ALBUM REVIEW: A View From The Top Of The World – Dream Theater
A name like DREAM THEATER carries a lot of expectations. We’ve become accustomed to these large soundscapes built on the back of tight rhythm sections, technical guitars, and nigh on impossible vocals. Not too dissimilar to the idea of Terry Pratchett‘s Great A’Tuin. Floating through the new frontier, DREAM THEATER drop their 15th studio album, A View From The Top Of The World, this Friday.
Mastered by legendary producer Andy Sneap, A View From The Top Of The World’s seven tracks weigh in with a slightly intimidating 70-minute runtime. With no deadlines thanks to the pandemic, and the recent construction of the band’s own headquarters, this promises to be prog experimentation at its finest.
There’s no denying this five-piece can create incredibly imagery with nothing but a few notes strung together. An illustrious career spanning three decades is more than enough evidence of this. Yet, DREAM THEATER seek to continue building on that. An unexpectedly heavy riff has The Alien bursting into existence. As Jordan Rudess’ keys seep through fiercely technical riffs, we hear their previous boundaries being dropped. Fully steeped in the alien invasion, James LaBrie (vocals) has us “weaving through time” on a spacecraft constructed from a pulsating chug combined with his extra-terrestrial vocals. With the solos of John Petrucci comes the mental montage of visiting new galaxies, spiralling notes mimicking the oscillation of propeller blades. Leading into a choral dominated outro, we’re given the sense of impending doom. Sat on the metaphorical edge, we hope this journey won’t leave us with motion sickness.
For those hoping for a concept album, A View From The Top Of The World isn’t what you’re looking for. That doesn’t discount this from being a great DREAM THEATER record. Each song is a contained unit, but there is the odd subtle call back. The solo of Answering The Call sounds as though it belongs in The Alien, yet the two songs couldn’t be more different. DREAM THEATER visit the heavy metal trope of huge power chords ruling the roost, but add their electronic twist with a touch of synth. A rich tapestry of going to war for “empires crimson”, this song isn’t the aggressive number we would expect, but the crazed cadence of the verses mixed with anthemic opportunities make it a saga nonetheless.
A lot can be said for prog and its experimental elements. The same can be said for the band itself. There are times where this experiment bears the fruit DREAM THEATER are looking for, a prime case of that being The Alien. However, there are also times where this result eludes the band. The mainstream sound of Transcending Time is refreshing but jarring. Bright, joyous energy comes through as Rudess’ keys once again bounce over upbeat drums. While we may be looking for a moment’s relief after dark, imposing songs such as Sleeping Giant, this transcends to a level beyond us. Verses composed of vocals, keys, and drums leave us “scattered to the wind” as we try to shift as quickly as DREAM THEATER have. LaBrie sounds phenomenal as his vocals soar above the noise, but it’s the performances in Invisible Monster and Sleeping Giant which really take our breath away.
What also captivates us is the title track. The 20-minute time stamp is slightly eye watering, but the investment pays off should you choose to make it. Like the other tracks, this is an odyssey through the deepest recesses of our imagination. Yet it is different in that this epic continues to remain fresh over that stretch of time. Twinkles of harps and the caress of strings open the world for us to look upon. Winding riffs wrap around our synapses, gripping our attention as LaBrie bolsters us to “rise above the challenge”. Telling the tale of what it is to overcome adversity and reach the summit, this title track is purposely a slog. A bass solo mirrors the buzz of an adrenaline rush. Each instrument and line of vocals serves a purpose within this intricate puzzle. There is so much to be discovered that this track warrants that fourth or fifth listen, and beyond.
The title track gives a nod to the “moment you recognise where your limits lie”. Does this record show DREAM THEATER’s limitations? Unfortunately, yes. While A View From The Top Of The World is yet another great record, we see where the band’s strengths lie. It is in the dark, the foreboding, and the fantastical commentary on our lives. DREAM THEATER strive to be a band which doesn’t follow the pack. In doing that, however, they follow themselves and become rooted to their own limitations, painting themselves into an impressive corner.
Rating: 8/10
A View From The Top Of The World is set for release on October 22nd via InsideOut Music.
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