by Matman
How does Dream Theater follow-up their amazing and quite ambitious last release, THE ASTONISHING? Exactly the way they plan to on February 22nd. Dream Theater has a well deserved reputation for their musicianship but I feel here listeners may now begin to appreciate their skills as songwriters and visionaries. DISTANCE OVER TIME is nine killer songs (and one bonus track) that has heavy riffs and lightning fast leads that take their already complicated rhythms to a new level of excitement. Unearthed Angel, Paralyzed and Barstool Warrior are just three of the tracks that speak to my love of classic progressive rock and old school heavy metal; beautiful melodies that grab you and take you on a journey. As someone who follows singers more than the musicians, James LaBrie gives me a lot to follow and enjoy in a band that is known for their musicality. He is a vocalist who can sing the high and the low with perfect balance. The best song on the album (and possibly their entire career) is the epic, Fall Into The Light. For seven plus minutes we are treated to an amazing performance with every player getting a chance to be heard... and shine. Since the beginning of Dream Theater's history, John Petrucci has always been an excellent player but on this album I hear so many players I love; Steve Howe, Robert Fripp, Michael Schenker, Alex Lifeson and Steve Rothery. Heavy when he needs to be (Room 137) and soulful when it calls for it (Out Of Reach). Jordan Rudess (Keyboards), John Myung (Bass), and Mike Mangini (Drums) rund out the band and all make every note count. I imagine it must be hard for these guys to keep it all together and not go off on tangents, but they do nothing but serve the song. DISTANCE OVER TIME is an album that has so much going on you will need multiple listens to soak it all in. When I was done with listen #4 I thought, ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2019... so far. Matman Rating - 5 Out of 5 trips down Prog Memory Lane DISTANCE OVER TIME, the 11th album from Dream Theater will be released February 22nd via InsideOut Music. To find out more, www.dreamtheater.net
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