Dream Theater

Falling Into Infinity (East/West)

Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Not since Rush arrived on the music scene in the ‘70s has a progressive group made as much of an impact as the Long Island-based Dream Theater has made in the past few years. Under the supervision of ace producer Kevin Shirley (Rush, Aerosmith), the band’s new Falling Into Infinity reveals a more mature-sounding group adeptly combining metal, fusion, progressive, and pop-rock. Portnoy’s versatility and powerful chops are particularly evident on the epic ‘Trial Of Tears’ and ‘Lines In The Sand’, the latter featuring King’s X vocalist Doug Pinnick.

The group’s idea to record Falling’s songs one at a time results in a nicely varied drum sound throughout the album. Each cut is recorded incredibly clearly, however, so that listeners can practically visualize Mike’s entire drum setup, regardless of the sonic playfulness.

Portnoy is fast becoming the role model of progressive drumming that Neil Peart had the distinction of being for so many years. Of course longevity will be the key to Portnoy’s influence and success with Dream Theater; so far he is carrying the torch quite well.

—Mike Haid