Images and Words review

Dream Theater

(Atco, 75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10019)

Just when you thought “art rock” was dead (or maybe you only hoped), the curtain rises on dream theater. Although its previous album went virtually unnoticed, a new label and vocalist have turned it in the proper direction. For an idea of the band’s ideology, blend the free-flowing technical complexity of Rush, the melodic element of Kansas and plus the rhythmic power of ‘90s metal. However, elements previously lacking have now been pushed to the forefront, with a focused outlook on songwriting, dynamic vocal projection and polished yet aggressive production from ex-Santana drummer David Prater. What sets this band apart from other retro-progressive outfits is the ability of the five instruments to command their own positions while playing as an unseparated whole—from beginning to end. Every part is quite fluid and tasteful, adding spice to the texture without overplaying. Managing to avoid the cliched traps some of its contemporaries fall prey to, Dream Theater may be one of the last great progressives of the century. Songs such as “Another Day “and “Wait For Sleep “provide more accessibility, but also check out jaw-droppers such as “Surrounded (The Longest Night)” and “Metropolis Part I...” (Aaron Clow)