Dream Theater Group Combines Many Styles

“Dream Theater” may sound like an up and coming band to you, but they have actually been together for quite a few years.

Their music can be best described as progressive rock. Structured songs that tend to be on the long side mark progressive rock music. The songs also have complex arrangements and the incorporation of many musical styles.

Dream Theater released their first album, When Dream And Day Unite in 1987. They had one hit song on MTV during the early 90s grunge period, but that was the extent of their mainstream success thus far. I had never heard of them until a good friend recommended that I buy one of their albums.

After searching diligently for a few months, I finally purchased my first Dream Theater album, Falling Into Infinity, which was first released in 1996. I became an instant fan and recently happened upon their newest album, Train Of Thought, which was released in 2003.

After hearing the first 30 seconds of the album, I knew I was going to love it. Train Of Thought is more heavy metal sounding than Falling Into Infinity, but still showcases the classic Dream Theater sound.

The lyrics are thought provoking but the most fascinating thing is the music behind the lyrics. It is full of wailing guitars and insane drumming, which clearly showcase the musical abilities of the members in the band.

The song structure is so complex that every time I listen I hear something I have never heard before. On the song, ‘Vacant’, the band showcases their diversity by stripping away the heavy guitars and drums and creating a moving ballad complete with piano and a string section.

Although Train Of Thought has only seven tracks, four of the seven are over 10 minutes long.

I give Train Of Thought five out of five stars. You are definitely getting your money’s worth when you invest in any Dream Theater CD.