Dream Theatre

When Dream & Day Unite (Mechanic)

Back in E. C. #16, you’ll remember I interviewed New York-area band Majesty, who’s demo of progressive metal blew me away. Well, since then, the group has changed their name to Dream Theatre, found a new singer and recorded their debut LP. It would be a nearly impossible chore to fully describe this band/album in a paragraph, let alone a sentence. They are heavy for sure, but the sweeping tag of “metal” would be severely limiting, as I hear elements of early Yes, Rush, Rising Force and Watchtower, plus an overwhelming degree of originality. New vocalist Charlie Dominici is melodic and evocative, easily able to handle a spectrum of emotions as a cut like ‘The Killing Hand’ proves. Elsewhere, guitarist John Petrucci and keyboard man Kevin Moore totally shred without becoming ridiculously self-indulgent and John Myung (Bass) and Mike Portnoy (Drums) tear the proverbial house down. From the more immediate numbers here, such as ‘Status Seeker’ to the wild and experimental ‘Ytse Jam’ and ‘The Ones Who Help To Set The Sun,’ D.T. do not intimidate the listener with their proficiency. Instead , they weave a patchwork of complexity and catchiness that never ceases to impress and entertain. I’ve never been one to shackle myself by making predictions, but Dream Theatre will surely stand among ‘89’s best with this striking debut. That’s a fact.

—Ray Dorsey