http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/m2268614.aspx (http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/m2268614.aspx)
Quoth Mike Portnoy:
QuoteFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2009
New York, NY:
Progressive metal veterans DREAM THEATER have announced BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS as the title of their tenth studio album. The band commenced work on the album – their second for Roadrunner Records, following up 2007's Systematic Chaos — in October of last year.
Roadrunner will release the record on June 23. In addition to the standard version CD, the album will also be available on vinyl LP, as well as a 3-disc Special Edition CD that will include the full album, a CD of instrumental mixes of the album and a CD of six cover songs, the titles of which will be revealed at a later date.
Six weeks prior to the June 23 street date, Roadrunner will release one cover song per week through digital retailers.
Drummer Mike Portnoy and guitarist John Petrucci are once again at the helm as producers, while Paul Northfield mixed the record.
The band will embark on a world tour in support of the album beginning in Europe throughout June which will be followed by the second edition of the band's PROGRESSIVE NATION tour featuring Zappa Plays Zappa, Pain Of Salvation and Beardfish throughout North America in July/August.
A video for the first single, "A Rite of Passage" will be shot in late March.
The track listing for BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS is as follows:
1. A Nightmare to Remember
2. A Rite of Passage
3. Wither
4. The Shattered Fortress
5. The Best of Times
6. The Count of Tuscany
(//http://www.mikeportnoy.com/images/blackcloudssilverlinings.jpg)
Now kindly clean your drool on the way out.
Biscuits will be soggy by June!
thanks for the info NoMeNoYou :D
Brilliant!! :D Thanks for that.
I must admit I didn't initially like that much of Systematic Chaos, but it has definitely been a grower. Now, I think the live version of "In the Presence of Enemies" (both parts) is bloomin fantastic.
:D
Considering the album will not be released before the start of the tour (including the UK dates with our beloved Frost*), we may start hoping DT will perform Awake in its entirety on a few selected gigs, like they did with I&W two years ago... That would be nice, huh ? :mrgreen:
So, are Frost* the black cloud or the silver lining ? :x
;)
Cool cover design like the name too :D
I'd like something a bit more Falling into Infincity/SDOIT/Octavarium than ToT/Systematic Chaos
Y'know like, some songs, instead of incessant shredding, would be nice.
Maybe I'm getting too old :(
I think you may get your wish as there seems to be a distinct prog album/metal album/prog album etc thing going on.
yeeah :D can't wait
Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice... 8-)
A CD of covers, eh? Wonder what they might be...?
Quote from: "Bert"I'd like something a bit more Falling into Infincity/SDOIT/Octavarium than ToT/Systematic Chaos
Y'know like, some songs, instead of incessant shredding, would be nice.
Maybe I'm getting too old :(
I fully agree.
Used to be a huge Dream Theater fan, but nowadays.. argh. Loved Systematic Chaos when it was released. Ten listens later I threw it out (not really of course). Just can't listen to it anymore.
I hope this album will be different, but to be really honest: I don't have much hope left.
Ah well, at least I have Frost* to fill the hole. :D
My enjoyment of DT has been waning with each album, but I'll still give them the benefit of the doubt, as there's always something brilliant on each release. I do wish they'd scale back the metal leanings of late, though, and cover some new ground instead of putting out more of the same. That said, few do 'more of the same' as well.
Excellent!
Looks like DT stole Frost*'s idea of putting out the instrumental mixes, eh?
I'll be waiting for the Dream Theater Reports™...
I can hear it in Leeds & Southampton now...
"Here's another new song that hasn't been released yet that you'll love after a few listens"
Mind you - if Jem says that.......
Quote from: "L33VEY"I can hear it in Leeds & Southampton now...
"Here's another new song that hasn't been released yet that you'll love after a few listens"
Mind you - if Jem says that.......
Now you've got me dreaming of a 1976 premiere! Cue Jem exploding over the idea of this... ;)
For Immediate Release
March 26th 2009
DREAM THEATER TO TAKE THEIR "PROGRESSIVE NATION 2009" TOUR TO EUROPE / UK IN THE FALL WITH SPECIAL GUESTS: OPETH, BIGELF AND UNEXPECT
New York progressive metal veterans DREAM THEATER will take their PROGRESSIVE NATION tour overseas for the first time with a run through Europe and the UK throughout Sept, Oct and Nov 2009.
