Dream Theater
Falling Into Infinity

THE REVIEW

And so, in 1997, after the spectacular and unique "A Change Of Seasons", Dream Theater releases "Falling Into Infinity", their most controversial album. It was released on September 23, 1997. It was recorded at Avatar Studios in New York.

The impression the album gives from the very first songs is that the band has set aside the typically metal sounds that made them famous. The album contains more immediate songs, unforgettable ballads, more accessible, more catchy. Yet, this doesn't mean the technique and beauty of the pieces are neglected. For the first time in their career, Dream Theater records many ballads with the classic verse-chorus structure, but without ever abandoning the typical instrumental solos that made the band famous. In fact, many tracks demonstrate how the classic progressive rides are never overlooked.

"Falling Into Infinity" is a sunny album, direct but very deep. Here, too, you can see how the band manages to venture into territories never explored before and excel. With unique, melodic pieces rich in nuances. Deep and intimate lyrics that get inside you. An innovative and current sound. The recording is, as always, impeccable, the sound excellent.

"New Millennium", "You Not Me", which was originally supposed to be called "You Or Me," and "Peruvian Sky" are three fabulous tracks, each more beautiful than the other. In "New Millennium", Theater rewrites thirty years of progressive-rock with a spectacular track featuring Derek Sherinian's keyboards always at the forefront. "You Not Me" has an overwhelming and immediate rhythm. Here, too, the band shows how they manage to integrate progressive parts into a ballad. Inspired by Pink Floyd, especially the drum parts is "Peruvian Sky", initially with a rather slow pace, which then suddenly bursts with a supreme solo by Petrucci. Again, progressive influences are at the forefront. The most beautiful ballad on the album is "Hollow Years", a tearjerker piece very inspired with the splendid voice of LaBrie, who gives his best even in the slow parts. One of the most successful tracks of the entire album. "Hell's Kitchen" is a fantastic instrumental piece, that alone is worth all the good things said about the album. A never cliché rhythm and melody, instruments that create a unique, unforgettable, and nostalgic sound atmosphere. "Lines In The Sand" is another typically progressive track. "Anna Lee" is another poignant ballad. The album closes with "Trial Of Tears," a 13-minute song written by bassist John Myung. Again, you can notice the creative vein of Dream Theater that still enchants.

A very beautiful album, poignant and melancholic. A fully passed test by the band, confirming themselves as one of the most famous bands in the world with direct songs that strike for their beauty.