Dream Theater

Images And Words (EastWest 92148-2CD)

Dream Theater first burst upon the scene back in March 1989, with the release of their much-acclaimed When Dream And Day Unite debut (released through Mechanic/MCA). Causing all fans of progressive Pomp Rock to ask for an immediate change of underwear [Well you had to do it sooner or later, Maura! – Ed.], Dream Theater proved that it was possible to draw on influences as varied as Metallica, Styx and Yes without sounding completely ridiculous or outdated.

Now, three years later, Dream Theater are back with a new singer, James LaBrie, and an album that is set to do for Prog. Rock what Nirvana have done for smelly old cardigans. The songs may be unnaturally lengthy extravaganzas, yet the quality of musicianship on offer successfully keeps boredom at bay.

Even gargantuan songs such as the 11-minute plus ‘Learning To Live’ are surprisingly compelling. On tracks like the exquisite ‘Pull Me Under’ guitarist John Petrucci and keyboardist Kevin Moore create a lush sonic tapestry that reveals fresh wonders with each play. Meanwhile, vocalist LaBrie proves to be a very special find, exhibiting a staggering range which switches from Geoff Tate-like falsetto (‘Take The Time’) to a breathy, sensuous near-whisper (‘Wait For Sleep’) with apparent ease.

Overall, this is a stunning effort, with enough musical twists and turns to appeal to a wide variety of music lovers.

—Maura Sutton

Rating: 4 (out of 5)