PROGRESSIVE NATION founder and mastermind, DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy, once again hand-picked the bands based on musicianship, originality and diversity...not necessarily by popularity and marquee value. He comments: "After the excitement of putting together two very cool PROGRESSIVE NATION packages for North America, I knew it was time to bring the concept overseas and share some of these other great bands with our amazing fans throughout Europe and the UK".
Joining the tour will be DT's tourmates from PN08 (and Roadrunner Records labelmates), the legendary OPETH from Stockholm Sweden. Vocalist/Guitarist Mikael Akerfeldt was excited to partake in another PROGRESSIVE NATION experience: "Once my man "The Port" suggested they're going to bring PROGRESSIVE NATION over to Europe, I more or less begged him to get us on it, haha! We had such a great time doing it in North America and it did many great things for us as a band. It's fair to say that I can't wait to get going with this one.
It will be a blast, believe me!!"
Los Angeles band BIGELF will bring their unique brand of psychedelic, progressive hard rock to PN09. Vocalist/Keyboardist Damon Fox adds: "When I first met Mike Portnoy, I felt like we were cut from the same cloth, a brother from another mother. We could talk rock & roll for eons (we probably will on tour, hell yeah!). Being added to the PROGRESSIVE NATION tour feels like the planets have aligned for us and the elves have finally come home to Rivendell. The mentality of Dream Theater and PROGRESSIVE NATION reminds me of a quote from the great Willy Wonka, "There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination. Living there, you'll be free if you truly wish to be..." We eagerly await our return to Northern Europe and on a special note, we have never performed in England. This has driven us completely mad over the years. We are just brimming with passion and excitement to be able to bring our music back to the homeland which has inspired us so deeply.
"
Opening the show each night will be Canada's UNEXPECT who will surely blow people's minds with their insane musicianship and avant garde style of extreme progressive metal.
Guitarist Syriak had this to say: "How can we rationally express that crazy excitement we feel about this awesome turn of events...Upon getting offered by Mike to be on board this amazing prog vessel, we accepted at once to participate and add our own mad musical touch to the crew! Being part of the European leg of PN09 is an extreme honor for us and playing in company of such talented musicians shall be a true and heartfelt enjoyment! See you all on stage guys!! "
The European leg of PROGRESSIVE NATION will follow on the heals of the North American version of PN09 which will run throughout July & Aug 2009 in the US and Canada featuring DREAM THEATER, ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA, PAIN OF SALVATION and BEARDFISH.
PROGRESSIVE NATION's successful inaugural run throughout North America in 2008 featured OPETH, BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and THREE.
A festival and headlining run of Europe in June, followed by the two PN09 tours will be the first treks across the globe for DREAM THEATER in support of their newest Roadrunner Records release "Black Clouds & Silver Linings" which is slated for a late June 2009 release.
For more information, including dates to be announced soon, visit:
www.progressivenation2009.com (http://www.progressivenation2009.com) (coming soon)
www.dreamtheater.net (http://www.dreamtheater.net)
www.myspace.com/dreamtheater (http://www.myspace.com/dreamtheater)
(//http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp29/ytsejams_inc/PN09EuropeanAnnouncementAdmat2.jpg)
First DT and Frost* then DT and Opeth on the same bill I can't wait :D
You and me both, Mike ! Was very pleased to see that news come out :twisted:
Bigelf are very cool live! And Opeth are great, but having seen both those bands I would've preferred to have the North American version tour Europe too! I haven't seen any of those bands (apart from DT), so that would've been very cool.
It's probably better this way, though, I don't think I can get to a gig anyways. (:-P
aaaaaaaaaaaa tooo many gigs!!! Muse are due to announce dates soon as well. dkgsaighagh
f aD:
Muse are going to tour soon? Hell yeah! :D I missed them last time around, but I shall not fail this time...
I can't wait for Muse or Dream Theater.
I've been a huge DT fan for years now, even got their logo as a tat on my leg.
Muse is just so amazing, it's unbelievable. Also later on in May my buddies and i are crossing our fingers to see Opeth for the third time.
Good stuff.
