatever that may mean.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gm5k on December 10, 2018, 02:17:52 PM
Damn the YT commments did get really harsh quickly.  Were mostly positive at first.  Seems like they're usually from people who haven't liked DT for quite some time, though.  Maybe time to move on guys? 

Just think it's funny to comment negatively on a band's new music when you haven't liked them for a decade  :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 10, 2018, 02:33:59 PM
@noxon
As far as I know you have heard the entire album. Could you give us a statement about whether the voice effects on James are on every song like on untethered Angel?

No, he isn't going to comment on anything further than the single because (1) he takes his position with the band very seriously and is too professional to do that, and (2) even if that weren't the case, it wouldn't be allowed here.  It's kind of disappointing that people would even ask for information about the entire album from people who have heard it or have access to info about it.  Be patient, and when it is time to release more information, more information will be released.

Although I get what you are trying to say and I would agree to it in general, I don't think that a simple question like that would really disappoint anyone, compared to the responses of some folks regarding the new song. It was just a normal question, if such a statement would be possible. In my opinion nobody would care If you would ask, if the guitar mix is the same through the album, because you could assume that (not meaning different tunings etc). I mean I didn't ask, if he could share specifics on lyrics or about the song structure, just if the vocals will have that very much talked about effects on every word on the album.

But its asking a question specific for how one would perceive a yet-to-be release, from someone who has ties with the band no less. That's what Bosk means by point 2. Just because they know, doesn't mean we are allowed to prod them. Thats respect.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RoeDent on December 10, 2018, 02:40:53 PM
So apparently giving a song by a band you enjoy a chance to click with you is blind fanboyism? Then call me a blind fanboy! It's certainly more enjoyable than being a critic. And apparently we have to find something to dislike about DT if we're not to be called blind fanboys. The only thing I dislike about DT are certain elements of the "fan"base.

If it is aimed at me, show me where exactly I said that. Good luck! And frankly, by isolating the word "fan" (I quote), you're behaving exactly like some people of whom you reproach the negative remarks.

Now, I didn't say anything negative about the single as I didn't listen to it, I had a more general approach as to what bothered me about modern DT. To be clear, I still love DT, they're still my favorite band by a long stretch and I liked ADToE, DT 12 and all the more so TA on first listen. And I will probably love D/T on first listen too.

B.Lee

Nope. You were just in the unfortunate position of preceding my message.

Man alive, DT-side can get crazy in the pre-album times. And we're still well over 2 months away from the actual release.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: fischermasamune on December 10, 2018, 03:17:38 PM
Funny that in my low-quality headphones, sound is balanced. On my low-quality speakers, the instrumental break from 3:25 to 4:48 sounds completely fine, but some parts, mainly the second verse and chorus, are too loud and muddy, similar to DT12.

So depending on the setup people have, they might have completely different opinions on the mix.

(Scale: crap < low- < medium- < high-quality)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gzarruk on December 10, 2018, 03:21:36 PM
I'm in the headspace of a "grateful person", whatever that may mean.

This :tup

I’m just too grateful with DT for being the soundtrack of my life for 9 years already. Not that all their songs/albums are flawless (nothing is, really), but I just love that they keep coming up with wonderful music every 2 or 3 years, even when they’ve been doing this for more than 30 years.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 10, 2018, 03:23:14 PM
I've read through the last four pages of this thread, shaking my head the entire time. I'm flabbergasted at the level of entitlement some of you have. I want this, I want that.

DT fanbase in a nutshell. I can only imagine that when you like something so much, you kinda make it your own and so when your favorite or ex-favorite artist or whatever releases something you don't like at all you feel betrayed or something to that extent. That's not the way to go, tho. It's totally fine if you don't like DT's stuff now, as it happens, but DT criticism at that point is just tiresome to read and see. I don't read the forums as much as I used to because of that, because discussion and opinions on DT are so polarizing these days that the middle ground of debate is harder to see (to my eyes). Not with everyone, tho. There are wonderful posters here who dislike DT's recent output and they write about it with great taste. I even read once in my social media something in the lines of "if you like The Astonishing, you're wrong and you're stupid" and I was all like: Oh dear  :lol

I don't mean to take the conversation in this road, tho. It's just something I had to get out of my chest and your post was a good reason to do so.

Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: TheOutlawXanadu on December 10, 2018, 05:16:20 PM
It always amazes me how a YouTube video can have a 96% like ratio but 96% negative comments. :lol

Anyhow, I enjoyed the song. It is certainly a return to the more familiar Dream Theater sound after the curve ball that was The Astonishing.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 10, 2018, 05:51:20 PM
It always amazes me how a YouTube video can have a 96% like ratio but 96% negative comments. :lol

Anyhow, I enjoyed the song. It is certainly a return to the more familiar Dream Theater sound after the curve ball that was The Astonishing.

Easy, because complainers are extremely vocal, they are usually a bunch of biased jerks that just need to make extensive noise to feel better. If you check other videos you can see many of the same people saying the same stuff over and over again, pointless criticism with no real purpose such as "brink MP back".
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: porcacultor on December 10, 2018, 09:06:01 PM
If Myung wanted to jam like the old days...I'm feeling the main riff is Myungs. Watch the music video. And you know how Myung wrote the heavy part of Strange Dejavu. This is Myungs musical contribution.

Huh! I was watching the commentary track to WDADR and JMX exposed that sort of wish to go back to "jamming like the old days" -- which got me thinking that he must be really happy with the process behind D/T.

Did he ever talk about reverting to the old school process anywhere else?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Schurftkut on December 10, 2018, 09:37:33 PM
few albums back yeah
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 10, 2018, 10:22:47 PM
Criticism  of a single is fine. What gets to me is when people frame the criticism as "DT did not put much thought into it" or "DT doesn't care." After all the preps we have seen the band do for this album, questioning the effort they put in making the album for me is crossing the line. Dislike the song and even be harsh against it, but questioning their effort is disrespecting the artist already.

