Dream Theater - BlackClouds and Silver Linings

Tue 22nd Sep, 2009 in Music Reviews

Dream Theater’s tenth studio album is not for the easy listener. It’s a concept album that does what a concept album should, take one on a voyage.

The story begins with the epic A Nightmare to Remember that stands at sixteen minutes and just a bit too over enthused to maintain interest. A compacted version would have kept the punches flying as well denoting the message. Not all is lost as the sizzling A Rite of Passage roars on my death decks and it’s difficult not to sing along to the catchy chorus. The intro begins with a thick bass welcome as the music descends into a world of mystery and imagery.

As to be expected, the guitar solos show moments exceptional wizardry that is best illustrated on The Best of Times, as it ends in a lovely shroud of faultless finger work that glides and lingers with a velvet touch, reminiscent of a great rock ballad that frames the song beautifully. The intro is hauntingly exquisite as the tempo fades from guitar into violin into piano, with a midas touch. The song itself is in ode to drummer Mike Portnoy’s father, who died during the making of the album. The essence of the good times are shared as we ascend on a lullaby of dreams. James LaBries’ voice is restrained yet free flowing, knowing when less is more and not needing to let his voice stray as he tells of the voyage.

It was no mean feat reviewing this progressive fairytale of an album that despite being a little long in the tooth in some places plays well. Played over and over and the vibe builds a nest in one’s being, yearning for another feed. The album has done well on the US charts and is bound to do so internationally as a legion of fans will not be disappointed.