Quote from: "Dr.Ripper"Excellent!
Looks like DT stole Frost*'s idea of putting out the instrumental mixes, eh?
I thought that. I hope they did something akin to what I did on Wonderland on one of the tracks. ;)
Hee hee hee hee... :lol:
The instrumental did me aw wrong'un I was just there tidying up and I got tripped up good, real good!
I'm hearing the first two tracks found on internet... Nothing new...
Quote from: "Gandalf1986"I'm hearing the first two tracks found on internet... Nothing new...
I agree. Listened to 'A Rite of Passage', and while it's not bad, it just doesn't feel as prog anymore. It's just... metal.
Playing 'A Nightmare to Remember' right now. They certainly went very gothic on the intro. Wow...
I'll just have to get over the fact that DT has went in another direction. 7 string/drop D guitar chugging/shredding. It's okay, but I think they had their best days. :P
This album will probably grow on me a bit, but I'll probably throw it out after a few months, just like with Systematic Chaos.
I know these are only two tracks so far, but judging on these: I have to say I'm not dissapointed. That's not because I love it, but it's because I had low expectations to begin with. :P
disclaimer: I'm a long time DT fan, and I still respect them very much, also as individual musicians. Portnoy has been, and probably still is one of my biggest influences on the drums. I'll still support them. Won't just disregard them because their music is less interesting to me now. It's not that black and white.
[/rant]
edit: yay my longest Frost* forum post!
Excuse me being lazy but where are you listening to the tracks?
Well. Let's just say it's not officially available yet...
Just a couple of radio rips found somewhere... lying around... too tempting not to pick up...
Not that I feel bad about it though. I'll buy the album anyways, so there's no starving artist we're talking about :)
You can swim into this torrent (//http://www.mininova.org/tor/2501563) and find the fish we're talking about... :lol:
Not feeling so lazy this morning so looked around will now go have a listen
Cheers for that Gandalf, been listening to them today.
Seems since joining Roadrunner Records, they have really been influenced by them, going from Prog Metal, to Metal with prog touches.
Not that I'm complaining, still sounds superb, but definately need to swing back to the Prog Metal.
A bit disappointed I am by these fishies. Some great moments but overall sounds pretty easy and lame.
Hoping for something better on the 4 other tracks.
After having listened to both new tracks a couple of times, I must say they're leaning to the more metal side and reducing their prog approach. Also, I can't help to think that they have found a "formula", since most of the sections in A nightmare to remember and A rite of passage are just to similar to others in past Dream Theater songs.
Anyway, as a DT fan for many years, I will wait to listen for the whole thing to be available in order to form a better opinion. And also, I'm curious for the cover versions, for the lenght of the tracks I can't guess which one they'll be. Some La villa Strangiato would be fine, but I'm afraid the things will be metal-er than that.
After watching the video I sense a bit more goth-e-ness in their sound.
So far I think it kinda sucks,thought the solo section was getting to the DT
I'm used to. BUT this is an edit of the song and I agree that I need to hear
the album as a whole before forming an opinion.
I'm not into torrential music, so lucky for me "A Rite Of Passage" turned up in the US iTunes store yesterday. Not sure if it's also across the pond.
Sounds like something that would have been on Six Degrees..., kind of a mix of The Great Debate and maybe something from Scenes. No new ground here, but welcome just the same.
I have had the album (promo version, I do reviews for a french website) for a bit more than a week now, and it is a big relief for me to know that the aforementioned fishies were probably the worst tracks on the album.
I'm now even more eager to see them on stage next month !
what do you want in exchange for your CD, i'll give you anything haha!!
There's nothing you could offer, I'm sorry :)
I only have watermarked MP3s that I can't (and obviously won't) share, with anyone, for anything.
Be patient ! Only 5 weeks to go before the release...
DT - Rite of Passage.
Can't make up my mind whether it's a masterpiece or a case of "they just can't help themselves, can they" ?
A weak track on this album if you ask me. I barely listen to it anymore. It has its moments, obviously, but it's not worth a penny compared to what the three last songs have to offer.
