This CD will be their "controversial" one when it comes to fan loyalty and opinion. Dream Theater's Octavarium rocks the boat as they change tack in their tried and true formula for success. Ballads, epics, and some pop are introduced to this band's "Shred-Prog" image and they come off smelling like roses.
"The Root Of All Evil," reaches into the symphonic genre as much of the trademark virtuosity display gives way to trusting the talent and allowing the listener to see beneath the veneer. A simple guitar riff atop ethereal backdrop in contrast to Mike Portnoy's signature complex rhythms. The surprising ballad of the CD is "The Answer Lies Within," featuring the capable voice of James LaBrie and the uncomplicated piano of Jordan Rudess. Performed with a full orchestra, this proud tune is honestly uplifting and totally "outside the Box" when compared to previous works. "These Walls" is a powerful track with heavy riffs and aural candy dynamics. The more balanced combo of Petrucci and Rudess is a fantastic improvement on their already trademark sounds. Courage to address the galvanizing event that affected and shaped the recent world "Sacrificed Sons" gives validity to their sensibility of expressing their point of view of 9/11. Starting off with a "sound-design" of audio-bytes from the media, the tune bleeds into a slow burn of realizing the magnitude of the events. LaBrie's lyrics are tasteful and yet brave enough to ask the question of motivation to the attacks. Rudess's keyboard backdrop is in full swing here. The song quickly changes directions and rolls off into a wonderful prog-instrumental section with Petrucci dancing like a whirling dervish atop the support. The title track is no doubt the CD's masterpiece. Pink Floyd would be proud of the intro to this song as it pays homage to PF's prog trailblazing. Rudess' lapsteel solo is simply breathtaking and not to mention his nod to the caped one from Yes with a Mini-Moog solo and organ. As in the allusions to the progressive influences in Portnoy's lyrics of this piece, all can be recognized: Beatles, Kansas, Yes, Pink Floyd, and Genesis.
Octavarium has most definitely created quite an Internet fan storm as they either hate it or love it. I think it's amusing and humbling to see such passion and energy spent on such things. Craftsmanship, outstanding production, and an abandon to fresh and eye opening worlds.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Dan SingletonThe single most distinguishing characteristic of progressive rock is experimentation. Artists of this genre are not confined to a single sound. They borrow liberally from other genres and see what works. In their last album, Train of Thought, Dream Theater blended in a heavy dose of the old Metallica sound and it worked well. In Octavarium, they blend in a lot of Muse and more mainstream…Similar sounding releases
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