Dream Theater

Images And Words – Live

Warner Music Vision

Rating: 4 out of 5 (Killer!)

Dream Theater are celebrating the conclusion of their successful Images And Words tour with the release of this generous 93-minute video. Fans of their exquisitely emotional mood-Metal will be frothing at the mouth.

The combination of live footage, promo clips (the most attractive of which are 'Take The Time' and 'Another Day'), interview footage and off-the-wall material will satisfy anyone who has spent money on Dream Theater in the past. Shot in Tokyo, the actual sound from the live performances could have been mixed better, but it's an honour to see musicians of this calibre gelling and excelling as if they'd been together a million years.

There are candid shots of the band working in the studio, as well as genuinely amusing footage of them tackling Tokyo. (Who said these guys have no sense of humour?) Muso-maniacs need not fear, however, as there's plenty of individual soloing to be seen, showcasing the separate talents of this exhilarating band. Tedious if you're not a fan; manna from heaven if you are.

—Steve Beebee