When 1999 rolled around, progressive metal masters Dream Theater were in a weird place. Their last album ‘Falling Into Infinity’ did alright. But failed to capture the success that the record company was hoping for. Not to mention that certain members of the band hated making the record. So what’s a band to do? Start over. Drop your label. Move to Epic Records and release the first of a strong line of timeless, kick ass progressive metal albums. And that’s exactly what Dream Theater did for their fourth major label album ‘Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory.’
Often considered by fans to be Dream Theater’s finest hour. ‘Scenes’ reestablished the band as a ‘march to the beat of your own drummer’ progressive metal outfit. Not only that, but it was the first to really expand what Dream Theater could do creatively. As all the songs are connected together to create a larger story. A concept album to the max. And often regarded as the greatest. Even beating Queensryche’s ‘Operation: Mindcrime’ and Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’ in many reader polls.
And it’s easy to see why. From the Intro to ‘Finally Free,’ ‘Scenes’ is an absolute masterpiece. Starting out with the epic ‘Overature 1928’ before going into the opening ‘Strange Deja Vu.’ It’s clear at this point that album recalls a highly publicized murder that took place in, you guessed it, 1928. The story takes the listener through ear shattering thrash jam heaviness: ‘Beyond This Life,’ ‘Fatal Tragety.’ To beautiful ballads: ‘The Spirit Carries On,’ ‘Finally Free’ and ‘One Last Time.’ To massive progressive exploration. ‘The Dance Of Eternity’ has over 100 time changes. And is considered to be one of the most difficult songs of all time. In any genre of music.
The phat groove of ‘Home’ grounds the album and keeps things fun. While its predecessor ‘Through Her Eyes’ brings in weighted soul emotion. Rounding out the albums cross genre tendencies. Upon its release ‘Scenes’ saw Dream Theater completely revived. As well as their fan base. Going on their biggest tour yet. Even recording a three disc live extravaganza at a sold out Roseland Ballroom in NYC. It’s the start of Dream Theater as we know them today. Even being the first album to feature keyboard god Jordan Rudess. And what an immediate impact he had.
Over time ‘Scenes’ has become more than just a cult classic. It’s a highly recognized masterpiece of art. Not just rock. Not just metal. Not even just music. But a whole piece of art. Transcending a band from cult status to near area stardom. Which is where Dream Theater belongs. So crank it, love it, live it and celebrate Dream Theater’s ‘Metropolis Pt 2.: Scenes From A Memory.’ What are some of your favorite tracks off the album? Sound off in the comments.
