Falling Into Infinity - Dream Theater

Advantages: Mainstream whilst keeping their progressive sound
Disadvantages: Some duff tracks

This is Dream Theater's 4th full length studio album, released in 1997. Dream Theater decided to go mainstream with this album, but this album is still very progressive and is a good one to go for if you're new to Dream Theater. The album kicks off with the psychadelic keyboard intro of New Millenium. This is a good song - Fairly upbeat, not very heavy. Takes a few listens to appreciate it more, but a nice start to the album. Don't get put off ...
...least favourite Dream Theater track. It's mainstream grunge rock and is not what Dream Theater are like. Peruvian Skies is actually my favourite on the album. It starts off in clean, drums kick in after a bit, then after the second chorus, there's a big build up into an incredible solo then the intro riff, once played in clean, now in full distortion, very Metallica-esque. This is a brilliant song. Not typical Dream Theater, but still awesome. ... Read review

Advantages: Great first track, a refreshing change from prog
Disadvantages: Can get slow and boring, mainly covers.

...Rudess - Keyboards and Synthesizers Overall, a good quality album, but the only track really worth listening to is the title track. It's available in most good music stores from £10.99, but can be found in Martian Records for around £8 and the same sort of price on the internet. The lyrics for the first track are in the inlay, but no other lyrics are included, just recording details. This is because all the other tracks are cover off other artists so dream theater aren't allowed to print their lyrics. Other albums: I would highly recommend Awake, Falling Into Infinity and Metropolis Part Two: Scenes From A Memory. The best album to buy first is Awake, as it will enable you to get used to Dream Theater's diverse sound (from prog metal to power ballads). Once you're sure you like their music, then I recommend you buy Metropolis Part Two, Six... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Improved live versions of 'Train of Thought' material.
Disadvantages: A confusingly unsatisfying mix of old and new.

...them stand out against the more modern, heavier material, and the contrast would have been more effective and less jarring if some of the more experimental and notable songs from those early albums had been chosen instead (but of course, there's the issue of the rotating set-list!) The next stage of evolution that is charted is rather oddly the black sheep of Dream Theater releases, 1997's 'Falling into Infinity.' Rather than focusing on its excellent predecessor 'Awake,' which arguably perfected the fusion between classic heavy metal and prog, this album was produced under the scrutiny of a record label that wanted something more radio-friendly, so it's quite a surprise to see three songs ('Hollow Years,' 'Trial of Tears' and 'New Millennium') celebrated here. If the purpose is to contrast starkly with the crushing riffs of Train... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful