Dream Theater - Scenes from a Memory

"Ineffably superlative prog-metal masterpiece."


...Let's just get one thing out of the way: Dream Theater is not for everyone. Let's forget musical nomenclature (progressiverock/metal and what not) and just say this: Dream Theater has a very distinct prog-metal style that is that is overflowing with their amazing musical talent. While this talent is always prevalent and evident, DT is often accused of being overly technical while sacrificing melodic songwriting qualities. You might hear the term "musical masturbation" tossed around.

All of DT's members are gods and considered by many to be their personal heroes. But sure, maybe they are pretentious instrumentalists... one might say the emphasis on instrumental sections of extended virtuosity show this. For those who become bored easily without someone constantly singing, or cannot appreciate everything depth of the music (polyrhythms, meter shifts, etc), think twice. You can aboslutely love this album without being a musician yourself -- that might just make you appreciate them more easily.

I think Dream Theater is one of the most talented bands in music today, and this comes from someone who listens to everything: classical, jazz, metal, death metal, prog, pop...you name it. While others see complain that Dream Theater's music is just "musical masturbation," I think it is important for a band like this to strike a balance between vocals and instrumental components. When you have a band this talented, they just need to play.

Of course, the "musical masturbation" complaint might be justified if Dream Theater -- like many bands -- sacrificed intensity and melody for "wank-factor." Dream Theater doesn't do this. This is important: They write awesome songs. Petrucci's music on the guitar is a thing of beauty -- like Joe Satriani, he is "not of this Earth," able to combine technique and emotion and melody into a wicked cocktail. DT's new man on the keys, Jordan Rudess, is absolutely stunning. His piano work is simply beautiful, and his synths are expertly mixed and add wonderful elements to the music. UNlike many keyboardists, Rudess eschews cheesy "laser sounds" and other sounds that often accompany keyboards. Mike Portnoy is hands-down one of my favorite drummers, and bassist John Myung -- a subtle player who is easy to overlook -- is also a complete virtuoso and lays down wicked bass lines.

Of course, it wouldn't be complete without James LaBrie's stunning vocals. LaBrie has heaps of talent, and he sounds different than the usual Geoff Tate wanna-be that seems ubiquitous in prog-metal. With unrivaled range, hunger, and emotional intensity, his voice really captures the emotion of the song, especially in the heartbreakingly beautiful ballads "The Spirit Carries On" and "Through Her Eyes."

Many people are dismissing SFAM's lyrics as disposable, and these woeful individuals are missing the point. What we have here is a concept album that is telling a wonderful story about death, deceit, and love (sound corny? Don't worry, it's not). The lyrics are mostly handled by Petrucci and Portnoy, and it's not divine poetry but it's pretty good. Fans of "Metropolis Pt.1" will recognize familiar bits from said song. Lyrics are articulate and always sound, well, good! Especially given how touchy it is to wield subject matter like this. People have compared this to The Wall (Pink Floyd), Operation: Mindcrime (Queensryche) and other concept albums, but this isn't a very good comparison. SFAM stands on its own and is simply beyond words...absolutely incredible. There isn't a concept album with this kind of over-the-top musicality and operatic scope. Complaints about the ending are also missing the point: It's supposed to leave the listeners hanging...we'll have to wait until part III to find out how it continues...(if they release a part 3, that is).

In the end, Dream Theater really shows what it's made of with SFAM...a band with heart, skill, and impact. The musicianship, studio recording quality, and story line are beyond reproach. Some people may find the instrumental bits a little overbearing, but if you appreciate the talent and the melodies that are in action, you probably love it as much as anyone else who's given it five stars.

Finally, make sure you do your best to figure out the story line. The album transcends mere music to something so much more once you develop an emotional attachment to the events portrayed in SFAM. This is how it is with most people.

Highly recommended.