Invisible Monster Thread ! ALL SPOILERS !

[LKap13]

Not good. Also JP's lyrics don't do it for me

[TM172003]

I actually quite like it. It definitely didn’t take as much time to digest as The Alien for obvious reasons but I don’t see why it’s getting the hate it is. I think I listened to The Alien a bit too much when it first released so it’s hard to judge objectively but I think I do prefer The Alien. That said, it’s a cool song and I actually really liked the melodies, including the vocals.

[LKap13]

I honestly think if the lyrics were in a different language, such that they weren't hitting you squarely over the head, the song would be better

[CDrice]

I listened to it twice and I quite enjoy it. I like the somber vibe with the few small touches of more upbeat elements thrown here and there (like in the second verse).

About the melodies, I think the main melodic theme is quite nice and the vocals sound solid to me. I'll say though that I feel like the chorus starts strong (after one listen I found myself humming the "invisible mooooonsteeeeer" part) but the second half of the chorus melody feels like it's just there.

But overall, I quite enjoyed and I don't feel like the band feels bored or anything. So I'll consider myself lucky with that.

[majo]

If this album ends up sounding a little uninspired then my guess about JP spreading himself too thin across 4 albums over 2 years may ring true.


Disappointing if it's not the "career highlight" level album that i've seen it touted as.

Exactly! Best ideas went to Terminal Velocity imho...

[KevShmev]

Remember that interview that got posted last week where the band looked bored in it and like they wanted to be somewhere else? That is how they sound in this song. They sound bored. Hoping it gets better with subsequent listens, but I have rarely heard DT sound this bored in a song before. Feels like the cousin of A Rite of Passage, another boring tune.

[Zook]

After only one listen on some crappy ear buds, I like The Alien more. It's lacking in the melody department.

[Architeuthis]

I actually quite like it. It definitely didn’t take as much time to digest as The Alien for obvious reasons but I don’t see why it’s getting the hate it is.

I'm with you on this. I said earlier in this thread that the negative reviews are staggering. This is a very impressive song and feels inspired to me,  and quite excellent to be honest!   

[LKap13]

Remember that interview that got posted last week where the band looked bored in it and like they wanted to be somewhere else? That is how they sound in this song. They sound bored. Hoping it gets better with subsequent listens, but I have rarely heard DT sound this bored in a song before. Feels like the cousin of A Rite of Passage, another boring tune.

Agree, had the same thought about arop. Nevertheless, I am SURE the rest of the album will be interesting and good

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

One thing to clarify is that there's a difference between the song being boring and the band sounding bored. I can totally see the song being boring as it feels like a staircase to nowhere, but I don't think DT sounds bored necessarily. The band sounds tight, MM sounds great, JP's solo sounds great and his alternate picking technique hasn't budged an inch. I totally get why people feel the band sounds like they're tired after releasing that low energy interview, but I think they sound totally fine...it's just that this song is a little meandering. It's a very odd choice for a single.

[hunnus2000]

I actually quite like it. It definitely didn’t take as much time to digest as The Alien for obvious reasons but I don’t see why it’s getting the hate it is.

I'm with you on this. I said earlier in this thread that the negative reviews are staggering. This is a very impressive song and feels inspired to me,  and quite excellent to be honest!   

I'm with you guys. I think it's a straight ahead rocker which the last time I looked, it's still OK to write these kinds of songs. I liked it!

[lonestar]

Barely made it through this one. Doubt it'll get another spin from me.

[bosk1]

I really like the song.  It kind of reminds me of being the album's Forsaken in that it is catchy, fun, and despite having a lot of things going on musically, sounds a lot more simple and straightforward than it is.  Yet another really solid addition to the DT catalog.  I can definitely see--and hear--why the band is excited about this album. 

[erciccio]

Here are the 2 main rules to fully appreciate a new Dream Theater album:

 1) don't listen to the singles before the full album comes out

 2) don't bother about the reviews on the singles on the Internet, on DT forum in primis

I am fully compliant to the rule #1

I still like to read some reviews (which is a partial violation of rule #2) but I am prepared to the fact that 90% of the first reviews will be negative; it has little to do with the "quality of the song" itself, it's more a statistical bias linked to the people that tend to write comments on the web...

