Dream Theatre

When Dream And Day Unite (Mechanic)

Rating: 4 out of 5 (Electrifying)

I’m glad to see a new band bold enough to explore the musical territory of progressive hard rock, instead of going toward today’s trendier style of clones such as Guns ‘N’ Roses, Metallica, Poison, and even Slayer (not that that’s bad, just easier and less challenging). Formerly called Majesty, Dream Theatre’s music is a dazzling blend of a 70s progressive character mixed with guitar fretwork/lead breaks reminiscent to the classy metal sounds of Fates Warning and prepubescent Queensryche. And even though many compare Dream Theatre to Rush, they don’t remind me of Rush at all. They do remind me of a metalized version of early Kansas, though. In fact, by the end of the first side, the Kansas similarities became so extremely evident that it became an ecstatic blow for me, as the style Kansas presents back in the mid-70s (with superb LPs like Leftoverture and Point of Know Return) is of my highest acclaim. Dream Theatre needs a little more professionalism and experience to surpass anything Kansas has ever done. For instance, vocalist Charlie Dominici doesn’t touch the incredible serenading talent of Kansas’ Steve Walsh, but he is a high quality vocalist.

Dream Theatre’s musical limits go beyond just metal too. The guitar riffs are basically metal but much more intense with sharp keyboard riffs entwined. Keyboardist Kevin Moore is very impressive at work and builds a healthy atmosphere to the band’s presence. Most of the songs are long (and I usually don’t like long songs), but these songs define the word classy. And just to back up such a musical presentation, the band will need a larger-than-life stage show to represent their songwriting better. The band is a bit too dramatic for a small club situation. A small club would make them look boring.

This band is for any musical connoisseur who appreciates class and judges bands by their musical/songwriting ability (kind of like the tasting of fine wine, I guess). Yes, these are real composers: boys, and girls! Four bolts for Dream Theatre!

—Pat Prince