AVFTTOTW First Single - The Alien 👽- Friday the 13th! (Pre-Orders as well!)

[jammindude]

I would love to get the box set but concert tickets take priority.   I haven't even got those yet since Washington State seems to be heading back towards a lockdown.  😷🙄

I hear you. I think I'm skipping this one too. First time I've ever skipped a DT show in the Northwest.

[The Letter M]

Just ordered my mega huge ultimate boxed set. I've done this for every album except TA since they've offered it. (That is, since BCSL)

I actuality wish I'd have gotten the TA mega set...can't remember why I didn't. Think I was just going through a work shortage and things were tight. But it sounds like that was a nightmare anyway. From what I heard, the shipping was delayed for months, and then there were lots of reports of them being broken on arrival.

I, too, have gotten every big box set from DT since BC&SL, including the TA set, which did come with a bit of damage on the vinyl sleeves, IIRC. I wasn't too bummed out at the time, and given my feelings towards the album these days, I'm even less bothered by the less-than-mint-condition of those vinyls (and I don't even listen to vinyl anyway).

I would like this new box set, but I've been so strapped for cash over the last year and a half that it might be impossible for me to get before it's released. I may settle for the artbook, unless I manage to save up a ton of money before the album comes out and can order the box set. Gotta keep up the streak of owning these big deluxe sets from DT!

-Marc.

[Architeuthis]

I would love to get the box set but concert tickets take priority.   I haven't even got those yet since Washington State seems to be heading back towards a lockdown.  😷🙄

I hear you. I think I'm skipping this one too. First time I've ever skipped a DT show in the Northwest.

I will definitely go to the show if it doesn't get cancelled or postponed. I usually get tickets at the box office on the day of the show,  to avoid all the convenience charge hoopla that ticketmaster imposes.
I saw a segment on K5 news that all theaters such as The Paramount, Moore etc, have a mandatory mask requirement for all events even if fully vaccinated.
DT hasn't been to the PNW since The Astonishing tour,  I don't want to miss this show..  Wearing a mask through a whole concert doesn't sound very pleasant though.  Imagine everyone yelling woo-hoo through their masks after each song.. Awkward!   

[Progmetty]

I saw a segment on K5 news that all theaters such as The Paramount, Moore etc, have a mandatory mask requirement for all events even if fully vaccinated.
DT hasn't been to the PNW since The Astonishing tour,  I don't want to miss this show..  Wearing a mask through a whole concert doesn't sound very pleasant though.  Imagine everyone yelling woo-hoo through their masks after each song.. Awkward!   

I feel like that's not realistically enforceable. Yeah they can check the masks on the way in but then what? Remember when there was a rule against shooting videos with cell phones? I think the mask thing will play out the same way.

[TAC]

Yeah, it wouldn't be a deterrent to attending.

[Lonk]

I saw a segment on K5 news that all theaters such as The Paramount, Moore etc, have a mandatory mask requirement for all events even if fully vaccinated.
DT hasn't been to the PNW since The Astonishing tour,  I don't want to miss this show..  Wearing a mask through a whole concert doesn't sound very pleasant though.  Imagine everyone yelling woo-hoo through their masks after each song.. Awkward!   

I feel like that's not realistically enforceable. Yeah they can check the masks on the way in but then what? Remember when there was a rule against shooting videos with cell phones? I think the mask thing will play out the same way.

I think it depends on the venue but they can surely reinforce the mask mandate if they really wanted to.

I would add that I went to my one and only concert of the year (so far) in June. Foo Fighters at a packed MSG (20,000+ people). I wore my mask for the entire show except for the few seconds I pulled it down to drink water. It was horrible, but certainly doable.

[Architeuthis]

Has anybody noticed in the video around 1:38 that JLB is the one in the space suit? It sure looks like it to me. 

[gzarruk]

This is the kit configuration Mike used to record the new album (same configuration, not the same kit, as he used the Distant Memories geen kit on the studio):



From: https://www.facebook.com/MikeMangini/posts/381584529997687

Some of his replies are very interesting too. He says he's planning to film a playthrough video for The Alien and also that his tou setup will be similar to this one, but not the same, as he needs some extra stuff to perform songs from previous albums.

[TM172003]

he needs some extra stuff to perform songs from previous albums.

I'm guessing the other 2 hamster tubes would be a good place to start.

[evilasiojr]

This is the kit configuration Mike used to record the new album (same configuration, not the same kit, as he used the Distant Memories geen kit on the studio):



From: https://www.facebook.com/MikeMangini/posts/381584529997687

Some of his replies are very interesting too. He says he's planning to film a playthrough video for The Alien and also that his tou setup will be similar to this one, but not the same, as he needs some extra stuff to perform songs from previous albums.

I'm curious to know if that's the kit he used on the entire album, even asked on the post. But I have the impression it isn't. It is very similar to the kit he said was used in the The Holiday Medley I think.

[Anxiety35]

Guess he got tired of all the cymbals being up high.