[Renzo]

I actually quite like it. It definitely didn’t take as much time to digest as The Alien for obvious reasons but I don’t see why it’s getting the hate it is. I think I listened to The Alien a bit too much when it first released so it’s hard to judge objectively but I think I do prefer The Alien. That said, it’s a cool song and I actually really liked the melodies, including the vocals.

This. Like, when was ever a DT single the most impressive song on the album? I think it's quite obvious to release the first real music video (and by first and real I mean one showing all of DT memebers playing/actual actors, and not just computer generated imagery) with a more straightforward, radio-friendly song.
I found it having a very strong and cohesive song structure which doesn't seem to "lose itself" derailing into long instumental passages that sound too different from the main motives and themes, musically speaking, of the whole song. No controversial opinions here, I LOVE when DT derails from the main song into instrumental madness, I'm speaking from the perspective of a random listener who is accustomed to the 'standard definition of music singles in 2021'.

This said, I found LaBrie's vocal performance very enjoyable and strong, he sounds confortable and full. I kind of wanted to hear more from Jordan but I'm hopeful he's gonna amaze me as usual, as I think these two singles (I still prefer the Alien, BTW) are nothing more than a taste of what the album could be giving us.

Judging by these two singles, I found LaBrie and Mangini a cut above the rest of the band which still remain great.
I find no reason to be doubtful or disappointed by now.

[Adami]

I have a question that I might have asked before.

I'm seeing a decent amount of reactions to negative, or at least not-positive reviews of stuff here. Such as asking the person to go into detail about what EXACTLY they didn't like about the song, or to dismiss the opinion entirely because "people on the internet" and so forth.

Does this apply to positive reviews too? Does the person that says "This song is awesome!" have to then go into exactly what they loved about it? Do their biases get called into question? It seems that if you're not on the same page as people (such as myself) who didn't like the song (or other things), then there's a tendency to dismiss that person's opinion as not legitimate. I'm not sure that's fair.

[LKap13]

One thing that can be said for sure is that the reviews for this song are more mixed than for previous songs. I'd venture to say this song has gotten more negative reviews than any single released from TA, Dot. Not sure how far back it goes. Take that for what it may be

[Art]

The song is ok, my favorite parts are the intro and quieter mid-section. As with the first song, I love how the bass is sounding.

[DT89]

For anyone who doesn't follow my transcription thread:

Dream Theater | Invisible Monster | Guitar Tab

[bosk1]

I have a question that I might have asked before.

I'm seeing a decent amount of reactions to negative, or at least not-positive reviews of stuff here. Such as asking the person to go into detail about what EXACTLY they didn't like about the song, or to dismiss the opinion entirely because "people on the internet" and so forth.

Does this apply to positive reviews too? Does the person that says "This song is awesome!" have to then go into exactly what they loved about it? Do their biases get called into question? It seems that if you're not on the same page as people (such as myself) who didn't like the song (or other things), then there's a tendency to dismiss that person's opinion as not legitimate. I'm not sure that's fair.

Depends on the basis for negative opinion.  When the criteria are dumb or meaningless (e.g., "the band sounds bored"), yeah, I think asking for an explanation as to what that even means is warranted.  Dismissing or ignoring the trolls is also fine.  And that is clearly different from someone saying they just don't like the song, which is a perfectly fine and valid opinion to have as well. 

[TAC]

I have a question that I might have asked before.

I'm seeing a decent amount of reactions to negative, or at least not-positive reviews of stuff here. Such as asking the person to go into detail about what EXACTLY they didn't like about the song, or to dismiss the opinion entirely because "people on the internet" and so forth.

Does this apply to positive reviews too? Does the person that says "This song is awesome!" have to then go into exactly what they loved about it? Do their biases get called into question? It seems that if you're not on the same page as people (such as myself) who didn't like the song (or other things), then there's a tendency to dismiss that person's opinion as not legitimate. I'm not sure that's fair.

