Train Of Thought - Dream Theater

Advantages: More headbanging riffs, awesome shredding solos, great vocal work
Disadvantages: Some solos go on for a bit too long

This is Dream Theater's 7th studio full length album, released in 2003. This is much heavier than all their other releases, and probably isn't the best place to start with Dream Theater unless you're into Metallica, Megadeth etc. and hate stuff like Rush and Yes. The album kicks off with the prog-metal anthem As I Am. I think the solo in this song is John Petrucci's best Dream Theater Solo ever. This is a real headbanger and is a Dream Theater song ...
...try to lead As I Am into the next song, This Dying Soul, but they don't do it very well, but just ignore that. This Dying Soul has a really good first section, which is a real mosher. This is actually my least favourite song on the album, mainly because the middle section goes on for too long. The middle section features riffs from The Glass Prison, from Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence, as this song carries on from it. The minute outro at the end ... Read review

Advantages: Good heavy stuff, longish songs
Disadvantages: Still a lot of "cheesy" bits, doesnt do it for me

...which changes throughout their albums. Train of thought takes a twist by following the newer tighter "californian" nu-metal style, while still retaining areas of the old "cheese". The opening track As I am, is a good pounding track worth a listen as are the rest of the tracks to follow. If you like the super-heavy stuff this album is definately worth a look, if you prefer the old softer stuff from their earlier albums, try to sample this one first, ...
...is different to their old stuff. Solos have still be retained, of course, and the music is as ultra complex as it ever was, making it impossible to play, and sometimes incredibly hard on the ear (e.g. random western casino music, track 3, endless sacrifice), but if you liek dream theatre, thats no change from the norm. For me this is my favourite album next to scenes from a memory, and as always the recording quality is good, and the album contains ... Read review

Advantages: hints of master of puppets...its dream theater!
Disadvantages: no story line like in SFAM:( but its still great

dream theater were lined up for a lot of critism for there new album "Train Of Thought" with the first track named "As I Am", many suggesting the band hinting to the fans to take the new approach by dream theater to its music as it is.Personally, i was terribly dissappointed with this album AT FIRST.then when you listen a good few times...and as i did saw them perform the whole album live at the opening of their recent world tour, you really really ...
...there with scences from a memory , images and words and six degrees of inner turbelence.the first thing u will notice while listening is that this album is in general a lot heavier than any of dream theaters previous works and it comes as quite a shock. myung really gives that B string a work out which is supported quite brilliantly by portnoy and his double bass and petruccis riffs and solos, and to be honest, he is on FIRE on this album, some of ... Read review

Advantages: awesome dream theater cd
Disadvantages: songs can be too long

This is an awesome dream theater cd, and in my opinion, the very best they have made! the only problem i have is that the songs can be too long and i get bored after a while! but nevertheless the amazing john petrucci shows off his awesome talent with those unbeleiveable guitar solos! recommended tracks, as i am! true genius of a song, ul love it, and so dont worry if youre bothered about the llongness of those songs, when you hear the amazing ...
...range of track is excelent, however another problem is that the vocals are good and dramatic but the lyrics themselves are somewhat dissapointing! whoever you are, i know you will love this cd, dont wait a moment, buy it now, it is infact the best dream theater cd overall very good, youl love it for defo! buy it now! ... Read review

Advantages: Classic Dream Theater, but with a new twist
Disadvantages: More of a "poppy" style that Dream Theater's other work

...This is a great album, because whilst still retaining the progressive nature which has been valuable to Dream Theater fans since the 1980's and the heavier style introduced on Train of Thought, Octavarium still manages to be a different album, with its own individual style. The range of different song styles on this album is staggering, with the poppy U2esque style of I Walk Beside You, compared to teh PInk Floyd style of parts of the title track Octavarium. Possibly the only thing I would change about this album would be more focus on the progressive style of Dream Theater's earlier albums, such as Awake and Images and Words, and/or the heaviness which is found on Train of Thought, and later on Systematic Chaos.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Complex Melodies and Harmonies, Great song concepts
Disadvantages: Artwork is a little boring

...This album is yet another fantastic creation of progressive metal band, Dream Theater. The album comprises a total of 8 tracks, each containing a different concept. Forsaken for example is about a vampire and her victim. The melodies are complex - standard when considering the musical abilities of each musician. I would compare this album to previously released Dream Theater production - Train of Thought, and Scenes from a memory. It has thought provoking lyrics, powerful guitar riffs, interesting harmonies, and complex, varied ryhthms. John Petrucci plays some incredible riffs on guitar - he is quite possibly one of the best guitarists in the world. James LaBrie as usual presents the music with his powerful voice. Some different approaches have been used in this album, not seen before by the band. In track 6 - Prophets... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Musicanship rivaled by very few in the world, Dream Theater possesses more "feel" now
Disadvantages: A bit lacking for inspiration in the lyric department

...The phenomenal technicality and shere brilliant music compositions of Dream Theater are back for a ninth outing. Systematic Chaos, reminiscent of their seventh release, Train of Thought, dives deep into the realms of prog-metal. Though Systematic Chaos allows each individual of Dream Theater to show off their technical prowess in ways we have heard in previous Dream Theater albums, a growth of musianship can be witnessed in the band, as well. Mike Portnoy's drumming continues to amaze, though not as show off-ey as previous Dream Theater outings, he has found a way to make himself known, while at the same time keeping the band together and tight. John Myung's bass playing is simply brilliant; he is never too known, but he always gives a nice oomphy bottom end while playing every single correct note. John Petrucci's guitar playing... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful