Review by Mike published

Dream Theater

Octavarium 2005

9 Symphonic Modern Progressive Metal details

Is this a masterpiece? To many it is. To me it misses that mark, but only because the bar was set a notch higher by some of the earlier DT releases.

The track Octavarium is a masterpiece, the other tracks are a little bit hit or miss. Overall a really enjoyable listen. Oh, and the geometrical mistake in the cover art is (a) hilarious (source of debate).

Tracks

8	1. The Root of All Evil 8:25
7	2. The Answer Lies Within 5:33
8	3. These Walls 7:36
6	4. I Walk Beside You 4:29 Can't get past the cheesiness, and I never liked U2. This track just isn't for me.
9	5. Panic Attack 8:13 Well done! The obvious references to Muse work well here. I love how the music really channels the feeling of anxiety and panic.
8	6. Never Enough 6:46
9	7. Sacrificed Sons 10:43
10	8. Octavarium 24:00 Wonderfully crafted, it all flows from style to style, completing a circle, referencing so many great bands that have been influential on modern progressive bands in general and DT in particular.