After several listens, I'm liking the music (mostly), though it's disappointing the band is content to put out "more of the same." The lyrics are fine, kinda cool, actually, though I'm not wild about the delivery and Portnoy's bvox. The long metal break in the middle doesn't really do a whole lot for me, but it's not horrible. The keyboard "solo" doesn't work for me, either. It sounds a bit like R2-D2 short circuiting (sorry, JR).
A band with this much talent really should be trying to stretch themselves artistically. That's just not happening. But, "same old DT" is still a lot better than a lot of other bands. I'm always hopeful they'll surprise me and usually find myself liking at least one or two tracks. Systematic Chaos took a while to grow on me, but The Dark Eternal Night was always a standout, imo. I won't hesitate to pick up the new CD.
For all of us Luddites , A Rite of Passage is now on their MySpace page - 8 minues of it.. Sounds good to me..
//http://www.myspace.com/dreamtheater
It's all a bit "Pasta of Muppets", if you ask me.
They'll be doing Abba covers next.
I'm listening to The Count of Tuscany right now. Very cool so far! :D
This is what I was hoping for.
edit: lol! they used the same bird samples in the end of the song, as in The Man With the 4.7
They've officially kicked my ass on this album. The Shattered Fortress and The Count of Tuscany are awesome songs.
I'm not really into the rest, although A Nightmare To Remember has some good moments as well.
I have to say I'm pretty satisfied with the result. 2 out of 6, with the 2 being epics, is good enough for me. I'm mostly glad that they seem to have rediscovered how to play more interesting chord transitions/notes.
Cool. Looking forward to it. Also glad to see they're doing a vinyl release.
First cover from the bonus disc is available now a cover of Rainbow's - Stargazer
(//http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v286/mphgt/stargazercover.jpg)
I'm glad I ordered the 3CD version now! :D
No clues as to the other tracks yet?
I just wish I had the spare cash to get this:
http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/9768358 ... oduct.html (http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/9768358/Black-Clouds-Silver-Linings-Deluxe-Collector-Edition-Box-Set/Product.html)
8-) 8-) 8-)
Quote from: "Ecosse"I just wish I had the spare cash to get this:
http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/9768358 ... oduct.html (http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/9768358/Black-Clouds-Silver-Linings-Deluxe-Collector-Edition-Box-Set/Product.html)
8-) 8-) 8-)
I'm weak and resisted when it first was announced but caved in last night and ordered the deluxe collector edition box set
Quote from: "MikeEvs"Quote from: "Ecosse"I just wish I had the spare cash to get this:
http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/9768358 ... oduct.html (http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/9768358/Black-Clouds-Silver-Linings-Deluxe-Collector-Edition-Box-Set/Product.html)
8-) 8-) 8-)
I'm weak and resisted when it first was announced but caved in last night and ordered the deluxe collector edition box set
I hate you now Mike! :lol:
I'm away to see if anyone wants to buy a half picked scottish liver....
Quote from: "Ecosse"I'm away to see if anyone wants to buy a half pickled scottish liver....
It'd look good in a jar on the bar, that would, alongside some eggs and a large gherkin.
So, my uncle lent me a copy of this. ¬_¬
Pretty good, darker in places, still has the now-signature guitar/keyboard back and forth shred sections. Can't wait for the proper release, but I'm so glad I'll actually know the songs they're playing when I see them and Frost* in June. :D
Yeah, got a hold of a copy yesterday, and it's actually a really good album.
Personal favourites so far are The Best Of Times & The Shattered Fortress. The Count of Tuscany is also superb.
ANTR and RoP are the weakest songs on the album for me.
Also hinting away to the fiancee last night and she was saying that if I REALLY did want the Collectors Edition, then to get it :D
Come on PayDay!
Come on release day more like!
The bitrate is really low on the copy I got, wonder if that's deliberate so people will go out and buy it, but can hear what they're in store for...
Rite Of Passage is the first track on the cover disk with the 2nd issue of Prog magazine.
I quite like it as a track and I look forward to it played live but, to be brutally honest, it sounds a little lack-lustre sonically on the CD.
Is it just me or does it sound like it was mixed using some kind of pre-set template?
I should say that I've demonstrated that I don't know what I am taking about before....