Depends on the basis for negative opinion.  When the criteria are dumb or meaningless (e.g., "the band sounds bored"), yeah, I think asking for an explanation as to what that even means is warranted.  Dismissing or ignoring the trolls is also fine.  And that is clearly different from someone saying they just don't like the song, which is a perfectly fine and valid opinion to have as well.

I like to have conversations about music. This song blows or this song is great are both valid opinions. But it doesn't make for very good conversation.

[Adami]

I don't disagree, and I also think it's changing a bit of what I was saying.

People who simply said they didn't like the song are being asked (and have historically been asked) to defend that and explain it, while people who say they do like the song are never asked the same thing.

Trolls are trolls, but not every negative opinion is a troll. Any negative opinion HAS been questioned regarding bias, but very few positive opinions have been called out as being biased.

I feel like Stadler here, I'm just looking for consistency. You know?

[TAC]

I don't disagree, and I also think it's changing a bit of what I was saying.

People who simply said they didn't like the song are being asked (and have historically been asked) to defend that and explain it, while people who say they do like the song are never asked the same thing.

Trolls are trolls, but not every negative opinion is a troll. Any negative opinion HAS been questioned regarding bias, but very few positive opinions have been called out as being biased.

I feel like Stadler here, I'm just looking for consistency. You know?

I understand your point. I got it. You're not wrong.

I timestamped a spot in the solo that I liked. An no one even asked me.

[LKap13]

Just to add, it's ridiculously hard to stay fresh and original through decades of making art. Any bit of novelty by dt deserves highest praise. There's not much of that with this track, but again how many new ideas can one band have? I actually think the Alien is fresh and original which is why I'm stoked for the new record, to see where their genius took them this time. Not every song can be super good

[pcs90]

This one doesn't really do it for me, but The Alien was excellent. Normally the singles will be more straight-ahead like this, so I am not worried at all given what the first single was! There's always at least one simple radio-friendly tune on each album, it's ok!

[Lax]

You fans really crack me up.
What's so boring, disappointing, about the song that did not meet your expectations?
"Yes, Mr. Sherman, everything stinks."
Here's one question....Why do you find it to be lame and a disappointment? What makes something "lame" and "disappointing"?

From my personnal point of view (not from the top of the world) :
-As a musician I want to be shaken and surprised
-As a DT fan for now around 22 years, there are some musical choices that can be disappointing, like feeling like they didn't gamble or take enough risk, to get out of the already used things.

It's SUPER hard to explain, but in my position, a catchy song of 6 minutes with a super basic intro/verse/chorus/verse/chorus/solo/chorus/outro structure etc...Is disappointing.
And that doesn't mean that they aren't geniuses and that riffs/melodies and solos aren't creamy and good !

I prefer a 12 minutes song that sounds like 3-4 songs merged, with no obvious chorus.
I mean if all the songs were structured like metropolis pt1/a change of season/dance of eternity etc...I'd just climax

[Adami]

I don't disagree, and I also think it's changing a bit of what I was saying.

People who simply said they didn't like the song are being asked (and have historically been asked) to defend that and explain it, while people who say they do like the song are never asked the same thing.

Trolls are trolls, but not every negative opinion is a troll. Any negative opinion HAS been questioned regarding bias, but very few positive opinions have been called out as being biased.

I feel like Stadler here, I'm just looking for consistency. You know?

I understand your point. I got it. You're not wrong.

I timestamped a spot in the solo that I liked. An no one even asked me.

Oh sorry, my post was directed at Bosk. I think you snuck in right before I hit send.

-emoticon of dude shaking fist that I don't know the code for-

[Dedalus]

You guys almost sound apologetic!    People either like things or they don't.  Personally, I've had too many bad experiences with pre-releases that I haven't even listened to either song yet (and won't). That's not a reflection of the band or the music, just that I want to experience the album in a way that I can make a fair comparison to other DT records and other contemporary releases.  That is to say, I want to hear it on CD, in my car.  Personally, I think some of the proclamations being made here are premature based on less than 24 horus listening to something on your computer, but that's me.   

