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Dream Theater believes in giving their fans what they
want and one of the focuses of their drummer Mike Portnoy
is to give back what they have received. That philosophy
is felt in equal measures with the rest of the band. What
DT fans enjoy most are the epic tracks that offer everything
the band has at its disposal. Featuring a literal all star
cast at every position, this band knows how to please each
other creatively during the recording process and in turn
the listeners reap all the benefits when they release a
new album.***
John Myung (bass), John Petrucci (guitar), Jordan Rudess
(keyboards), James LaBrie (vocals) and Mike Portnoy (drums)
are conceivably the most unified and talented band currently
recording and each member is a key ingredient in the Dream
Theater machine. Although I put a lot of focus this time
out on Mike, he truly deserves it. He is a thought leader
musically, creatively and handles their business smartly.
He is the heart and soul of this band and that cannot be
denied.***
Black Clouds & Silver Linings (Special Edition) was
released in early June this year to coincide with Portnoy's
brilliantly managed Progressive Nation Tour. Again this
was designed to give it back to the universe by offering
new bands to the genre some needed ears in a live setting.
In a genre so specific with a smaller fan base worldwide
(in comparison to rock or pop stars), everyone needs all
the help they can get. It all works very well and I have
been turned on to some new sounds in the past two years
by attending the concerts. If it wasn't for Portnoy's belief
in the bands that tour with them, it never would happen.***
This is a three disc set, offered in various configurations,
to hopefully please all the needs and tastes of their faithful
followers and ever growing newcomers. A lot has to be said
for a band with nearly 25 years together that is still new
to so many listeners; the DT nation is growing daily and
this release increased their incredible exponential growth.***
The first CD breaks down into six tracks of vintage
DT metal and prog. I think with the passing of time it is
safe to say that this is already being considered as a classic
rendering of the metal-prog genre, giving further authority
to the fact that this band has set the gold standard for
everyone else to follow. The lead off track "A Nightmare
To Remember" comes roaring out of the gate, setting the
stage and atmosphere for what is to come. "A Rite Of Passage"
is a dark and ominous track with a first class video to
accompany it. Every aspect of the DT process in regard to
delivering their media has continued to get better with
each passing year. Portnoy finishes out his story about
AA and his battles with the disease in "The Shattered Fortress,"
fittingly reviewing some of the other songs that made the
story over the years by adding the lyrics in between all
the instrumental anarchy. He also offers a touching tribute
to his dad, who passed away recently, with "The Best of
Times." This is one of the more classic rock and pop influenced
tunes I have ever heard DT perform and it's a fine song
at that. The meaning is very special because of what Mike's
father meant to him and the music seems quite fitting for
the lyrics. The status quo attacking prog-metal would not
work well with the subject matter of this song. "The Count
of Tuscany" is the magnum opus of the recording, clocking
in at an incredible 19:16, nearly an entire side if it was
on a vinyl LP! (The vinyl version is available on the Roadrunner
website). This song features a band in sync, hitting on
all their cylinders; it's like hearing a concert all wrapped
up into one track. They are very good at setting the stage
and taking you through complex time signatures and changes,
offering different musical chapters to go along with the
story they are portraying through the music. Let's not forget
the ballad-like "Wither" that stands tall in the middle
of this session. James LaBrie's voice is outstanding throughout
but particularly smooth, succinct and emotionally powerful
on this track.***
The second disc features some excellent takes on classic
rock tracks that had a hand in influencing all the members
of the band. These are not the filler cover tunes or throw-
in bonus tracks you will find on many CDs; these are legitimate
solid covers of great songs. Rainbow's "Stargazer" is superb,
my favorite out of all six.***
Now the ultimate addition to the package is disc three
which are all the tracks on disc one without the lyrics.
Now all of you James LaBrie wannabes can throw on this CD
and sing along. In the same instance, all of the tech freaks
and players of instruments will cherish this opportunity
to play along or use the tracks to create their own special
mixes.***
Dream Theater, you have given us another classic prog-metal
release, except this time it is loaded with all the extras
that everyone loves, especially big fans of the band. What
is not to like here?***
Keith
(Muzikman) Hannaleck
http://www.muzikreviews.com
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