Dream Theater

Train Of Thought (East West)

Who they? Surely you mean ‘Who he?’ Because let’s face it, there’s only one guy in this band that us guitarists want to know about, and that’s fleet-fingered shred genius John Petrucci. This new album finds him once again following his own idiosyncratic, prog metal agenda, although – with bands like SikTh currently coming through – it looks like the world at large may be coming round to his way of thinking.

Any good? As ever with Petrucci, it’s not just the speed of the runs that takes the breath away, it’s the precision. And, true to form, Train Of Thought contains some of the most flawlessly accurate alternate picking ever committed to disc. Of course, TG could play this fast if we wanted to. We just, er, don’t feel like it right now.

Must hear? Obviously, given the instrumental chops on display, ‘tunes’ aren’t really the issue here. Still, opening track ‘As I Am’ is a convincingly angsty post-grunge stomp, and ‘Vacant’ is an affecting ballad. Apart from that, it’s pretty much jaw-dropping solos all the way.

Why buy? Because Dream Theater are the only mainstream band around right now that are willing to push the limits of their musicianship and aim for something truly inspiring. Word of warning for shredders though: listening to this album will make you realise just what a clueless, fat-fingered dunce you really are. Sorry.

—Luke Lewis

TG rating: 4 out of 5 (Shit Hot)