Octavarium:Dream Theater's First Mistake

Octavarium, progressive metals' gods' latest offering is here.The
recent spells of tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes all over the globe
tells us that even God makes mistakes(maybe intentionally) and even
DT have finally made their final mistake!Don't let these opening lines
be a spoiler for you.I'm calling it a mistake only because of the
presuure DT have put on themselves by giving us classic music right
from Images & Words to Train of Thought.Who can help but not compare
whatever they come out with to 6'o Clock, Silent Man,Caught In A web, Lie,
Scarred,Pull Me under,Another Day,Metropolis,Surrounded,Change Of Seasons,
Peruvian Skies, Endless Sacrifice.Unfortunately, Octavarium does not
boast of one! number which can even come close to the aforementioned ones.
Any way, as i said in my Disturbed review, this is not gonna stop any
DT worshipper, it didnt stop me.But my job is to criticize.......
After years of playing interludes and covers from metallica at live shows
DT have finally paid tribute to one of their favourite bands, Metallica,
with their opening track 'The Root Of All Evil'.It sounds almost like Battery rehashed
with of course DT like moving-riffing interludes.In all fairness though,
despite the resemblance it doesnt sound so bad.'The Answer Lies Within"
sounds like DT were asked by the producers to put one syrupy ballad just
for the heck of it, and DT failed badly.The third song, 'These Walls' is a good
number, typical Dt stuff thoughit has elements which can put it into
any trance dj's playlist.'I Walk Beside You' isnt even worth mentioning
(oops,i just did).'Panic Attack' is perhaps the only song which reminds
you what DT are capable of, best song of tyhe album hands down.'Sacrificed Sons'
, a good song in its own right with some excellent guitar work by Petrucci gives
you the feeling you are listening to a heavier version of George Michael
from his Faith days.The title song 'Octavarium' ends up things on the album with a 24 minute long haul of this n that n this n that.People everywhere ahve given it rave reviews with ratings of 4..5 i duuno what to say to them, maybe i am wrong but this comes from my heart and im probably DT's biggest fan on this planet.It
has a nice riffing pattern and catchy(again trance like) intro.Even in this song though
you cannot help but feel you're listening to a heavier Backstreet Boys!

Verdict: DT is inarguably the most talented metal band in the world today.
Guys!! take some time out..maybe churning out albums every year isnt the best thing to do.
And remember..you still rule..one Octavarium will not make me dethrone you
as my favourite Metal band of the 90s.

Pros: the Dream Theater tag!!
Cons:Almost Everything