Dream Theater
Systematic Chaos

THE REVIEW

Nothing new on the Western front: the long-awaited new album by Dream Theater does not disappoint (my) expectations; an album that's been recycled for a few years now, sells a ton of copies, and fills stadiums all over the world. Has no one noticed yet that the band does nothing but slightly modify songs already written in the past?

The good singer has nothing innovative from a vocal standpoint, always the same tones, the same high notes in every single track; Petrucci's solos (undoubtedly remarkable) are seriously getting on my nerves, all precisely the same as each other.

In short, I may not be a fanatic of DT, but "Metropolis pt. 2" I liked a lot: it's an album that's at times excessive, but of undeniable value. Now the band continues, like Iron Maiden, with the "one studio album, one live album" method. Only Maiden do it to survive after many years of hard work, DT does it to make even more avalanches of money than they already do.

Every blessed (?) time their work is published, after a few months you find on the shelves the eternal triple live with new flashy interpretations, each 6 hours long!!! And obviously the double DVD, of course! The average DT fan spends at least 75/80 euros each year to complete their beautiful discography, in which not even the most insignificant EP recorded by the band is missing. Not to mention the concert tickets, at least 40 euros for the crappiest seat in the venue. Imagine how many millions of euros they can make in just a few months on tour.

Meanwhile, I listen to this 'Systematic Chaos', which seems never to end: 2 tracks of 9 minutes, 1 of 10, another of 15, and the last of 17, plus the remaining ones (no less than 5 minutes each), for a total of almost 79 minutes (that is, the maximum duration of a CD-R). The usual story: the DT want to be megalomaniacs, they want to act like they play endless suites (like in progressive, yes! The heirs of progressive!), and amaze the drooling followers who would follow them to the world's end. I fear this story will never end...

Now I turn individually to DT fans: I'm not against you, let it be clear, only you don't have the courage to admit that now the band is slowly scraping the bottom of the barrel, looking for some bone to throw at you to keep you quiet. This album is already a strong signal of this fact, so be honest, don't shout masterpiece. Having said that, no one forbids you from safeguarding your tastes, which are the only thing you can keep intact. If you like them so much, I have NOTHING against it. I will admit on my part that, like the other albums, this one is NOT unbearable, just a little boring (except for the trashy covers of Pink Floyd/Metallica/Maiden, on which I absolutely can't agree with you if you think they are a good idea!).

Regards, Paloz (deadpoetpaloz.blogspot.com)