Anyway, I am on my 50+ listen already, and I am obsessed with the second verse and unison section in the instrumental. Really, if they just came up with a much stronger first verse, this song would have been great.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: YtseJamittaja on December 10, 2018, 10:27:03 PM
Yeah, does anybody else have a feeling that the first chorus is appearing too early? only 4 lines before it.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 10, 2018, 11:11:11 PM
Well, since the chorus allowed us to move on from the weak first verse, I have no problem with it. :p
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Shooters1221 on December 11, 2018, 12:14:56 AM
Yeah, does anybody else have a feeling that the first chorus is appearing too early? only 4 lines before it.

I remember waaaaaaaaaaay back to Friday and my first couple of spins. I was thinking "man that chorus comes up quick, they must've done their own radio edit." Didn't bother me though.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: ariich on December 11, 2018, 01:29:22 AM
The band and label should definitely focus more on the 96% like ratio rather than the negative comments which are pretty much always there. Bloody Internet.

Anyway I've digested the single a bit now, still not that many listens as I never do that before an album comes out,  but enough to feel I get the song. Overall I dig it. I'm glad more of my listens were on the official video than the spotify/original YouTube stream, as the sound is so much better, which I don't really understand. Some sort of error in the single process perhaps?

Anyway, with the clearer sound, I think it's a great mix. Song is fairly standard DT fare stylistically (although the vocal effects are a little different - I wouldn't want the whole album like that but they work for this song), but that's absolutely fine as it's one of the singles. Apart from the Gift of the Music which had all the theatricality, DT singles are always among the more straightforward. And this is a good one. Looking forward to the album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: genome on December 11, 2018, 02:51:35 AM
I have a general internet rule for sites likes YouTube.

"Never go below the line". Ie, don't read comment sections. There's almost never anything constructive to be found and more often than not it just makes me frustrated and angry at people's ignorance.

It's not worth expending your mental energy, you'll never change their minds anyway.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Pettor on December 11, 2018, 02:53:41 AM
Listened to the song a lot now. Was absolutely a grower for me, a bit like The Enemy Inside. The highlight is the main riffing that comes after the intro. I love when the speed builds a bit and they manage to maintain it. James vocals is improving on me, I guess I am a bit unused to hearing him with this amount of effects. Would maybe have wanted a more straight through speedy song since the main riff is soooo good. The chorus is  :tup
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RoeDent on December 11, 2018, 05:27:55 AM
I've read through the last four pages of this thread, shaking my head the entire time. I'm flabbergasted at the level of entitlement some of you have. I want this, I want that.

DT fanbase in a nutshell. I can only imagine that when you like something so much, you kinda make it your own and so when your favorite or ex-favorite artist or whatever releases something you don't like at all you feel betrayed or something to that extent. That's not the way to go, tho. It's totally fine if you don't like DT's stuff now, as it happens, but DT criticism at that point is just tiresome to read and see. I don't read the forums as much as I used to because of that, because discussion and opinions on DT are so polarizing these days that the middle ground of debate is harder to see (to my eyes). Not with everyone, tho. There are wonderful posters here who dislike DT's recent output and they write about it with great taste. I even read once in my social media something in the lines of "if you like The Astonishing, you're wrong and you're stupid" and I was all like: Oh dear  :lol

I don't mean to take the conversation in this road, tho. It's just something I had to get out of my chest and your post was a good reason to do so.



Thank you. The underwhelming response to The Astonishing was probably the single most disappointing thing in my time as a DT fan. But it also made me immensely proud of the commitment the band put into it. They made this music for us appreciators. We may be few, but we are strong and we will defend that wonderful album to the death.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on December 11, 2018, 05:33:37 AM
This doesn't feel like an album opener. It feels like a track 2 or track 5 to me.  But of course, I trust the band, and can't wait to listen to the album as a whole!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: TAC on December 11, 2018, 05:56:17 AM
I trust the band, and can't wait to listen to the album as a whole!

THIS!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: noxon on December 11, 2018, 06:01:14 AM
Untethered Angel is a perfect album opener when you hear it in connection to the tracks following it. ;)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: lifesonrules65 on December 11, 2018, 06:08:52 AM
Noxon,

 :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal

Frank
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: red barchetta on December 11, 2018, 06:27:27 AM
What I think after a couple of time listening to it.  The tone, the voice, it sounds like The Astonishing.  I am not in love with it.  The drums:  Mike Mangini's upper toms set up is a boring distraction.  But about the sound, it's even worse.  No depth at all, I would really like it if the sound would be more distinctive and clearer.  It sounds too much like they are all the same which is totally different than Portnoy's era.

So, bottom line, I have not been knocked out by the first song but I will listen to it more and more and will give a good chance for the album. 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gzarruk on December 11, 2018, 06:31:08 AM
Untethered Angel, if it was played by Mike Portnoy (as close as it gets): https://youtu.be/NdYJE-jUd1c

EDIT: Just noticed Rodrigo posted this first on a separate thread.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erciccio on December 11, 2018, 06:37:48 AM
I have mixed feelings about the song: really like the instrumental section, the riffs and the chorus.
Don't like so much the verse and...ehm...the sound overall.
I don't like to judge it just from a file bought online (Amazon in this case), but all instruments are really muddled. Only the guitar stands out clearly during the solos.
Let's wait for the CD.

Overall, I like it more that 99% of the rest of the music out there...so I am happy.

Just like Noxon, I really cannot understand all the "fans" that have been complaining for the last 10 years about DT.

If you really don't like something, why bother listening to it and also spending time to comment it on line?
E.g. I think Haken is a good band, but there is not one single second of their music I really like...so I have never spent time on their boards complaining... ???
I really don't understand...but that's the Internet, babe.


Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: rumborak on December 11, 2018, 06:43:16 AM
Back to the song at hand, I was listening to SFAM yesterday, and one thing that struck me was, JP and JR almost never solo together, whereas these days (and this song no different) it's an exception when they don't.
When did that solo trading start?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: dream75 on December 11, 2018, 06:45:49 AM
What I think after a couple of time listening to it.  The tone, the voice, it sounds like The Astonishing.  I am not in love with it.  The drums:  Mike Mangini's upper toms set up is a boring distraction.  But about the sound, it's even worse.  No depth at all, I would really like it if the sound would be more distinctive and clearer.  It sounds too much like they are all the same which is totally different than Portnoy's era.

So, bottom line, I have not been knocked out by the first song but I will listen to it more and more and will give a good chance for the album.


I think that in this song the voice is very different than TA and the sound of the drums is good
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 11, 2018, 07:19:02 AM
Just cause we were talking about it, I thought it was funny that this showed up on my youtube feed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEB98Jz89G0
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 11, 2018, 07:19:37 AM
Back to the song at hand, I was listening to SFAM yesterday, and one thing that struck me was, JP and JR almost never solo together, whereas these days (and this song no different) it's an exception when they don't.
When did that solo trading start?

I'm not sure what you mean. There's tons of solo trading on SFAM. I'd say that's when it started.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Mladen on December 11, 2018, 07:23:39 AM
I think what rumborak refers to is Petrucci's solo followed by Rudess followed by Petrucci followed by Rudess. That kind of trading back and forth started with Train of thought, I believe, e.g. Endless sacrifice.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 11, 2018, 07:27:30 AM
I mean, unless you're specifically referring to 2 trade offs and a unison, then I'd still say it started with SFAM.

Fatal Tragedy does the trade offs. So does Beyond This Life, and Home.

It wasn't as stereotypical or routine, but I'd say that's when it started.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 11, 2018, 07:41:13 AM
Yeah, I agree.  I had also recently pulled SFAM off the shelf and had been listening recently, and I don't really get rumbo's comment either.  Tradeoff soloing is all over that album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: rumborak on December 11, 2018, 07:48:41 AM
While I can see your point about those songs, Adami, I kinda agree with Mladen that I think Endless Sacrifice is the first true occurrence of the JP-JR-JP-JR trading sequence.

Yeah, I agree.  I had also recently pulled SFAM off the shelf and had been listening recently, and I don't really get rumbo's comment either.  Tradeoff soloing is all over that album.

It's hard for me to put a finger on, but somehow the SFAM trades don't have yet that "hard rule" of JP-JR-JP-JR they later developed. In SFAM those sections are still more variable, less settled.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 11, 2018, 07:58:48 AM
Oh I agree. But you asked when it started. That's when it started. It just didn't become a permanent, predictable fixture til later.

6DOIT has it plenty too. They just felt more fresh, like SFAM. Which I think is what you're getting at. When did they begin to sound tired and part of the formula.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 11, 2018, 07:59:47 AM
It started with Just Let Me Breathe.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 11, 2018, 08:00:45 AM
It startes with Just Let.Me Breathe.

Impossible.

JR wasn't in the band yet.  :P
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: rumborak on December 11, 2018, 08:11:21 AM
I should point out that while I certainly wouldn't mind them making it more variable again, the trading sections don't bother me at all. It's just something that struck me when I listened to SFAM yesterday, right after I had listened to Untethered Angel again.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erciccio on December 11, 2018, 08:19:02 AM
Probably it all started with LTE..:)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Another_Won on December 11, 2018, 08:30:44 AM
Does anyone else hear what sounds like a sample of a voice talking at the end of the song?  Like the one in BAI.

Can someone just tell me I'm hearing things and we can move back to arguing over the single.  Anyone?  . . .  no? :biggrin:
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 11, 2018, 08:32:44 AM
It was bound to happen. A drum machine emulating Mangini!

https://youtu.be/PEB98Jz89G0
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 11, 2018, 08:38:59 AM
It's hard for me to put a finger on, but somehow the SFAM trades don't have yet that "hard rule" of JP-JR-JP-JR they later developed. In SFAM those sections are still more variable, less settled.

Less settled is a good way to put it, I get what you are saying. SFAM and SDOIT had those solo trade off sections, but they seemed to have different variation and a freshness in the midst of the song.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: llpyyz on December 11, 2018, 08:43:05 AM
Listened to it three times now. That is one infectious groove. Makes my pulse pound. Cool Middle Eastern vibe on part of the JP solo as well.  :metal
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: erwinrafael on December 11, 2018, 08:45:44 AM
Have they done a solo tradeoff that is more "disciplined" than in UA? I like this one largely because I don't hear wankery.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 11, 2018, 08:47:16 AM
That is one infectious groove.

Actually, I think this is more of an infectious groove:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob3buKk6ALc
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Lax on December 11, 2018, 09:48:29 AM
"LTE with a singer" is basically the only aspect of DT I was never 100% on board with. By the end of MP's tenure too many songs had a solo section clearly conjured in "LTE mode" where the guys would just jam and, I assume, use as solo section whatever came up, at expense of the flow and the mood of the song. Instrumental music is one thing, a proper song is another, and I want a song to flow, and the solo section, as crazy and long as it might be (see Metropolis), to not stray completely away from the mood of the song.
I don't know if this convo will pollute the topic, but I thought about what you said and wanted to split it with a little disagreement :
-I understand what you mean by a solo section that is not constructed in the flow and can result in being a little irritating because you love the song (it's like when there are rappers singing in katy perry's songs lol)

-I would not call these situations "LTE moments", because there is no spontaneity in LTE, musical genius yes, prog mixing styles long songs extravaganza yes, but the top songs aren't jammy or getting far off from root to me.
I should explain this song by song, but this is not the place :) My favorite song of all times is when the water breaks.
Pinch of salt for songs like chris & kevin adventures or three minutes warning, that are jammy.

