What I would
really like to hear on the next
Dream Theater album would be a higher number of
Deep Purple-y riffs. Earlier in the band's career, I felt there was a strong, evident
Deep Purple influence in their music. DP's sound could be heard in a number of riffs scattered throughout DT'S songs. The main riff of
"Ytse Jam", for example, has a really pronounce DP vibe. Many of the riffs, and much of the soloing in
"A Change of Seasons" were reminiscent of DP. Even parts of, say,
"Scarred" (2:10-2:26) sounded like a really dark version of DP. But where it's heard most prominently is easily on the second half of
"Beyond This Life"; the four consecutive riffs from 6:27-10:06 just sound like they were written by a more modern incarnation of DP - particularly the riffs at
7:10 and
9:25, which just
scream Deep Purple at me.
Unfortunately, despite being the climax of that particular sound,
"Beyond This Life" was the last hurrah for that side of the band's music. That style of riffing has since disappeared from DT's music somewhat, only
occasionally re-appearing one some tracks here-and-there, whereas, before, it was everywhere.
What I liked about that particular brand of riff was that it blended fun, cheek and sophistication so effectively. And what was so special about DT's take on that sort of riffing was that they were also able to put a dark, eerie twist on it as well (when they wanted to), or were able to enhance it with some technicality. The use of that riff style was a really valuable aspect of DT's music, and it added a lot of flavour to their songs whenever it was present.
Now, I'm not devastated that the Deep Purple influence has subsided, because the band have compensated by improving their sound in
other areas. The focus has merely shifted in terms of DT's songwriting. But, what I'd like to see in DT's next album is a return to that style. I'd like them to re-incorporate that method of riff-writing, and once again work that sound into their music, because it was exciting, bombastic and memorable.
The albums from
'Six Degrees...' to
'Black Clouds & Silver Linings' were stellar albums, and we superb blends of modern rock, metal, and progressive music, and
'A Dramatic Turn of Events' was the band's melodic high-point, and a terrific album all-round. But I miss the DP brand of classic rock that once filled DT's sound. And it's not as though the band is incapable of making a return to that sound. 2:02 of
"Stream of Consciousness", 4:03 of
"Constant Motion", 9:00 of
"A Nightmare to Remember", and, most recently, 3:39 of
"Breaking All Illusions" - these are all examples of how Dream Theater are still able to pen riffs like these, so it won't be a stretch for them to return to that sound. It won't be overly challenging, and it won't be forced either; it's just a matter of putting a Deep Purple disc back in inspiration corner.
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