Epic prog metal with many citations

20005 came with "Octavarium" the 8th studio album of New York in 20 years.
In these 20 years, they did not stand still, but is constantly developed further and sounded out the limits of the Progressive Metal from. So it was in 2002 with "Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence" a bombastic album that resulted in the 42 minute, orchestral sounding title track. A year later came the 5 out their hard side and paid homage to the (for DT standards) dark and brutal "Train of Thought" their heroes Metallica, Pantera etc. Their trademark however always remained the "Gefrickel", the virtuosity that the tech savvy musicians played their instruments.

2 Years Later, they released now "Octavarium". This left some hanging from the gloom and melancholy that reigned on "Train of Thought", a whole album comes but soft, quiet and yes, even poppy therefore.
"The Root of All Evil" is a terrific opener, the reef is real steam to then open into the worn, almost pathetic refrain. Who knows "Train of Thought" will recognize musical as well as lyrical quotes from "This Dying Soul" here, but these are somewhat distorted so that they blend in well with the song. Since it forms also with "The Glass Prison" and "This Dying Soul" a thematic unit (Mike Portnoy's alcoholism) that's all right.
"The Answer Lies Within" is a typical ballad, supported by piano and strings. Slow, melancholic, pathetic - not everyone's case certainly and quite trendy, but I like the song.
"These Walls" comes back harder, therefore, however, affects relatively 'normal' with his quiet verse and the chorus harder, the tunes are quite catchy, but nothing special.
An "I Walk Beside You" is like the ghosts. Heavily influenced by U2, the song has clearly catchy and sounds more like pop because after Prog Metal. Everyone needs to know himself, how he deals with it - as before: I like it, the melody sounds catchy.
In "Panic Attack" is bludgeoned again like crazy - punchier Bassriff opened the song, then comes a worthy guitar riff to end an impressive solo (guitar and keyboards alternate.)
"Never Enough" is the weakest song for me. Clearly influenced by Muse, it seems to tie in with Panic Attack but without memorizing somehow, has nothing special in itself.
"Sacrificed Sons" starts quietly, then after about 4 minutes to result in a quick, hard instrumental part. Keyboard solo, guitar solo, then use an orchestra one (a true!). The band with its heavy riffs and the strings of the orchestra complement each other to an epic whole.
"Octavarium" concludes the album. The intro is based on "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" by Pink Floyd from atmospheric synthesizer sounds, then inserts the tape. The following is an acoustic part, the worn-gritty singing is accompanied here by an acoustic guitar. Then the whole band gets in, the song is gaining pace, the mood is cheerful. A furious Keyboard solo follows, then the song is playing somber. James LaBrie waits for 15:00 minutes with numerous textual citations (Ramones, Genesis etc.), the song is really punchy. Now John Petrucci must Ran, a fast guitar solo included flamenco deposit. Finally, the instruments keep in the background, followed by a recitative that in geschriehenen 'Trapped Inside This Octavarium' opens (in this pitch! Absolutely worth listening!), The instruments support this staccato. The song ends in an orchestral worn guitar solo.

"Octavarium" is clearly the key song - and I can not find a flaw in it. The length of course is not for everyone, but the tension is taut, the structure is really succeeded in the instrumentals and melodies are intoxicating.

Ultimately a good album, especially for newcomers. Here no extremes are presented - there are hard songs, pop songs, which should also many non-metal fans like and orchestral, epic side of Dream Theater. I can not really complain the texts me - although they are not great philosophical or of high literary value, but appropriate, it goes much much worse (even with Dream Theater). The many musical bonds are so well intended, are not covered one on one but well integrated in the style of DT own. There are departures because some songs are really weaker (These Walls, Never Enough) as the real highlights of this plate (Octavarium, The Root of All Evil, Sacrificed Sons).

A solid DT-disc for fans (if only because of the title song a recommendation) and probably the best for beginners who want to get to know the band.