Written by Masonics on 05.10.2013 at 06:38

2nd full listen and despite the shorter songs, DT keep it interesting. Bit disappointed by Magaini's Drum mix, but everything else sounds great, especially Pretrucci's Guitar work. James sounds better vocally this time, not going thorugh the motions like in the last couple of records. Illumination theory takes a bit of time, but could be their best song yet, the last section is probably their most emotive part of their songwriting career.

Written by Lethrokai on 06.10.2013 at 11:43

Written by Masonics on 05.10.2013 at 06:38

2nd full listen and despite the shorter songs, DT keep it interesting. Bit disappointed by Magaini's Drum mix, but everything else sounds great, especially Pretrucci's Guitar work. James sounds better vocally this time, not going thorugh the motions like in the last couple of records. Illumination theory takes a bit of time, but could be their best song yet, the last section is probably their most emotive part of their songwriting career.

Have to say I agree with pretty much everything you say. Felt this album was perhaps a little too guitar-centric though. While I love the sound Petrucci gave the guitar, the mixing makes it feel like he's the focus the whole way through, which he shouldn't be. James LaBrie is finally back to taking risks with his vocals, and Myung is finally starting to stand out. While Mangini's drums sound a little too processed, his technique is flawless.
As for that final section, I think that's become one of my favourite DT moments of all time. Heck, it's definitely put Illumination Theory in my top 5 DT songs.

Written by Masonics on 06.10.2013 at 11:53


Loved James section in IT in the third section where he bellows the high notes, was cool to witness again.

Hopefully they nail the drums/guitar sound in the next record, as long as the music is good again!

Written by Hollberr on 24.09.2013 at 06:20

For me, it's a completely uninspired album. Way too pop. Bigger Picture is probably their worst song ever.
Bad transitions throughout the album (Behing the Veil starts so well, but the rest of the song doesn't connect with the intro). Illumination Theory has its moments, but I feel it's just a sequence of riffs that dont' really make a whole. And let's face it, the song is 19minutes long, not 22. What comes a minute after it's finished is completely irrelevant.

I feel it's an album made by amateurs. Truly.

Written by Lustful Maid on 09.10.2013 at 09:31

Written by Hollberr on 24.09.2013 at 06:20

For me, it's a completely uninspired album. Way too pop. Bigger Picture is probably their worst song ever.
Bad transitions throughout the album (Behing the Veil starts so well, but the rest of the song doesn't connect with the intro). Illumination Theory has its moments, but I feel it's just a sequence of riffs that dont' really make a whole. And let's face it, the song is 19minutes long, not 22. What comes a minute after it's finished is completely irrelevant.

I feel it's an album made by amateurs. Truly.

You're the only one here got the constructive point, yes the transitions bad to the core !
I don't argue with people here anymore as It's unnecessary. Listeners come from different standards of musical backgrounds, it's similar to telling your 3 years old son that Shakespeare's are better than Ben 10 series, simply waste of your time...

Written by Mohamad777 on 10.10.2013 at 18:14

To those who didn't enjoy this record: stop being so judgemental, if you're looking for perfection in metal you have picked the wrong place, Bach(baroque composer) was perfect, listen to his stuff, and stop bitching.

Written by Lustful Maid on 11.10.2013 at 14:18

Written by Mohamad777 on 10.10.2013 at 18:14

To those who didn't enjoy this record: stop being so judgemental, if you're looking for perfection in metal you have picked the wrong place, Bach(baroque composer) was perfect, listen to his stuff, and stop bitching.

1. Unable to appreciate any forms of artworks by giving his own judgements is a moron.
2. Mentioning Bach on metal website is an idiot.
3. Considered other people's opinions as bitching is a fool.
4. People have expressed their negative concerns but still asking people to "listen to his stuff" is a geek.
Ther're Moron, Idiot, Fool and Geek live inside you !

Written by Mohamad777 on 10.10.2013 at 18:14

To those who didn't enjoy this record: stop being so judgemental

Written by Mohamad777 on 10.10.2013 at 18:14

if you're looking for perfection in metal you have picked the wrong place, Bach(baroque composer) was perfect, listen to his stuff, and stop bitching.