[gzarruk]

This is the kit configuration Mike used to record the new album (same configuration, not the same kit, as he used the Distant Memories geen kit on the studio):



From: https://www.facebook.com/MikeMangini/posts/381584529997687

Some of his replies are very interesting too. He says he's planning to film a playthrough video for The Alien and also that his tou setup will be similar to this one, but not the same, as he needs some extra stuff to perform songs from previous albums.

I'm curious to know if that's the kit he used on the entire album, even asked on the post. But I have the impression it isn't. It is very similar to the kit he said was used in the The Holiday Medley I think.

I think he did use it for the whole thing, but we'll probably find out with the documentary.

Guess he got tired of all the cymbals being up high.

One of his latest posts about his Zoom classes teaching The Alien said he placed the cymbals in the 2nd floor

[DoctorAction]

I watched the video tonight. Nice. But what really struck me was how great this song is. Trying to stay away from listening but it gets better every time i hear it.

[Trav]

I don't mind if he goes to a bigger kit, but he'll definitely need a lot more to perform most of the DT catalog.

[Dream Team]

After a few listens, I think this is kind of an extension of the Panic Attack/The Enemy Inside/Moment of Betrayal type of single but accelerated to 11 with a more interesting arrangement. I like it a lot and am getting used to the vocals.

[bosk1]

I've listened to this far more than intended, as there are a lot of early reaction videos going up, and I kind of got lost in a loop of those while working the last few days.  This is a REALLY good song.  I am latching onto it a lot quicker than most of their debut singles.

[geeeemo]

I've listened to this far more than intended, as there are a lot of early reaction videos going up, and I kind of got lost in a loop of those while working the last few days.  This is a REALLY good song.  I am latching onto it a lot quicker than most of their debut singles.

I have been doing the same. Reaction videos seem like they should be silly, but it is really fun to watch others express joy and excitement when listening to DT. Every single one has loved The Alien.

It was definitely one that I had to get used to, but I am enjoying it more than UA for sure. It is one of those that I can contemplate a lot and the video adds to it. I love having a story video.

I also get excited when it comes on the radio! I probably get DT a few times per year and have heard this song twice already. It sounds worse, and of course I can listen anytime, but there is something about seeing Dream Theater up on the radio screen. 

I have listened maybe a dozen time and can hear the melody on repeat in my mind. I have thought how the sound of the lyrics represent the alien. He (James) is the alien. The alien has either a space suit on or is altered or the terraform alters how one sounds. I do hope he sounds more earthly on the other songs though.

[jayvee3]

I've listened to this far more than intended, as there are a lot of early reaction videos going up, and I kind of got lost in a loop of those while working the last few days.  This is a REALLY good song.  I am latching onto it a lot quicker than most of their debut singles .

Couldn't agree more (see, Bosk always knows best ).

What I will add, is that in trying not to overdo the listening, when I do hear it, it gives me a genuine sense of joy and excitement and want to play it all the way through. Amongst numerous others, one off the top of my head that is the same is Overture 1928/Strange déjà vu, which even though I've heard countless times and seen live on just about every live DVD, I rarely ever skip if it comes up. Some of the previous singles I felt I overplayed because I wanted to like them more than I ultimately did. The Alien is one I just genuinely love hearing...

[Ben_Jamin]

In a good way, I am tired of only being able to listen to this song and want to hear another.

This is such a great song that has a great pace of energy and goes along great. It reminds me of the pace of At Wit's End in regards to the transitions.

[DoctorAction]

Bit of a ramble here: DT often have that thing where you think "there's more going on here than I'll ever understand" (in a good way) and when that clicks in with infectious melodies and really effective song structures some kind of ... ascendence takes place and it's all like  . This track has that.

I've been on the DT train for over 20 years and my inner workings have become immune (for want of a better word) to a lot of new music. It makes me super happy that DT can still do this to me.

[nikatapi]

Bit of a ramble here: DT often have that thing where you think "there's more going on here than I'll ever understand" (in a good way) and when that clicks in with infectious melodies and really effective song structures some kind of ... ascendence takes place and it's all like  . This track has that.

I've been on the DT train for over 20 years and my inner workings have become immune (for want of a better word) to a lot of new music. It makes me super happy that DT can still do this to me.

That's true, i still appreciate that with DT music. For the new single, especially in terms of rhythm and drum parts, it took a while to "unlock", but once it does, i loved it.

[GasparXR]

Just listened to it for the third time earlier and it finally clicked with me. The song has a ton going on, so the first couple times my brain was kinda "wtf is going on but this is cool". Now that I've digested it a tad more, the way this song flows and goes by so many things so quickly, is actually quite remarkable. The vocal melodies are a lot better than I originally thought, probably just because they're pretty unconventional, especially for a single. I really need to commend DT for having the balls to release a single like this. It feels like they were sharing it for their hardcore, or at least, less-than-surface-casual fans, rather than choosing a song more on the accessible side.

I'm gonna continue not over-listening it, and just patiently wait for the next one or two singles, listen to those 2 or 3 times, then wait for the album. I am very very excited to hear it though!

[bobzor]

Listened to Alien two times, and I must say I'm positively surprised. I mean, this band always does something for me on each album, but I think this was the best song since something they had on the self-titled. Stoked for the album.