I discovered DT via scenes from a memory, images and words, and LTE 1&2, I prefer them proggy and crazy, I don't even care if they are heavy :)

Once again tho, I understand what you said
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: chwik on December 11, 2018, 10:13:06 AM
Probably it all started with LTE..:)

Yep! Apart from the occational song (I cannot speak for D/T with the exception of UA), they have actually not done the trade-off + unison that often in the last three albums.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Samsara on December 11, 2018, 10:20:42 AM
"LTE with a singer" is basically the only aspect of DT I was never 100% on board with. By the end of MP's tenure too many songs had a solo section clearly conjured in "LTE mode" where the guys would just jam and, I assume, use as solo section whatever came up, at expense of the flow and the mood of the song. Instrumental music is one thing, a proper song is another, and I want a song to flow, and the solo section, as crazy and long as it might be (see Metropolis), to not stray completely away from the mood of the song.
I don't know if this convo will pollute the topic, but I thought about what you said and wanted to split it with a little disagreement :
-I understand what you mean by a solo section that is not constructed in the flow and can result in being a little irritating because you love the song (it's like when there are rappers singing in katy perry's songs lol)

-I would not call these situations "LTE moments", because there is no spontaneity in LTE, musical genius yes, prog mixing styles long songs extravaganza yes, but the top songs aren't jammy or getting far off from root to me.
I should explain this song by song, but this is not the place :) My favorite song of all times is when the water breaks.
Pinch of salt for songs like chris & kevin adventures or three minutes warning, that are jammy.

I discovered DT via scenes from a memory, images and words, and LTE 1&2, I prefer them proggy and crazy, I don't even care if they are heavy :)

Once again tho, I understand what you said

I FULLY agree with MirrorMask. What was beautiful about the song Metropolis, was that it was sort of unique for them. That complete shift away from the mood of the song into something that could outright be another song itself, and then back to the main song. When Jordan joined, that sort of became the template for the band, something I extremely disagreed with.

TBH, I don't think DT ever fully recovered from it. When MP left, it helped some, but they still do it entirely too often. But guys like MirrorMask and myself, who think this way, are by far in the minority among DT fans.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: vtgrad on December 11, 2018, 10:28:06 AM
That is one infectious groove.

Actually, I think this is more of an infectious groove:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob3buKk6ALc

 :lol  Man... the early to mid 90's was a great time for music.  So glad those were my formative years.  That vid lead me to Cult of Personality... which I promptly listened two three or four times!

Back on topic... I've listened to the single probably 25-times (was off yesterday due to snow) and each time I hear it, I hear something different and I hear something else that I like.  I found it enjoyable when I first heard it, but it has grown to be something very, very good and I find the riffs in my head now (especially the pre-verse riff for the second verse... a monster) during the day, which makes me want to listen to it again.  Isn't that the mark of good music... wanting to hear it again?  I love it.

Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on December 11, 2018, 12:30:15 PM
Oooo, something fun coming tomorrow.  Stay tuned.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: evilasiojr on December 11, 2018, 12:38:44 PM
Oooo, something fun coming tomorrow.  Stay tuned.

Yeeeeeah  :metal
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 11, 2018, 12:39:45 PM
Oooo, something fun coming tomorrow.  Stay tuned.

 :metal :metal
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: genome on December 11, 2018, 12:43:27 PM
Does anyone else hear what sounds like a sample of a voice talking at the end of the song?  Like the one in BAI.

Can someone just tell me I'm hearing things and we can move back to arguing over the single.  Anyone?  . . .  no? :biggrin:

Couldn't hear anything in particular - you might be hearing the sustain on Jordan's synth patch. It's got like a sort of phasey/flangey effect on it that sort of sounds like someone whispering.

You're hearing the flange on Jordan's dirty organ.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gzarruk on December 11, 2018, 12:43:58 PM
Oooo, something fun coming tomorrow.  Stay tuned.

 :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: King Postwhore on December 11, 2018, 12:47:58 PM
Oooo, something fun coming tomorrow.  Stay tuned.


This needs a hook and line emoji.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 11, 2018, 12:52:46 PM
Oooo, something fun coming tomorrow.  Stay tuned.

Do I have to? Can I just like tune back in tomorrow or do I need to stay tuned in continuously until then?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Another_Won on December 11, 2018, 01:16:15 PM
Does anyone else hear what sounds like a sample of a voice talking at the end of the song?  Like the one in BAI.

Can someone just tell me I'm hearing things and we can move back to arguing over the single.  Anyone?  . . .  no? :biggrin:

Couldn't hear anything in particular - you might be hearing the sustain on Jordan's synth patch. It's got like a sort of phasey/flangey effect on it that sort of sounds like someone whispering.

You're hearing the flange on Jordan's dirty organ.
Thanks.  I'll listen again and try to concentrate on the dirty organ . . . er, ah, the effect, the flange effect. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bentower on December 11, 2018, 01:23:01 PM
After an initial lukewarmness I have grown to enjoy this more than any DT single in recent years. It has nice momentum going throughout with no section overstaying its welcome. I love that head-spinning fill Mangini does before the solo section and JM's playing against the staccato runs in the instrumental section. Great to-the-point solos from JP and JR. It feels like the boys have taken what they learned with The Astonishing and brought that back to a style similar to ADToE and DT12. Looking forward to hearing what the rest of the album has in store for us!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Madman Shepherd on December 11, 2018, 01:33:47 PM
Any idea when we will (legally) be able to download the song?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 11, 2018, 01:37:28 PM
Any idea when we will (legally) be able to download the song?

The single is available on iTunes.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Mebert78 on December 11, 2018, 01:51:28 PM
After an initial lukewarmness I have grown to enjoy this more than any DT single in recent years. It has nice momentum going throughout with no section overstaying its welcome. I love that head-spinning fill Mangini does before the solo section and JM's playing against the staccato runs in the instrumental section. Great to-the-point solos from JP and JR. It feels like the boys have taken what they learned with The Astonishing and brought that back to a style similar to ADToE and DT12. Looking forward to hearing what the rest of the album has in store for us!

