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ALBUM REVIEW: Distance Over Time – Dream Theater

After creating a mammoth 34 track double album for their previous release The Astonishing, DREAM THEATER have reached a critical juncture in their career. The impending release of their 14th studio album Distance Over Time due to surface on February 22nd via InsideOut Music has piqued the interest of many a prog enthusiast to see how they intend to follow this. Has cutting themselves off from the outside world in the secluded Yonderbarn studio helped to get them inspired?

Untethered Angel eases you in with a smooth intro before kicking into gear with crunchy guitar riffs, pulsating drum work and dramatic keyboards. The track exudes a heavy exterior as the pace chops and changes through various transitions. The chorus is ridiculously addictive and it takes little time for DREAM THEATER to find their groove and immerse you in waves of their signature instrumental brilliance. The integration between the guitars and keyboards is seamless and quickly sets the bar high for the following tracks. Paralyzed provides a very tense, dramatic vibe with intoxicating riffing that leans towards the darker tones. The theatrical prose as the track progresses overflows with emotion. The solo which follows towards the latter stages is beautifully tactful and perfectly executed as John Petrucci makes the intricate sweeps sound effortless. Fall Into The Light picks up the pace with some groove ridden guitar work and energetic gallops. An emotionally charged chorus is later followed by power-ballad-esque verses which will have you reaching for your lighters. The clean tones and cathartic manner display the sheer diversity on show. The track switches tempo once more as it dives straight into a pool of prog rock indulgence with further examples of virtuostic marvel to round off proceedings.

Barstool Warrior continues the grand and spectacular demeanour with a lively, vibrant beat reminiscent of the Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence era. The vocal talents of James Labrie allow for the perfect narrative as the memorable, anthemic qualities of the chorus elevates the track. Subtle piano segments and a tasteful guitar solo also assist in enhancing the mood. The heavier edge returns as Room 137 harnesses some sinister tones and catchy rhythms. The keyboards meander through the background of the track creating an intriguing aura. A skilful jazz infused solo work follows alongside further bursts of powerful riffs. S2N kicks in with some funky bass lines courtesy of the understated John Myung supplemented be an enticing vocal delivery. This track in particular is where DREAM THEATER begin to flex their muscles as each instrument flawlessly meshes together through a variety of twists and turns. Petrucci engages god-mode and speed runs through his fretboard like a knife through butter and the entertaining inclusion of a certain popular soundbite provides a bit of light and unexpected humour. As the latter stages draw nearer Jordan Rudess puts his emphatic stamp on the track.

At Wits End opens with a tense atmosphere, jabbing bass riffs and some jaw dropping fret work creating an incredibly bold statement to open the 9 minute track. The tempo ebbs and flows between multiple emotions with some particularly poignant subject matter. It may take a few listens to fully digest this elaborate web but this is DREAM THEATER at their very best. Completely unafraid to jump into the realms of experimentation, attach that rule book to a rocket and watch it vanish into orbit. Out Of Reach feels like a perfectly timed pallet cleanser after what the complexity which has just unfolded with the calming piano segments and the smooth tones of Labrie‘s vocals to sooth your weary soul. This track summarises perfectly just how easy DREAM THEATER can duck and weave between gritty heaviness and serene melodies. Pale Blue Dot commences with a dramatic opening before charged drumming and boisterous riffing come to the forefront alongside some suspenseful synths. The upbeat riff work is temptingly more-ish as the eccentricity begins to dial up a notch and further sublime guitar and keyboard trade-off’s follow. This track has all the hallmarks of a perfect setlist or even a potential ‘instrumedley’ addition. As we approach the final stage of Distance Over Time the quintet let loose and channel their inner DEEP PURPLE unleashing some infectious 70’s prog vibes for bonus track Viper King. The opening organ tones are particularly satisfying to compliment the chunky hard hitting riffing rounding off the album on a nostalgic high note.

DREAM THEATER have been changing the game in the progressive genre for a staggering 30 years plus and to release an album which provides such exciting, innovative material this far into their career is inspiring and invigorating. Your favourite track will inevitably change with every listen as there is so much to appreciate throughout Distance Over Time. Sticksman Mike Mangini has completely silenced his critics as comments of him feeling particularly robotic on previous efforts are completely put to rest as this album leaves you like a kid at Christmas, waiting to see what the future holds as one of the greatest set of pioneers to ever grace the metal world have produced yet another masterclass.

Rating: 10/10

Distance Over Time is due for release on February 22nd via InsideOut Music.

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