The album starts off with a very nice intro that optimally initiates in the album. Gloom and hardness determine the beginning of the album, but the present, none If monotonically over 16 minutes. Rather, this song shows the incredible momentum that put Dream Theater on the day. But the central part stands out and is a true feast for the ears. Who tears the title mentally at the beginning, this does not do justice. A great opener, but also a grower.
Continuing with 'A Rite Of Passage'. Who the Metropolis Pt.1 here - is investing template fail miserably. This song was already in advance, as a single published and represents, in my view the right just to be a good and catchy rock song. This works. Above all, the main reef has catchy character, although it seems inspired by 'Misunderstood'.
The album initially remains in this direction and it is followed by a semi-ballad that convinces and Half ballads of the last albums to shame. Just lovely with epic melodies that make a full list. James LaBrie know really well to please in this song and John Petrucci puts it all off the icing on. Large class and maturity that is offered here.
'The Shattered Fortress'. Hmmm, in the totality of this song has not yet reached the right place. Initially, and again between coming through this wow factor, but not as a whole. The song I have to listen again in the context of my suite. I suspect he knows more convincing. For new listeners, however, a riff at its finest.
It follows the last half hour of the album.
It begins with the 13 minute 'The Best Of Times.
By Mike wrote for his now deceased father. Please keep that in mind and eventually take while listening also the booklet in hand. However, one needs to take in hand this only after about 4 minutes. It begins with a wonderful quiet intro and goes with wondrous beauty into a cheerful first Strophe.Dieser song makes animal fun and offers the sloping rock fan what he needs.
One comes from the amazement does not get out, because it goes on with 20 minutes of 'The Count Of Tuscany'. What is carved out here in direct intro is top class. The song then goes from the playful to the corner and then a little harder in the spherical corner, and then with an ostentatious fabulösem last quarter. Bright Lights, this song joins easily with 'A Change Of Seasons', and is also a balancing act when you think about it, which styles itself rich here's hand. They succeed and do very well to convince.
So much for the songs themselves. The instrumental skills of the five I need certainly not going to discuss here. And of course you get stuck on this album also their turf from other musicians and thus into his pocket, but that does not happen in a 75 minute self-congratulation. I want to particularly emphasize John Petrucci, who really has a peak performance on this album here.
The album itself I think is very balanced with 'The Count Of Tuscany' and 'The Best Of Times' at an altitude their classics.
