Dream Theater

Images And Words (EastWest)

The long-awaited return of Dream Theater hearlds an utterly unique record blending the vicious edge of ‘90s metal – spot those Metallica-like riffs – with ‘70s-style British pomp and prog rock (Gentle Giant, Genesis, ELP and Renaissance are easily spotted), while actually yielding a coherent whole.

A mere eight tracks covers over 70 minutes, and the record is rarely less than captivating despite its length. Juggernaut riffing, delicate keys and soaring vocals – they’re all here, but what could have simply been a mess is tied together into real songs.

DT make a few more twists and turns than you’ll find in the average three-minute single, but they haven’t forgotten that melody is the key, and every tune is memorable.

How the band will fare in the current musical environment is open to question, but bands as ambitious – Queensrÿche and Metallica for example – are selling more records than ever, so maybe Dream Theater will also find a place in the hearts of those who seek a little more from their music.

Rating: 5 out of 5 (Buy)

—Paul Suter