Dream Theater – Train Of Thought

"Train of Thought" was a transitional album for Dream Theater on which they embraced a harder-edged sound, less progressive and more metallic. It is interesting that the progressive metal band Symphony X also transitioned to a rawer sound with "The Odyssey" in 2002. The harder-edged sound of ToT was continued by DT on "Octavarium" and "Systematic Chaos". Based on pre-release reviews, DT's new album "Black Clouds & Silver Linings" will continue this trend.

While some fans did not like the harder sound of ToT, I enjoy the infusion of energy and appreciate DT's willingness to modify their style rather than play it safe and do more of the same. While I liked the gentler, more progressive "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" a lot, I like "Train of Thought" and subsequent albums just as much. But my tastes are quite eclectic, ranging from classical music to broadway musicals to jazz to hard rock.

The album kicks off with the very powerful "As I Am" which is an anthem of independence. Basically, DT is telling their fans and critics that they're going to play the music they want to play and that everyone can either accept them as they are or listen to other bands. I really like this song a lot, not just for the message but for their stating it with a fresh sound that challenges even those who loved their prior work to accept the fact that Dream Theater will continue to evolve.

"The Dying Soul", a continuation of Mike Portnoy's "Alcoholics Anonymous Suite" continues the intensity as does the fourth track, "Honor Thy Father" which might be DT's most angry song. The third and fifth songs, "Endless Sacrifice" and "Vacant", provide some relief from the intensity; LaBrie delivers some poignant lyrics with heart-felt emotion. The instrumental "Stream of Consciousness" builds off the piano riff of "Vacant" but at a faster tempo; it then explodes in a fury of energy that is sustained for an 11 minute tour-de-force. The final song, "In the Name of God" is a critique of religious extremism and war in the same vein of the later DT songs "Sacrificed Sons" and "Prophets of War".

Excellent pressing of one of their best albums (hard hitting metal without too many excesses of indulgent showmanship). Silent, flat and punchy.

At the end of 2003, someone ed Superior's "Yonique" into p2p circuit, renaming the tracks with the titles of "Train of thought".
This means that someone, at the time, sold an album ed from Emule, without even ing that it was the right album.

I have this and the CD. This is MOV’s most lackluster work towards the Dream Theater catalog. It barely out did the CD. Howie could of took the time to get the dynamics properly but seems like he rush through this. Instruments are crowded and fighting each other to be heard. For being as their most aggressive album it’s buried with Myung’s bass being over done on his bottoms. Myung is mostly lifeless. It does have high end so when Petrucci does his shred it does come out like a ferocious dragon. The drums in some instance sounds compress and buried, then comes out of the waters like a raging octopus. Just a lot of inconsistencies that Howie could fix up but didn’t .
The LP has potential but was done lazy. It’s like a Ferrari with a four-cylinder engine.
For what people are asking for it now it’s just better just get the CD and accept for what it is.

Certainly their rough, tough album.
To appreciate, to understand this release you have to listen at it again and again and then you forget your first impression.
It sounds fine, rough and tough !

This should have been a gatefold. Just four more words.

This record sounds excellent. I also have the Octavarium album by Atlantic and this one blows it away.
The bass on ToT is much better than Octavarium.
I bought this on release, unfortunately for those that want it it’s very expensive now.

This record, after listening to all of the Dream Theater Albums From Start To Finish is a Stunner. Vacant + Stream Of Consciousness is my favorite DT song of all time next to Ytse Jam, Pull Me Under, and The Mirror/Lie. An amazing demonstration of what Dream Theater is capable of storytelling and creating epic tracks with their virtuosity!

how it sounds please? is it better than the Octovarium vinyl ?

This is the first album I've ever returned to a store. Really not the best demonstration of what Dream Theater is capable of.