Dream Theater
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence

THE REVIEW

About 3 years after the release of their last great endeavor "Scenes From A Memory", Dream Theater returns with a new album comprising 2 CDs, namely the little appreciated "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence". As soon as I heard about its release, I immediately rushed to listen to it, hoping I would be facing a new masterpiece like the previous album. Instead, I was a bit disappointed with the listening experience; however, it cannot be said that this is an unlistenable album. In fact, I found some tracks rather interesting.

The first CD, containing 5 songs, begins with a long rustle that ties back to the ending of "Finally Free" in Metropolis Pt.2. From here, the situation evolves slowly, starting with bell chimes overlaid with a harmonious guitar arpeggio that creates a very intriguing atmosphere. Suddenly, devastating 7-string guitar chords invade this atmosphere, transforming this melodious introduction into an aggressive and energetic song: this is "The Glass Prison". The next track is "Blind Faith", a calm and relaxing piece, yet also lively, especially when Petrucci kicks in with his phenomenal licks. "Misunderstood" is a very particular track with a fantastic chorus that stays in your head for days and days thanks to the warm voice of Labrie. The following song is "The Great Debate", which talks about the events during the fall of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. In my opinion, the track is the least engaging of the album, and sometimes I even find it difficult to listen to it in full. And here is the last piece of the CD, the wonderful "Disappear". It starts with a sequence of piano chords from the great Jordan Rudess that gives you chills on the spine from the very first listen. From here, a melodic and harmonious verse is born, made inimitable again by the singer's sweet voice. Thus ends the first CD of "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence".

The second disc contains a single 42-minute song divided into 8 acts. Act I: "Overture" is a typical instrumental introduction of the D.T., gathering all the emphasis of this endless track, although occasionally featuring interludes where it's hard to believe they really invented them. The CD comes alive in the second act, "About To Crash", a catchy and very pleasant track to listen to. The atmosphere the band creates in the third and fourth act is completely different; these 2 parts called "War Inside My Head" and "The Test That Stumped Them All" are much more captivating and energetic and showcase the famous technical expertise of D.T. that no one can match. Act V: "Goodnight Kiss", a restful piece with very melodic chords and very calming vocal lines, connects to Act VI, the splendid "Solitary Shell", an acoustic song to listen to and relisten to, ending with really impressive breaks reminiscent of progressive from past years. An intriguing guitar riff opens Act VII, "About To Crash (reprise)". This sequel to Act II obviously draws inspiration from the same theme. At this point, the band concludes the work with a "Grand Finale" unique in its style, rich in very theatrical choirs that let the listener breathe a sigh of relief.

In conclusion, I believe this is an album worthy of being purchased, but it's also true that only after many listens can its beauty be grasped.