Originally published in Guitar Techniques magazine · September 2005
Octavarium review
By Dream Theater
Review1 min read
Album Of The Month:
Octavarium (Atlantic)
Rating: 5 out of 5 (Buy it!)
Those who've been following Dream Theater's meanderings will note with much relief that Octavarium signals a return to songs with strong melodies. As such, it rates as one of Dream Theater's best albums to date. Although the emphasis is not so much on guitar, there's more than enough to satisfy John Petrucci's huge following. Check out ‘Never Enough’ and the frantic ‘Panic Attack’, which highlights John Myung's bass talents. This is classic Dream Theater with the usual mix of highly dramatic arrangements and neat time changes to keep you guessing, and yet Octavarium is definitely not more of the same. Instead it represents a whole new level in their musical journey and could well serve to bring in a new breed of fans. Stunning.