Dream Theater are back with their first album since 2019’s ‘Distance Over Time.’ It’s their best release since 2011’s ‘A Dramatic Turn of Events.’ Their heaviest since ‘Train of Thought.’ And truly solidifies Mike Mangini’s growing legacy with the band.
‘A View From the Top of the World’ introduces eight string guitar heaviness to Dream Theater. And I gotta say, I was skeptical at first. But it really works. ‘Awaken the Master’ is one the most aggressive and satisfying things they’ve done since the mega heavy ‘Train of Thought.’ The title track also uses eight string to maximum effect. It’s also the first mega epic since 2013’s ‘Illumination Theory.’ But it has the quality of 2009’s ‘Count of Tuscany.’ It’s mega prog and mega Dream Theater. But also mega fun and accessible at the same time. Much like the rest of the album.
The opening track, ‘The Alien’ takes Mike Mangini’s drumming to places unknown. Seriously, it’s an unobtainable level of playing for just about anyone. And while the track covers many familiar Dream Theater themes, there’s still just enough of a twist to make it fresh. The jam on the song is also one of their finest. The record continues with ‘Answering the Call.’ Which is arguably the most badass arrangement on the album. Sick, heavy groove riffs combined with raw, bluesy rockage. And, of course, the standard Dream Theater twist. The chugs on the outro are sure to get a few heads bangin’. The album’s second single, ‘Invisible Monster,’ serenades the listener with it’s chill, yet heavy vibes. James LaBrie embraces his new, lower register with confidence and clarity. Making for some excellent, memorable, sing along melodies.
Another major highlight of the new album is ‘Sleeping Giant.’ An excellent return to the ten minute plus formula. The syncopated, heavy groove is one for the ages. Complete with Jordan Rudess’ layered keyboards and signature prog chop. I would say it’s without a doubt the most classic Dream Theater song on the album. The instrumental is reminiscent of the ‘Images and Words’ days. As well as ‘Black Clouds and Silver Linings’ and ‘Dramatic Turn of Events.’ They even go into their metal, ragtime jam thing they do at the seven minute mark. Which they haven’t done in at least ten years. Combine that with yet another LaBrie, earworm vocal melody and you’ve got a timeless Dream Theater track that knocks it out of the park.
The only kind of downpoint of the album is ‘Transcending Time.’ It’s not a bad song by any means. But it’s definitely something that’s more on the repetitive side. The track is very similar to others like ‘The Looking Glass.’ And countless tracks on ‘The Astonishing.’ I appreciate the Rush influence. It’s clearly a huge part of what Petrucci and co. do. But there is a limit to what a certain kind of song can sound like. And the ‘neo pop-Rush’ trope is getting a little played out. However, it’s a minor blip in an otherwise magnificent album.
The two closing tracks, as previously stated, introduce the eight string heaviness to the Dream Theater sound. ‘Awaken the Master’ and the title track really slam down the heaviest material since ‘Train of Thought.’ Even during some the more ‘circus metal’ moments, they bring the metal. Truly excellent. And at times, what I’ve always wanted from the band. The title track closes the album out with what’s arguably their finest 20 plus min track. ‘Count of Tuscany’ brought the emotion. ‘Illumination Theory’ brought the time changes and epicness. ‘A View From the Top of the World’ brings in the major prog metal heaviness. Yes, there’s the obligatory, more melodic middle movement. But as a whole, the title track is one of the most slammin’ track Dream Theater have ever done. The prog, doom metal prog vibe that follows the ballad movement is unique and bone crunching all at the same time. Taking Dream Theater to new heights in the face of falling into unfresh material.
Overall, it’s a top ten, maybe a top five Dream Theater album. It’s the first in the epic prog direction, combined with mega ton heavy metal record with Mike Mangini on drums. The 2013 self titled album was alright. The following ‘The Astonishing’ was a misstep. ‘Distance Over Time’ brought back the passion and fire of Dream Theater. But is without question their most refined album. ‘A View From the Top of the World’ fulfills the heavy direction of the last album. While finally finding that perfect marriage between their progressive tendencies and the straight up melodic metal. All in all, one of their best hands down. Here’s to looking forward to a great tour next year. Horns up!!
