Octavarium - Dream Theater

Being the 8th album of Dream Theater, this is somewhat an iconic experience, the last album recorded at the 'Hit Factory' before it closed down, and the last album on Atlantic Records. While not the best Dream Theater album this is a good effort, and not as widely criticized as the all out metal 'Train Of Thought' (I didn't mind that one though). A run down of all the songs: Root of all evil: A good start to the album. This one is a continuation of the 'alcoholics anonymous' suite that has featured on the last few dream theater albums. Heavy guitar riffs, and some familiar vocal passages set the pace. A good effort, typical dream theater style and length ...  Read the complete review

Arguably the most famous studio release by Dream Theater. Definately contains one of their most creative songs. 1. Root Of All Evil - Begins with an eerie sort of organ sound, but soon breaks into classic Dream Theater. Wants to make you listen to the other songs on the album. 2. Answer Lies Within - I thought this lacked a little, but because of such a good first track, i think they got away with it. 3. These Walls - Another feature length Dream Theater song. This is nothing that special, but still shows how creative progressive metal can be. 4. I Walk Beside You - A shorter track for Dream Theater, above average length for anything else. Similar to ...  Read the complete review

Such a grand musical vision - an album that works through the circle of life, the full scale and the full range of Rock music styles(!) Octavarium is a great place to start for Dream-Theater-newbies. The quintet show off their virtuosity and diversity in a collection of 8 songs. The opener "The Root of All Evil" has a devilishly heavy guitar riff that really holds the track together. Jordan Rudess (on keyboards) goes a little overboard on some of his insane keyboard solos, but generally the track rocks along nicely. From here on in, the band move through several (rather obvious) musical influences - including U2 (I Walk Beside You) and ...  Read the complete review

If Dream Theater's seventh album concerned itself with re-establishing their metal credentials, their eighth full-length release jumps on the bandwagon as progressive rock comes back into fashion, thanks to bands like Muse and Porcupine Tree. Muse are a very obvious influence here right from the opening riff of 'The Root of All Evil' and especially 'Never Enough,' while the overlong title track pays lyrical tribute to a number of the band's influences almost as an excuse for stealing its opening minutes from Pink Floyd's classic 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond.' Anyone who thought the original song was a tad on the long-winded side should steer clear of Dream Theater's ...  Read the complete review