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".