Leaks may not always be finished. Can't remember what band it was, but their album was leaked dead early, and some member(s?) went out and asked fans to "please not listen to it, because it's not finished" and they didn't want people to hear a half-done unmixed version and be all ":("
Fair comment. I think I shall be buying my first ever DT CD....possibly at the gig! :)
Good thinking, not sure it'll be out by then, though. I read somewhere it was a fair while afterwards.
Either way, I want the epic OMG ALL THE CDS IN THE WORLD edition. :D
Release date for the UK is the 22nd June
ANTR and RoP both are poor quality on the downloads, but the rest are pretty good.
The Count of Tuscany is REALLY growing on me, will be an awesome track live if they ever play it in it's full 20min awesomeness.
Cover #2 just released - "Tenement Funster/Flick Of The Wrist/Lily Of The Valley" by Queen.
Nice artwork for it too:
(//http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v286/mphgt/Queencover.jpg)
Just listened to this and as I'm not the biggest Queen fan didn't know the originals of these songs so can't compare all though it is a pretty good medley but I preferred Stargazer.
And the third cover released today is a cover of Dixie Dreggs - Odyssey
(//http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v286/mphgt/51qnP2NEvdL_SS500_.jpg)
I'm disappointed no one's mentioned the cover of Zebra's "Take Your Fingers From My Hair." While DT certainly did their dreamy theaterest in updating the song, it only serves to make me want to listen to the original. LaBrie does his LaBrie thing, but in doing so, strips the feeling from the Randy Jackson's Plant-style vocal (Randy Jackson of Zebra fame, not "yo, dawg, a'ight, wassup, wassup" fame). It's still pretty well done musically (as of course it would be), it just fails to really capture what Zebra did.
What it does that I'm most grateful for is introduces a ton of people to Zebra, who, despite having put out the fastest selling album in the history of Atlantic Records back in 1983, really aren't all that well known. Zebra's eponymous debut has some really good stuff on it, particularly "Who's Behind The Door?," and if you happen to find a copy of their performance on the King Biscuit Flower Hour you'd be wise to pick it up. Their Zeppelin covers are legendary in some parts of the country (USA).
Props to Portnoy for bringing them some well-deserved attention.
Oh, I used to love "Bears." What an unlikely title for such a cool song.
I went through my little Zebra listening phase back in the mid 80's and I even got to see
them live at the SUNY Oswego campus. It wasn't until I checked back on this thread
that I found DT were covering them.
+1 on the second album as well. Loved those tracks as well. Our local classic rock
station here in Syracuse plays "Tell me what you want" once in a while.
http://www.thedoor.com/ (http://www.thedoor.com/)
A few videos from Dream Theater's set at download can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p ... 78DE0F7D04 (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=515F1678DE0F7D04)
The set list was:
1. Pull Me Under
2. Constant Motion
3. A Rite Of Passage
4. Hollow Years
5. Metropolis pt. 1
Quote from: "EVP"I went through my little Zebra listening phase back in the mid 80's and I even got to see
them live at the SUNY Oswego campus. It wasn't until I checked back on this thread
that I found DT were covering them.
+1 on the second album as well. Loved those tracks as well. Our local classic rock
station here in Syracuse plays "Tell me what you want" once in a while.
http://www.thedoor.com/ (http://www.thedoor.com/)
I also saw them at SUNY Oswego. 1986, I think. The Outfield opened for them. What classic rock station in Syracuse? I used to work for WKFM back when it was KIX 104.7.
I must say that the process of trying to prepare for the Leeds gig, coupled with some YouTube-ing and LastFM-ing, has made me warm to the whole Dream Theater thang.
My lad's mate leant me the back catalog so I made a playlist of the gig setlist which I have been listenng to a fair bit. I'm liking what I'm hearing and venturing into other album tracks too. :)
I imagine you're in for a treat, then, because I found the set list lacking and if you liked that, then I think you're really going to like what they didn't play.
I recommend a listen to Octavarium, Pedro. At one point in the lyrics, they just start listing references to loads of Prog stuff. That whole song's a bit of a tribute to what they do and what's gone before and it kicks serious bottom. 8-)
Listen out for the bit they unashamedly nicked directly from In The Cage. ;)
Quote from: "eponymous"Quote from: "Mouse"I recommend a listen to Octavarium, Pedro. At one point in the lyrics, they just start listing references to loads of Prog stuff. That whole song's a bit of a tribute to what they do and what's gone before and it kicks serious bottom. 8-)
Listen out for the bit they unashamedly nicked directly from In The Cage. ;)
Not to mention the unabashedly "Shine On You Crazy Diamond"-esque bits in the intro...