Well said!  I feel the same!  :metal
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: emtee on December 11, 2018, 02:44:30 PM
I'm enjoying it more with each listen.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: commanderbob on December 11, 2018, 02:48:22 PM
I'm totally into this song. I'm now really excited for the new album as a return to DT12 form after being completely uninterested in the Astonishing (The first DT album since 1994 I have never bought). It's good enough that even the Goofy Jordan Section was actually pretty good. Bring on the rest!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: utopiarun on December 11, 2018, 03:02:47 PM
I have listened to the single about 6-7 times. It has grown on me and I like it, although it is pretty standard DT. I agree with some that say the chorus comes too quickly after the verse.

I guess I have to learn to live with the fact that the production on DT albums is just not going to be what I like. I never hear about a Steven Wilson production that this or that version (Spotify/Youtube/itunes, etc) sounds better than the other. It always just sounds great. Especially his drum sounds. I don't know if it's MM hitting the skins with the same precision or that his snare is tuned lower than I like (I like a snare that snaps) but I am still not happy with the drum sound, especially in comparison to the MP era. DT records always just sound so "produced", not like it's a live band, but a band that is recorded with the "DT effect" on it. Just looking for cleaner sounding records.





Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Metro on December 11, 2018, 03:22:59 PM
The song is growing on me a bit. I still think the mix could be better and the vocal effects are really annoying. People are absolutely right though, the iTunes version is the superior version of this song so far.
The chorus is alright, but I don’t like the transition from verse to chorus. It feels a bit jarring and I think it could have benefited from a prechorus.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Anxiety35 on December 11, 2018, 04:17:05 PM
That is one infectious groove.

Actually, I think this is more of an infectious groove:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob3buKk6ALc

LOL! I had that cassette tape when I was in middle school (1991).
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: deggs37 on December 11, 2018, 04:28:01 PM
After an initial lukewarmness I have grown to enjoy this more than any DT single in recent years. It has nice momentum going throughout with no section overstaying its welcome. I love that head-spinning fill Mangini does before the solo section and JM's playing against the staccato runs in the instrumental section. Great to-the-point solos from JP and JR. It feels like the boys have taken what they learned with The Astonishing and brought that back to a style similar to ADToE and DT12. Looking forward to hearing what the rest of the album has in store for us!

Agreed! I woke up this morning and first thing I had to do was visit Youtube to hear the song again. I've had it stuck in my head the last couple days. I went from lukewarm to loving it! I still don't care for some of the vocal processing, but everything else is top notch and it's a fantastic song. I am very excited for this album, as well as this surprise tomorrow! Good times in DT land.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: As I Am on December 11, 2018, 08:45:29 PM
I'm hoping for another song to be released soon. I'm just very bummed with UA :tdwn
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Madman Shepherd on December 11, 2018, 10:39:22 PM
Any idea when we will (legally) be able to download the song?

The single is available on iTunes.

I didn't see it on Amazon, although I do now.  I don't get their search engine.  When I looked , a bunch of romance novels came up and I didn't see the damn mp3. 

Anyway, think I might cosplay as this guy for the next DT show.  Who's with me?!

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51AAxiuqvdL.jpg)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: jayvee3 on December 11, 2018, 11:21:06 PM
Any idea when we will (legally) be able to download the song?

The single is available on iTunes.

I didn't see it on Amazon, although I do now.  I don't get their search engine.  When I looked , a bunch of romance novels came up and I didn't see the damn mp3. 

Anyway, think I might cosplay as this guy for the next DT show.  Who's with me?!

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51AAxiuqvdL.jpg)

This could be the modern-day return of the wolfman from the Pull Me Under music vid...
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on December 12, 2018, 01:28:18 AM
Any idea when we will (legally) be able to download the song?

The single is available on iTunes.

I didn't see it on Amazon, although I do now.  I don't get their search engine.  When I looked , a bunch of romance novels came up and I didn't see the damn mp3. 

Anyway, think I might cosplay as this guy for the next DT show.  Who's with me?!

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51AAxiuqvdL.jpg)

So you mean that's not what you actually look like? :(
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: nobloodyname on December 12, 2018, 05:01:02 AM
Well, I decided to listen to Untethered Angel for the first time last night, rather than wait for the album, on the basis that life's too short; one never knows when one will be checking out.

As someone who found A Dramatic Turn of Events nothing more than okay, DT12 awfully mono-paced, and The Astonishing an exercise in soporific mediocrity, I read the comments here and thought I'd be disappointed. I wasn't. For me, it's a remarkable return to form (blatant Outcryisms of the first part of the song aside. What were they thinking?!) with some excellent soloing even if it all felt a little disjointed. But hey, it wouldn't be Dream Theater if it didn't. I wish it were two or three minutes longer, actually, so some of the ideas could have been explored a bit more.

So, yes. I'm really looking forward to the album now.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Kocak on December 12, 2018, 06:17:23 AM
Oooo, something fun coming tomorrow.  Stay tuned.

Is this why the DT Instagram account is currently private?
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: dream75 on December 12, 2018, 06:21:35 AM
Petrucci, LaBrie and Rudess discuss Untethered Angel!!!

https://youtu.be/2Co1_h0GtAw
 (https://youtu.be/2Co1_h0GtAw)
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Kocak on December 12, 2018, 06:26:30 AM
Petrucci, LaBrie and Rudess discuss Untethered Angel!!!

https://youtu.be/2Co1_h0GtAw
 (https://youtu.be/2Co1_h0GtAw)

JM wrote the main riff!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: PMA on December 12, 2018, 11:46:25 AM
I've read through the last four pages of this thread, shaking my head the entire time. I'm flabbergasted at the level of entitlement some of you have. I want this, I want that.

