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Feb 06, 2008
One of the best!
1 of 1 found this helpful If you're just getting into Progressive music, this release might be a bit hard for you. It is without question one of Dream Theaters finest releases and examplifies exactly what this band is capable of but, it is also one of their heavier releases if not heaviest ("Awake" is equally heavy).
Having said that, the title opener, "As I am" immediately takes you by the throat and doesn't let go. The chorus in this first track is very catchy.
A few other highpoints in this album are the fast moving "Endless Sacrafice", the instrumental "Stream of Consciousness" which at 11:00+ minutes amazingly sounds as fresh at the end as it does in the beginning and the closer, "In the Name of God" which makes some serious observations about the hypocrisy of religion, kind of an antithesis to the opener track really.
The guitar and drum work on this album is brillant and in Dream Theater's catalogue of albums, IMO this release remains as one of the best examples of what a guitar can do. With the exception of the track, "Vacant", which is more of a filler, don't expect a soft or mellow ride!
Recommended.
Jan 04, 2007
Epitome of Progressive music
2 of 2 found this helpful DT is my favourite band so I'll try to write this without bias (if thart's possible!). The title track on this album is also the albums title. Fact, it takes up the entire second disc. DT is known for lengthy and complicated overtures that leaves many of the best in the music world scratching their heads as to how they composed and played the composition.
What I like about this particular release is the first disc offers "relatively" normal songs if not a bit long in running time for listeners who are buying prog. music or DT for the first time. The songs that standout are, "Misunderstood", "The Glass Prison", and "Disappear". They are rather hard at times but juxtapose the quiter more reflective moments all that much fiercer (espacially on "Disappear"). The other thing about this first disc is that despite running times of 10-12 minutes, once you're listening to the song, the time really slips by almost un-noticed. A prime example I believe in the strength of the music writing.
The second disc is all one song split into 8 segments that all run into one another, much like what Pink Floyd does on some of their stuff. The second disc ranges CONSIDERABLY in terms of hard rock to orchestral to folk influences and styles. It's alomost like an E.P. all onto itself. "Solitary Shell", and "The Test that Stumped them All" are the stand-outs.
I wouldn't say this is the best release from DT to listen to for beginners but it is definately one of the best examples of what they're capable of.
-Skasgaard
Feb 07, 2008
The Definative DT Album
This release is without doubt, the magum opus in Dream Theaters catalogue. It is THE highpoint album that not only encasses what a concept album ("The Wall", "Operation: Mindcrime" etc.) should be but spans the whole genre of what constitutes Progressive music.
Next to "Images and Words", I would recommend this album as a starter for any newbie. Why?
The entire album is a continuation of a single track, 'Metropolis-the miracle and the sleeper', from "Images and Words", a sophmore release.
The ranges of styles, instruments used and overall complexity of the time signatures is nothing short of amazing espacially considering the members segue every piece into the next track seamlessly.
'Regression' is nothing more then an introductory piece with a nice, yet simple 6-string.
'Overture 1928' is where things start to happen. This is an instrumental piece that basically gears you as to what to expect musically. The guitar steals the limelight in this second track but the interplay with the drum and keyboards is amazing.
'Through my Words' & 'Through her Eyes' are sullen, melancholic pieces that never quite get above a heartbroke whisper. The contrast of these with other tracks like 'Fatal Tragedy' and the overwhelming 'Home' is proof of a solid cacophonous story line that mirrors real life. In fact, I believe 'Home' to be the stand-out piece on this album.
'The Dance of Eternity' is another instrumental that leads into 'One Last Time', slowing the tempo down to reflect on the previous tracks.
The last two tracks, 'The Spirit Carries on' and 'Finally Free' are about as far apart for a denouvment as you can get. "Spirit" is a soft melodic piece with an exceedingly catchy chorus with average lyrics- easily a single. It is a feel good track that might actually leave your eyes watered. 'Finally Free' dramatically changes the feel into a very dark & forboding atmosphere. A couple minutes into this last track might actually send shivers down your spine; not all things end happily. A very surprising and pleasing ending which eventually, ends as it started out- with monologue.
I honestly cannot say anything negative about this album.
There are definate Pink Floyd influences on this release.