You might also hear musical bits reminding you of Spock's Beard, Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody", Yes' "Heart of the Sunrise", "Jingle Bells", and more.
And the bit at about 18:43 always makes me think of Dave Mustaine from Megadeth singing Marillion's "Forgotten Sons". But somehow it works.
Octavarium is one of my fave DT tracks of all time, but it doesn't get too much love from all the fans...
And if only you could have heard "A Change of Seasons" as it was played before they re-worked it for the EP...
Having never heard the older version of A Change of Seasons, I really, really like the EP version.
Agreed, Octavarium is a brilliant track even though Petrucci does not get much of a look in. I've always thought there was room for a Gilmouresk solo in the middle bit.
JP's solo in The Shattered Fortress is fucking KILLER! One of the best I've heard of him.
Up there with UAGM and Voices.
Given with much eye rolling, Black Clouds was finally placed in my grubby paw for Fathers' Day. On two listenings so far, am very impressed but not sure if it's up there with Systematic Chaos - yet!
Sometimes I find I enjoy a DT album more after the next DT album is released. I expect to be getting into Systematic Chaos more in the coming weeks.
Agreed on the 93 version of ACOS. Not as polished and thoughtful, maybe, as the EP version (or the LSFNY version for that matter), but there's this energy the guys had back then...
JP's solo is one of his greatest, and it sadly evolved into something completely different in the latter versions. This purely live take on the epic was thankfully captured :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAKlvNKlR3A (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAKlvNKlR3A)
Image is all blurry and shit, but sound's been dubbed with a CD track so it's perfecly listenable. Beware of some excruciating hair and fashion madness though (remember the Take The Time video ? Well, it's worse). James tends to scream a bit too much for my taste, as he used to do at the time, especially on such a seldom-performed piece, but that's no big deal. The instrumental part (starting with JP around 13:45 I think) is freaking jaw-dropping and the whole ending is again very different from the EP version. The "Don't go !" part is fantastic, considering what the song is about, and I always miss it when listening to the EP.
Two even earlier versions exist, the first is an instrumental demo from the Majesty era which already featured some of the main parts, and the second (and great one) was recroded during the singer auditions from 91, and if I remember correctly, some random guy named John Cintron is singing. And he does a pretty good job too, though I'm glad he wasn't asked to join :lol: This version features some interesting lyrics that disappeared along the way and a cool voice sample at the end.
For those who'd like some CD recording, check the Dreambill official bootleg.
http://www.ytsejamrecords.com/ProductCa ... product=29 (http://www.ytsejamrecords.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=8&idproduct=29)
Great show by the way, not only for ACOS.
Quote from: "Valhall"Agreed on the 93 version of ACOS. Not as polished and thoughtful, maybe, as the EP version (or the LSFNY version for that matter), but there's this energy the guys had back then...
JP's solo is one of his greatest, and it sadly evolved into something completely different in the latter versions. This purely live take on the epic was thankfully captured :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAKlvNKlR3A (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAKlvNKlR3A)
Image is all blurry and shit, but sound's been dubbed with a CD track so it's perfecly listenable. Beware of some excruciating hair and fashion madness though (remember the Take The Time video ? Well, it's worse). James tends to scream a bit too much for my taste, as he used to do at the time, especially on such a seldom-performed piece, but that's no big deal. The instrumental part (starting with JP around 13:45 I think) is freaking jaw-dropping and the whole ending is again very different from the EP version. The "Don't go !" part is fantastic, considering what the song is about, and I always miss it when listening to the EP.
Two even earlier versions exist, the first is an instrumental demo from the Majesty era which already featured some of the main parts, and the second (and great one) was recroded during the singer auditions from 91, and if I remember correctly, some random guy named John Cintron is singing. And he does a pretty good job too, though I'm glad he wasn't asked to join :lol: This version features some interesting lyrics that disappeared along the way and a cool voice sample at the end.