DT fanbase in a nutshell. I can only imagine that when you like something so much, you kinda make it your own and so when your favorite or ex-favorite artist or whatever releases something you don't like at all you feel betrayed or something to that extent. That's not the way to go, tho. It's totally fine if you don't like DT's stuff now, as it happens, but DT criticism at that point is just tiresome to read and see. I don't read the forums as much as I used to because of that, because discussion and opinions on DT are so polarizing these days that the middle ground of debate is harder to see (to my eyes). Not with everyone, tho. There are wonderful posters here who dislike DT's recent output and they write about it with great taste. I even read once in my social media something in the lines of "if you like The Astonishing, you're wrong and you're stupid" and I was all like: Oh dear  :lol

I don't mean to take the conversation in this road, tho. It's just something I had to get out of my chest and your post was a good reason to do so.



Thank you. The underwhelming response to The Astonishing was probably the single most disappointing thing in my time as a DT fan. But it also made me immensely proud of the commitment the band put into it. They made this music for us appreciators. We may be few, but we are strong and we will defend that wonderful album to the death.

I too loved TA as it demonstrated to me that Petrucci and Rudess could compose something intended for a stage play vs. their typical prog metal writing.  That shows the immense talent of this band.  Even if the story line was a bit cheesy (what stage play isn't overtly that?), I can easily see TA on Broadway someday.  Reminded me of how Queen's music was adapted to "We Will Rock You" as a stage play with a story to connect the music.  What other band besides DT could really do this?  TA had the shorter tunes with many ending in a way to set up the next.  Again, a very different way of composing.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 12, 2018, 12:35:51 PM
Petrucci, LaBrie and Rudess discuss Untethered Angel!!!

https://youtu.be/2Co1_h0GtAw
 (https://youtu.be/2Co1_h0GtAw)

JM wrote the main riff!

So I was right. I got that feeling the way He plays it and JP seems to follow him.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Madman Shepherd on December 12, 2018, 03:22:24 PM
Any idea when we will (legally) be able to download the song?

The single is available on iTunes.

I didn't see it on Amazon, although I do now.  I don't get their search engine.  When I looked , a bunch of romance novels came up and I didn't see the damn mp3. 

Anyway, think I might cosplay as this guy for the next DT show.  Who's with me?!

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51AAxiuqvdL.jpg)

So you mean that's not what you actually look like? :(

My hair's not as long  :-\
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Dave_Manchester on December 12, 2018, 03:35:19 PM
Liked the song on first listen; several dozen listens down the line I love it. It's nowhere near as 'straight-forward' as I'd first thought it was, there's a lot going on here crammed into a relatively tight space. With a lot of DT songs I find myself thinking "There's a brilliant shorter song somewhere within this", but this is one of the very rare occasions I'm left thinking "There's a bona fide masterpiece in here if only they'd expanded a few bits". The beautiful intro for example, or that superb instrumental work that's going on under the second verse (I would've liked to hear them go to town on those melodies in the instrumental section). But these aren't gripes, they're just observations and personal preferences. There's not a second of this song that makes me tune out, and when it's over I find myself wanting to hear it over again. It's an excellent song and choice of lead single (and lead-off track for an album). If they're reading this, bravo to the lads. 30-odd years down the line and they're still producing exciting and original music.

And on a side-note, I appreciate the fan interaction this time around. The in-studio clip for this song is great, and the track-by-track series they're going to be doing is also a good idea . Anyone here in touch with the band, tell them it's appreciated please.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: geeeemo on December 12, 2018, 05:10:39 PM
Liked the song on first listen; several dozen listens down the line I love it. It's nowhere near as 'straight-forward' as I'd first thought it was, there's a lot going on here crammed into a relatively tight space. With a lot of DT songs I find myself thinking "There's a brilliant shorter song somewhere within this", but this is one of the very rare occasions I'm left thinking "There's a bona fide masterpiece in here if only they'd expanded a few bits". The beautiful intro for example, or that superb instrumental work that's going on under the second verse (I would've liked to hear them go to town on those melodies in the instrumental section). But these aren't gripes, they're just observations and personal preferences. There's not a second of this song that makes me tune out, and when it's over I find myself wanting to hear it over again. It's an excellent song and choice of lead single (and lead-off track for an album). If they're reading this, bravo to the lads. 30-odd years down the line and they're still producing exciting and original music.

And on a side-note, I appreciate the fan interaction this time around. The in-studio clip for this song is great, and the track-by-track series they're going to be doing is also a good idea . Anyone here in touch with the band, tell them it's appreciated please.

I agree 100%!
This song is like a relationship that starts with a bit of an attraction.  But then moves to "I need more and hurry!"   :o
I love DT music - always keeping me interested - never bored.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: ReaPsTA on December 12, 2018, 05:14:02 PM
Petrucci, LaBrie and Rudess discuss Untethered Angel!!!

https://youtu.be/2Co1_h0GtAw
 (https://youtu.be/2Co1_h0GtAw)

If it weren't recorded so long ago, I'd think them talking about the unison/harmony section was a troll on rumborak.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: cramx3 on December 12, 2018, 05:16:50 PM
Petrucci, LaBrie and Rudess discuss Untethered Angel!!!

https://youtu.be/2Co1_h0GtAw
 (https://youtu.be/2Co1_h0GtAw)

If it weren't recorded so long ago, I'd think them talking about the unison/harmony section was a troll on rumborak.

