Systematic Chaos by Dream Theater
3.5/5? What?
Dream Theater has built a career on delivering some of the most
consistently strong progressive rock albums in history and Systemic Chaos
proves no exception. Built upon the trademark musically diverse but
stylistically reliable principles that made albums such as Six Degrees of
Inner Turbulence and Train of Thought instant classics, this album features
new career highs such as Prophets of War, Forsake, and Constant Motion.
Although the band has flirted with commercially viable material in the past,
especially on 2005s solid and exciting Octavarium, Systemic Chaos proves
unrelenting in its pursuit of pure heavy rock. There are plenty of surprises
in store, even for stalwart fans, perhaps one of the reasons that Dream
Theater remains in a class by itself, ahead of the pack and ahead of the
times. A truly outstanding album by any measure.--Jedd Beaudoin
Personal Review: Systematic Chaos by Dream Theater
Released in 2007, this is an electrifying album that has a good balance of
the artier aspects of progressive rock and heavy metal - as a longtime fan
of 1970s progressive rock, it kept me very entertained. Indeed, this gave
me the same level of enjoyment my old Yes and Return to Forever records
brought me.
The lineup includes John Petrucci (electric and acoustic guitars, backing
vocals), John Myung (electric bass guitars), Mike Portnoy (drums,
percussion, and vocals), James LaBrie (vocals), and Jordan Rudess
(piano, Hammond organ, synthesizers). Much to my surprise (and delight)
both John Myung and Jordan Rudess are audible! They both add a great
deal to the compositions, which really come alive with John's thunderous
bass lines and the creative virtuosity of Jordan. Speaking of which, the
level of virtuosity on this album is simply mind-blowing.
The eight tracks range in length from 5 minutes to the nearly 26 minute
long, two-part In the Presence of Enemies suite, and present a blend of
progressive rock and heavy metal (actually, the balance is further on the
progressive rock side). While the emphasis is on ensemble work of
considerable complexity, and ostinati played at a breakneck tempo (in
unison on the keyboards/guitar/bass) and at ear-splitting levels, there are
"artier" passages that feature subdued electric and acoustic instruments.
This contrast is emphasized by a wide dynamic range. The tone colors that
Jordan selects including the mellotron and acoustic piano also add a lot to
the "artiness" factor. The melodies are everywhere (and haunting at times)
and both the lead and backing vocal harmonies are excellent. I also enjoy
the more experimental passages - that is, the "proggier" stuff (Repentance
is a good example) along with the "ballad-ish" moments.
This is a nice CD package that features great artwork by Hugh Syme, the
lyrics, and photos of the group. The production is also quite good - again, I
can hear John Myung and Jordan Rudess.
All in all, this may very well be one of my favorites by the group and is
certainly one of their "artier" albums. Very highly recommended to prog
fans that do not mind some heavy metal and heavy metal fans that do not
mind a good dose of progressive rock along with Octavarium (2005), Six
Degrees of Inner Turbulence (2002), and Scenes from a Memory (1999).
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