Dream Theater (2)

Octavarium

Producers: John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy

Atlantic

Release Date: June 7

Dream Theater challenged itself by writing shorter songs for Octavarium – which, for this band, means about five minutes per cut. The quintet also minimized its frequent time changes and opted for less polished instrumental tones, giving the material warmer textures. The results are excellent. ‘The Root of All Evil’ conjures the metal energy from previous album Train of Thought, while ‘These Walls’ and the inspiring ‘I Walk Beside You’ are quintessential DT prog. The theme of mortality permeates the album, emphasized by ticking clocks, tolling bells and the lyrics to ‘The Answer Lies Within.’ DT finally kicks out the jams with the title track, a 24-minute galactic epic that channels a bit of Queen. Ambitious, but chopping off a few minutes wouldn’t have hurt.

—CLT