Funny I was thinking the same, are they reading this thread?  :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: rumborak on December 13, 2018, 11:00:38 AM
Well, I'm easily trolled, what can I say :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: TheOutlawXanadu on December 13, 2018, 12:00:21 PM
On my second listen now. I think that the master / mix / overall sound is phenomenal.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: devieira73 on December 13, 2018, 03:33:30 PM
On my second listen now. I think that the master / mix / overall sound is phenomenal.
I’ve been listening the 320kbps version on good headphones and I have this same opinion. The only thing that I would make an observation is that the drums still don’t sound much “organic”. But it’s  better than on TA, it has that modern metal aproach and it sounds great, like the drum sound of Haken’s last album.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Curt on December 13, 2018, 04:27:30 PM
Have you guys seen this interview? Uploaded 5th December 2018, promoting Distance Over Time, John and James on a TV couch? in a foreign country? 4 mins in and it is pretty funny and awkward

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m25bJ297zrc
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: noxon on December 13, 2018, 04:34:57 PM
Yes, it's been linked before
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Mark Levinson Jr. on December 13, 2018, 05:59:27 PM
Have you guys seen this interview? Uploaded 5th December 2018, promoting Distance Over Time, John and James on a TV couch? in a foreign country? 4 mins in and it is pretty funny and awkward

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m25bJ297zrc

This is just crazy. The beard scene was comedy gold!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 13, 2018, 06:55:16 PM
Have you guys seen this interview? Uploaded 5th December 2018, promoting Distance Over Time, John and James on a TV couch? in a foreign country? 4 mins in and it is pretty funny and awkward

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m25bJ297zrc

This is just crazy. The beard scene was comedy gold!

This was sooo good
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: El Barto on December 13, 2018, 08:27:46 PM
Seems like I hear an old Roland vocoder in there. There's a ton of processing on the vocals, but one passage in particular seems like Mr. Roboto is singing one of the vocal layers. Not a criticism, I actually like it, but it's an odd thing to hear in DT.

Overall impression from the first single: I haven't heard the new album yet, but I've heard it before.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Mladen on December 14, 2018, 01:56:40 AM
Have you guys seen this interview? Uploaded 5th December 2018, promoting Distance Over Time, John and James on a TV couch? in a foreign country? 4 mins in and it is pretty funny and awkward

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m25bJ297zrc
This is one of the most awkward interviews I've ever seen. The comedy style is so odd that the guys honestly didn't know how to play along. What kind of a show is this? Even as far as talk shows go, this one is way too ridiculous.  :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gzarruk on December 14, 2018, 05:56:13 AM
JP lost it at “this toilet paper is for the handjobs” :eek :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Another_Won on December 14, 2018, 11:31:17 AM
Have you guys seen this interview? Uploaded 5th December 2018, promoting Distance Over Time, John and James on a TV couch? in a foreign country? 4 mins in and it is pretty funny and awkward

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m25bJ297zrc
This is one of the most awkward interviews I've ever seen. The comedy style is so odd that the guys honestly didn't know how to play along. What kind of a show is this? Even as far as talk shows go, this one is way too ridiculous.  :lol

Metropolis1928 had a great answer that helped clear it up for me in the other thread:

To everyone that is wondering what that spanish interview was that all about, I would like to provide some context about this show (although JP mentions a little bit about why they are there).

The host of the show is one of the most popular comedians in Spain of the last 5 years (if not the most popular) and last year he got his own late late night show. It is broadcasted right after another late night (which is a completely new thing in Spain, although it may be common in the US) and it is directed mainly to people around their 20s to 30s.

First of all, this was not the whole interview, since they make some cuts for Youtube (the whole show is 60 minutes long and the interview is around 10 minutes longer than the youtube clip, this is always like that for every guest). Not that they spoke much about the album but the thing is that it never happens. No matter who comes to the show, they rarely speak about what the guest is promoting, it's all about the comedy and if the guests are and you like them, you will probably check it out. They spoke a little bit about the album but this was cut (the host asked if the album was out yet and JP said that it was a big secret right now and the host joked about asking JP to send him an MP3 with the album and to make sure that it was a "good MP3").

Which brings me to the second point that is that, no, they did not fly to Spain just to do this. Apparently they are on a promo tour in Europe where they are having interviews with a lot of websites and magazines and radios and (this is something that is mentioned by the director of the show, who is also the guy that plays the keyboard) very randomly to this show too because of its popularity and the fact that the director of the show and the host are both fans of the band.

That's another thing, to anyone that would know the host, the surprise was that they managed to get them on the show, not that they would invite them. The host has another show on the radio with other two guys where they just joke about everything and have some music once in a while. This music is decided by him and they have aired (is this the right term?) even Liquid Tension Experiment. They had on this same show a couple of weeks ago the band Toundra and the host asked them if what they did was similar to DT (to which they replied "we wished"   :lol).

So, anyway, as one of the few spaniards of the forum (although I almost never post and I mostly lurk  ;D)  and also a fan of this show, I wanted to provide some context to everyone that is wrapping their heads about it.

(By the way, what was mentioned at the show is true, if you ever go to Madrid, try the tap water, it is fantastic, and as you could see, a running gag  :rollin )
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Anxiety35 on December 14, 2018, 12:21:37 PM
That was an awkward interview. Very awkward. I wonder if JP & JLB couldn't wait to get out of there.

Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on December 14, 2018, 02:42:29 PM
That was an awkward interview. Very awkward. I wonder if JP & JLB couldn't wait to get out of there.

They were probably told in advance what the host was about. I loved that interview, even though that was one of the least insightful and informative interviews I've ever seen. It beats the one I did with Ray Alder where all of a sudden we started discussing food and completely lost track of time, until he said "hey, my next interviewer is calling, so we should wrap this up!".
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Lethean on December 14, 2018, 03:01:59 PM
I thought it was very funny at and a lot of fun.  There's nothing wrong with an interview like that every once in a while.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 14, 2018, 03:43:02 PM
I listened to it. It's so bland.  :-\
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Dream Team on December 14, 2018, 05:30:59 PM
Not my kind of comedy at all. Glad I didn’t waste much time on it.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Adami on December 14, 2018, 05:32:03 PM
I listened to it. It's so bland.  :-\

Jimmy!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: gm5k on December 14, 2018, 07:08:14 PM
My favorite DT interview I've seen in quite some time.  Don't think John and James will soon forget it  :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: cramx3 on December 15, 2018, 01:26:19 PM
I thought it was very funny at and a lot of fun.  There's nothing wrong with an interview like that every once in a while.