Written by Hollberr on 19.10.2013 at 08:14
Are you saying that ''not being Bach'' is an excuse for DT to create a poor album? I'm not looking for perfection, I'm looking for a fucking good prog metal album from DT, like they succeeded to make so many times. This time though, it's nearly repulsive.

Written by Darth Mitchell on 24.10.2013 at 14:36

Written by Hollberr on 19.10.2013 at 08:14
Are you saying that ''not being Bach'' is an excuse for DT to create a poor album? I'm not looking for perfection, I'm looking for a fucking good prog metal album from DT, like they succeeded to make so many times. This time though, it's nearly repulsive.

Do you really hate it that much to call it repulsive? In my opinion it's not that bad. I really like the album. It's way better than ADTOE and has some really good songs (False Awakening Suite, The Enemy Inside, Enigma Machine, Illumination Theory). The other songs are not that bad, but didn't really get stuck in my head as these songs did. I agree on the fact that it's not their best album and that there far better prog releases this year (JOLLY, Haken, Persefone and tomorrow the new Ayreon). But to call it repulsive is a little to far for me
But hey! Everyone has their opinion

Written by Lethrokai on 24.10.2013 at 19:55

Written by Darth Mitchell on 24.10.2013 at 14:36

Written by Hollberr on 19.10.2013 at 08:14
Are you saying that ''not being Bach'' is an excuse for DT to create a poor album? I'm not looking for perfection, I'm looking for a fucking good prog metal album from DT, like they succeeded to make so many times. This time though, it's nearly repulsive.

Do you really hate it that much to call it repulsive? In my opinion it's not that bad. I really like the album. It's way better than ADTOE and has some really good songs (False Awakening Suite, The Enemy Inside, Enigma Machine, Illumination Theory). The other songs are not that bad, but didn't really get stuck in my head as these songs did. I agree on the fact that it's not their best album and that there far better prog releases this year (JOLLY, Haken, Persefone and tomorrow the new Ayreon). But to call it repulsive is a little to far for me
But hey! Everyone has their opinion

To be honest, I've seen this year as the year of prog. I mean, not only did we get these epic albums you mentioned, but also things like Leprous and newcomers Fright Pig releasing absolutely beautiful albums... I don't think I've been able to give a single prog album a rating under a 7 so far this year, and there have been A LOT of albums!

Written by Hollberr on 19.10.2013 at 08:14

Written by Mohamad777 on 10.10.2013 at 18:14

To those who didn't enjoy this record: stop being so judgemental

I really don't get your point. All the idea of writing here is to exchange opinions. All kinds.

Written by Mohamad777 on 10.10.2013 at 18:14

if you're looking for perfection in metal you have picked the wrong place, Bach(baroque composer) was perfect, listen to his stuff, and stop bitching.

Are you saying that ''not being Bach'' is an excuse for DT to create a poor album? I'm not looking for perfection, I'm looking for a fucking good prog metal album from DT, like they succeeded to make so many times. This time though, it's nearly repulsive.

Written by CobiWan1993 on 24.03.2014 at 08:03

This album doesn't hold up as much as it did when I first heard it (largely blame that on my roommate for blasting the same songs over and over through the walls). Still consistent and solid, but doesn't really grab me after multiple listens.

Written by R Lewis on 24.03.2014 at 20:45

Written by CobiWan1993 on 24.03.2014 at 08:03

This album doesn't hold up as much as it did when I first heard it (largely blame that on my roommate for blasting the same songs over and over through the walls). Still consistent and solid, but doesn't really grab me after multiple listens.

Pfff. You should thank God that you have a roommate that blasts Dream Theater, instead of all the shit most of my friends listen to

Written by Nicko's Nose on 28.04.2015 at 06:37

I still can't believe this has a higher rating than ADTOE. It's their most generic album.

Written by iMorphball on 22.01.2016 at 03:28

Written by Nicko's Nose on 28.04.2015 at 06:37

I still can't believe this has a higher rating than ADTOE. It's their most generic album.

And... 9/10?

Written by Nicko's Nose on 22.01.2016 at 09:40



Gave ADTOE a 10.