[fivestring]

I pre-ordered the album - it's the first DT I'll have on vinyl. (in the sky-blue variant)
I ordered tickets to the show. (Nov. in Minneapolis) I hope that the state of things doesn't get so bad that the tour is cancelled. I haven't seen Dream Theater in some time, so I'm excited to see and hear them live!

[Dream Team]

I love how you can always hear how much effort DT puts into their craft/vocation. You can feel the passion and love for music. 

[Öxölklöfför]

Noted that the 5-5-7 pattern in this song also is used in Steve Vai's "Little green men" (and probably a ton of other songs). Fun!

[Dream Team]

Kinda sad that on the Maiden board there are dozens of pages of folks discussing the singles but here we've got 8 pages, despite the fact that The Alien has 10 times as much stuff going on as those 2 Maiden songs. Unfortunately DT is one of those bands that should have been much huger than they actually are. 

[Peter Mc]

In fairness there's another thread for The Alien with another 9 pages of discussion.  I think 17 pages is not bad going.  There's probably some discussion in the album thread too.

As for DT should be bigger than what they are.  They actually reached a level of popularity more than I ever expected them to with their inherently uncommercial music.  Their following has probably come back down a little from the heights of SC and BC&SL (ironically two of their less popular albums amongst hardcore fans) but they still play decent sized venues and have a following that would be the envy of most prog bands.  I feel they achieved their potential and then some.

[TAC]

As for DT should be bigger than what they are.  They actually reached a level of popularity more than I ever expected them to with their inherently uncommercial music.  Their following has probably come back down a little from the heights of SC and BC&SL (ironically two of their less popular albums amongst hardcore fans) but they still play decent sized venues and have a following that would be the envy of most prog bands.  I feel they achieved their potential and then some.

Oh definitely. They are really the standard bearers of this type of music. Read any review of any Progressive Metal/Hard Rock album and the reviewers always say things like "for fans of Dream Theater..."

[Architeuthis]

It's funny on FB I have over 300 friends.  Whenever I share something DT related, I hardly ever get any likes.   If I were to share a picture of a half eaten meal at a restaurant ,  I'll get at least 50 likes..   people suck! 

[TAC]

It's funny on FB I have over 300 friends.  Whenever I share something DT related, I hardly ever get any likes.   If I were to share a picture of a half eaten meal at a restaurant ,  I'll get at least 50 likes..   people suck! 

What if you posted that it was John Petrucci's half eaten meal?

[H2]

I listened to it once and....I'll be honest, I didn't like it. It felt like a continuation of the musical feel of Distance Over Time, and I really didn't like that album either. Then again, I guess I'm one of those weird DT fans who doesn't like anything in the post-Portnoy era except for the Astonishing and some odd tracks here and there.

[Cool Chris]

Initial thoughts?

* Why does it sound like they locked James in the closet while the other guys were in the recording studio?

* Every time I hear a nice guitar break by JP, I think "Please don't follow it up with a JR keyboard spot please don't follow it up with a JR keyboard spot please don't fol... dammit."

* Musically this is at least as good if not better than anything on DoT outside of At Wit's End. This could be a great song if they vocal melodies were even above average, which the guys can't seem to manage often enough these days.

[jayvee3]

Kinda sad that on the Maiden board there are dozens of pages of folks discussing the singles but here we've got 8 pages, despite the fact that The Alien has 10 times as much stuff going on as those 2 Maiden songs. Unfortunately DT is one of those bands that should have been much huger than they actually are. 

In the sage-like words of Van Wilder: "I learned a long time ago that worrying is like a rocking chair - it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere... Write that down..." 

[Pettor]

Initial thoughts?

* Every time I hear a nice guitar break by JP, I think "Please don't follow it up with a JR keyboard spot please don't follow it up with a JR keyboard spot please don't fol... dammit."

Yeah I am quite the same. I find the keyboard doing guitar solos to be quite inferior to ehrmmm a guitar. Best example is Illumination Theory I think where the guitar just blows the keyboard solo out of the water when it comes in. No matter how good Jordan plays those pitch bends and notes it can't beat JP on the guitar. So I don't fullt grasp why it adds much to always do this. Personally what I would have wanted is Jordan following the guitar solo with some interesting patch that could set some variation and add something new. Jordan is amazing at this and his Patreon, Instagram or whatever is filled with cool sounds etc.

At the same time the guitar vs keyboard solos can be done in a smart way where it feels more integrated to the song. Fatal Tragedy has all the classic DT tropes but it's done in a way where it flows so great together. I don't think about it as a forced puzzle piece in FT while in Alien the Jordan solo feels forced because it just has to be there because DT. After doing this exact solo exchange 1000 quadrillion time wouldn't it be fun for them to change it up a bit?

I really like The Alien and understand this is the energetic crazy piece. But for the album I really really wish there are cool Jordan moments. Like SFAM or SDOIT moments with beautiful inspiring sounds. D/T is great but Jordan mostly plays a restrictive palette (which fits the album great) that I would hope this album maybe let go of a bit. Do something crazy! Experiment! BTBAM Colors 2 really reminded me of how fun that is.