Yea, was a nice change of pace to see the guys in such a different type of interview.  Some of the jokes weren't funny and some were, but the whole awkwardness of it made the video overall really funny to me. 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: RMGadelha on December 15, 2018, 01:35:19 PM
I absolutely loved the whole interview.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Ninjabait on December 15, 2018, 10:23:10 PM
My thoughts on the song now that I've listened to it like a dozen times:

The intro is great. I feel it really sets the atmosphere for the song well and it adds a whole lot. It's one of those intros that doesn't feel tacked on at all, it's really great.

Sometimes it feels like it's trying to do too much in a short time period, like a lot of the songs on DT12. There's a lot of really good ideas here and they flow together really well, but it doesn't really let you sit on an idea long enough before it moves on to the next one. Only really a problem for the first part up until the fast unison section. It calms down a lot for me when the solos come in and that's where the song starts getting really good imo.

2nd verse is killer. That synth piano part JR plays right before is great too. Wish that got reused.

The "Set...you...free" part of the codetta is great. Wish they reused that in the song, like in the coda at the end. I keep waiting for it and I just end up blueballed there.

Solos are top notch! The way Rudess supports the 2nd guitar solo with the descending piano chords is great. The second unison section (which I'm calling the Pachelbel section) is easily one of my top 10 DT solos. It's so nice and tuneful. I could listen to just 2 minutes of that. Also the solos feel kinda conservative by DT standards, but in a good way. The solos are one of the highlights for me.

Mixing is really good, drums sound fantastic. Overall, it reminds me a lot of Fatal Tragedy. MVP of the song is definitely Rudess. It says a lot about the quality of DT's work that this is my second least favorite of the Mangini-era singles and it's still killer. Definitely has maintained my excitement for the rest of the album in February!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Architeuthis on December 16, 2018, 01:51:49 AM
Nice summary!   :tup
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: wolfking on December 16, 2018, 03:51:06 AM
Fancy asking them how much money they have in the bank?!  WTF?!  :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: King Postwhore on December 16, 2018, 05:37:46 AM
I listened to it. It's so bland.  :-\


Yo!
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Dream Team on December 17, 2018, 12:36:36 PM
Listened again with a better sound system, liking it a little more.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: porcacultor on January 15, 2019, 10:53:08 PM
This song made me feel something interesting. It's not my favourite song by them, but one can assume they'll open concerts with it... and it feels like it's going to be such a crushing opener!

Imagining this song live felt like the missing piece to it, to me. Even the outcry-ish verse part, which I didn't go crazy for at first, makes more sense when you see it as being the part where JLB enters the stage. Sounds silly, perhaps, but it got me excited.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Dublagent66 on March 05, 2019, 02:25:53 PM
Middle section sounds like Outcry.  Vocals are muddled and drowned out.  Recycled DT by numbers.  I don’t get it.  When are these guys gonna start getting back to their roots of original progressive metal?  I’m sick and tired of this shit!!

OMFG!  What an embarrassing post.  Why didn't someone just tell me to STFU?! :lol  Having said all that nonsense prior to giving the song and the rest of the album a fair shake, my apologies to DT and DTF.  My 1st impression of the song was not good obviously.  However, over time the chorus riff and some of the vocal effects seem pretty amazing.  The song has grown on me.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: DragonAttack on March 05, 2019, 03:14:36 PM
^
ST*U  ;)

Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: KevShmev on March 05, 2019, 03:17:53 PM
My initial reaction to this song wasn't that positive either, but I like it now.  I probably like most of the songs album more, but it's still a nice opener. 
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Dublagent66 on March 05, 2019, 06:36:37 PM
^
ST*U  ;)

You’re about 3 months too late.  :lol
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on March 05, 2019, 08:54:05 PM
I think I may have exaggerated my liking of the song initially (partly because I wanted to counter the negativity), but I still really enjoy this song. Maybe it wasn't the best choice for a lead single, but it's an enjoyable song & a nice little way to open the album. :tup
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: cramx3 on March 06, 2019, 07:48:50 AM
I liked it from the get go, thought it was a solid DT single and still think so, but I think it works well as the album opener and comes off even better during a full album play through
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertielee on March 06, 2019, 08:02:43 AM
I liked it from the get go, thought it was a solid DT single and still think so, but I think it works well as the album opener and comes off even better during a full album play through

I also liked it from the get go. Good single as is.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: bosk1 on March 06, 2019, 08:05:09 AM
I wasn't crazy about it at first, but there is a lot there to like.  And listening on a good system brings out all kinds of cool little nuances that really highlight what a great song it is.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Ben_Jamin on March 06, 2019, 09:09:27 AM
I'm still enjoying it in context of the album. But I'm giving the 3 singles a rest until I wear out the other songs haha.

Also, Did anyone notice the picture in the Untethered Angel artwork. Talk about Nuggets.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Bertielee on March 06, 2019, 01:18:10 PM
I'm still enjoying it in context of the album. But I'm giving the 3 singles a rest until I wear out the other songs haha.

That's why I didn't listen to anything before release.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Iceyice on March 06, 2019, 02:18:46 PM
Not one of my favorite DT first singles, but it has its moments.
Yesterday at work i had it on and a customer said: ' Youre playing some good music there,' so there.
Title: Re: Distance over Time - New Single "Untethered Angel"
Post by: Ben_Jamin on March 06, 2019, 03:37:48 PM
I'm still enjoying it in context of the album. But I'm giving the 3 singles a rest until I wear out the other songs haha.

That's why I didn't listen to anything before release.

Which is funny at the same time, I've been mainly listening to it as an album. It's only now I'm listening to seperate songs on their own. I don't mind though.