Dream Theater
Scenes From A Memory

THE REVIEW

The first time I listened to this CD, I realized that something in the sound of Dream Theater, at least for this record, had changed.

The album didn't follow a single thread interspersed with very calm songs, but literally spanned across many musical genres. By relaxing and closing one's eyes, you can hear the melodic "Regression", two minutes of sweet and passionate guitar. However, there is no time to relax before "Overture 1928" starts, and immediately after, "Strange Deja Vu". Songs with the same sound and recurring theme, aggressive but with a logic as coherent as it is expressive. And so we get to "Through My Words", a sweet prelude to the beautiful "Fatal Tragedy". So far, the CD is magnificent, and the third track is the one that has left the strongest impression on me so far. "Beyond This Life" is a song in the style of "Images And Words," nothing short of abrasive and captivating. Then comes "Through Her Eyes", the first single of the album, splendid but much more beautiful live as demonstrated by the DVD "Scenes From New York." "Home" is a 13-minute song with an initially oriental vibe, where, along with "The Dance Of Eternity", the four musicians showcase their technical skills. Then comes "One Last Time", a very beautiful song, where the chorus particularly stands out. We then arrive at "The Spirit Carries On", the true gem of the CD that I immediately fell in love with. The song is splendid, with immense emotional impact, and its words are deep and meaningful. "Finally Free" is the track that concludes the album, where the motif of "One Last Time" is revisited in the central part.

This album, (even though calling it an album is reductive since it's a true opera divided into acts) captivates from beginning to end, flowing light and seamless. It is an exciting album, a gem in the global music scene.