REVIEW: Dream Theater, Metropolis Pt2 Scenes from a Memory
(Elektra)
- Paul Hanson
Progressive metal pioneers Dream Theater have come a long way since their debut album When Day and Dream Unite. That album, featuring such current staples as "The Ytze Jam" and "Light Fuse and Run Away," introduced the metal world to a new world with exciting time signature changes and aggressive musical ideas from drummer Mike Portnoy, bassist John Myung, and guitarist John Petrucci. Vocalist James Labrie's pipes, who just completed a solo disc under the name Mulmuzzler, sound better than ever. Keyboardist Jordan Rudess also contributes some nice counter melodies.
What will attract fans of the band to this disc, though, are the pure musical muscle flexing exhibition. "Beyond this Life" is an excellent example of this. Over a subtle bass groove from Myung, Portnoy throws some very quick double bass licks and 'tricks' with various cymbal bells and percussive sounds. Guitarist Petrucci returns to the song with some elegant melodies. The song changes moods several times and, if not careful, it can give you a 'jerking' sensation. First it's a thrash song, then it's not, then it is, then it isn't.
Ultimately, though, it's Dream Theater. "Overture 1928" is a nearly 9 minute track with a more than 3 minute instrumental introduction. In classic DT style, this part of the song features lots of melodies, countermelodies and reminders of why the band is highly-regarded in progressive circles. Petrucci is in fine form and Myung provides a strong counter-melody that enhances his part. There are also breaks in Petrucci's part where he 'rests' for a few measures before rejoining the song. The synchronized run at the 2:53 mark recalls the musical dominance in "The Yztze Jam."
Lyrically, this is a concept album, complete with characters and an interesting storyline. Compared to 'classic' concept albums like Rush's 2112 and Queensryche's Operation: Mindcrime, this story holds up. In all, I get the feeling from the band that this is a disc that was conceived as being 100% for the fans of the band. There are no singles here, nothing radio can sugar coat. The one track that is close to a radio station's time allotment, is 5:29 in length, but it doesn't have a hook that you can hum. Therefore, if you are looking for a band in their prime, get a hold of this. Musically and lyrically, Dream Theater is on the mark.