But at the end of the day, people are going to like or not, and questions like "what do you expect?" don't change that.  What do I "expect"?I don't know that I "expect" anything, other than five guys doing something to the best of their abilities given the circumstances of 2021, but regardless; whether they meet MY expectations or not is up to ME.

Just adding the bold part makes you more wise than half the internet. 

[Glasser]

I just listened to it again hoping for some improvement.  Nope, this is lame, what a fucking disappointment.

I’m sorry to hear that. But you can’t force yourself to like it. Hearing the album from start to finish is a different experience as this is how I heard it. You may feel the same, you may not. It’s like judging a movie based on 2 scenes, where if you watch it start to finish it makes more sense and you enjoy it. This is how I feel about this album.

[Zook]

Am I wrong or is that a picture of Corey Taylor on the wall?

[Ben_Jamin]

You fans really crack me up.
What's so boring, disappointing, about the song that did not meet your expectations?
"Yes, Mr. Sherman, everything stinks."
Here's one question....Why do you find it to be lame and a disappointment? What makes something "lame" and "disappointing"?

From my personnal point of view (not from the top of the world) :
-As a musician I want to be shaken and surprised
-As a DT fan for now around 22 years, there are some musical choices that can be disappointing, like feeling like they didn't gamble or take enough risk, to get out of the already used things.

It's SUPER hard to explain, but in my position, a catchy song of 6 minutes with a super basic intro/verse/chorus/verse/chorus/solo/chorus/outro structure etc...Is disappointing.
And that doesn't mean that they aren't geniuses and that riffs/melodies and solos aren't creamy and good !

I prefer a 12 minutes song that sounds like 3-4 songs merged, with no obvious chorus.
I mean if all the songs were structured like metropolis pt1/a change of season/dance of eternity etc...I'd just climax

Now that's a detailed explanation.

I feel like DT have found their comfort zone after basically reinventing songs. It's quite nice hearing them grab influences from their past and incorporating them into something different, it's like modifying a recipe or more updating the furniture with new furniture, it's still a couch but newer.

So I myself am not expecting DT to make a song that is new, or shakes me or surprises me. As a musician I tend not to analyze the music theory as I do not know enough about it to analyze it. But also, if I did understand musical theory more, I would incorporate that knowledge to explain why they decided to use that progression, chord choice, whatever, as a means to portray an emotion that vibes with the lyrics.

To me, I analyze songs differently than how most analyze songs.

I have many reasons for enjoying songs. And what I enjoy about this song is how much is actually going on and it's so smooth that it sounds like they're playing it safe.


I agree with Bosk though about Forsaken, I do not really enjoy it but I do understand the reasons for it's structure and it works well, especially when I compare it to Static-X Cold and how that song was used on a soundtrack for a movie about Vampires.

This one has that Paralyzed feel mixed with Forsakens simplicity.

[LKap13]

Am I wrong or is that a picture of Corey Taylor on the wall?

Yes, yes it is.

[chwik]

I think it is a good song - although it follows a regular/format, its catchy and has a nice atmosphere, and the production is stellar. I do think that the song will make much more sense in the context of the album, rather than a stand alone track. E.g if DT released say Spirit Carries On on Scenes, that wouldn’t tell much of the album as well, and probably result in some negative reactions as a single, yet in terms of that albums pacing it fits perfectly. Sometimes I wish bands would not release anything before an album so that the element of cohersion would remain, but that is just romantic nostalgia I guess

[Zook]

Am I wrong or is that a picture of Corey Taylor on the wall?

Yes, yes it is.

That's so random, but also a missed opportunity. Corey could have provided legit backing vocals representing the monster, and he wouldn't have sounded like an angry New Yorker trying to intimidate a baby.

[LKap13]

The fact that glaser is saying the album should be appreciated as a whole is good news imo. When I first heard dot I thought "this is a special album", but now no longer. It's so hard to predict how music will age. At the moment, I'm feeling as though Alien is better than any song on Dot, but again that might be novelty