For those who'd like some CD recording, check the Dreambill official bootleg.
http://www.ytsejamrecords.com/ProductCa ... product=29 (http://www.ytsejamrecords.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=8&idproduct=29)
Great show by the way, not only for ACOS.
Agreed with all you've said there I have the dreambill bootleg already, just one correction it's Chris Cintron not John.
Ah, yes, thank you for that ! Got mixed up with John Hendricks which is another random dude singing on the I&W Demos.
my box set arrived today, very cool, and i just finished up this beauty, a full bass transcription of A Rite of Passge
(//http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/1671/ariteofpassage0001.th.jpg) (//http://img13.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ariteofpassage0001.jpg) (//http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/1791/ariteofpassage0002.th.jpg) (//http://img15.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ariteofpassage0002.jpg) (//http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/3064/ariteofpassage0003.th.jpg) (//http://img29.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ariteofpassage0003.jpg) (//http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/922/ariteofpassage0004.th.jpg) (//http://img35.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ariteofpassage0004.jpg) (//http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/339/ariteofpassage0005.th.jpg) (//http://img40.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ariteofpassage0005.jpg)
PDF LINK - http://www.liamgaughan.com/arop.pdf (http://www.liamgaughan.com/arop.pdf)
Quote from: "weezul"PDF LINK - http://www.liamgaughan.com/arop.pdf (http://www.liamgaughan.com/arop.pdf)
What a very clever Frostie* you are, fine work indeed.
just keepin my skills sharp, and if its of any use to anyone, that's a bonus :D
Quote from: "weezul"just keepin my skills sharp, and if its of any use to anyone, that's a bonus :D
Ah! Use it or loose it! I used to play cello which required reading bass, alto and (very occasionally) treble clefs. I can still work out the notes but it's one at a time very, very slowly.
I have to say that I'm really disappointed with this album. Pretty formulaic and in no way "progressive". As a band, they haven't really "progressed" since 6DOIT in my view, with the possible exception of some of the tracks on Octavarium.
Just sounds like sub Iron Maiden and Metallica only with some weird time sigs thrown in. Nothing to match the truly progressive Lines in the Sand or The Dance of Eternity for example.
I just think they've lost their way - too many detuned riffs, pointless shredding (compare Petrucci's solo on the aforementioned Lines in the Sand and tell me anything he's does on this album gets anywhere near it) and "cookie monster" vocals.
I reckon they're regressive, not progressive.
Grumpy old Bert. I'll get me coat :(
On first listen, I'm reminded why bands should never be allowed to act as producer on their own material. It's the attack of the wet kick drum with some music in the background. I've never liked MP's "vocals" and dislike LaBrie's affinity for the megaphone effect. They just can't pull off metal convincingly and should really steer clear of it.
I've gotten used to RoP enough to enjoy it. Listening to The Count of Tuscany right now and it's got its bright spots. The Shattered Fortress is a definite standout and hopefully the end of MP's 12 part quintillogy. I most likely will be burning a disc of it in its entirety (The Glass Prison / This Dying Soul / The Root of All Evil / Repentance / The Shattered Fortress) and see how it feels as a complete piece.
Quote from: "gr8gonzo"The Shattered Fortress is a definite standout and hopefully the end of MP's 12 part quintillogy. I most likely will be burning a disc of it in its entirety (The Glass Prison / This Dying Soul / The Root of All Evil / Repentance / The Shattered Fortress) and see how it feels as a complete piece.
Thanks Gonzo! I was thinking of doing the same thing but couldn't remember all the tracks!
I'm struggling a little with this one too. The perpetual battering of double bass drums gets a bit wearing on the first few tracks and the growly vox are best left to Opeth. I like RoP, Best of Days is heartfelt and probably my favourite so far and The Count is actually pretty good but haven't really clicked with the rest yet.
The covers CD however is really good! Stargazer could have been written by DT but it is the 3rd Queen track, Lily of the Valley, which floored me. They totally nail the Queen sound in terms of piano, vocals and especially guitar. Played it to Mrs DS and she thought it was Queen!
Quote from: "Bert"Grumpy old Bert. I'll get me coat :(
I don't see how anyone could have a problem with your opinion, you have stated how you feel about it without being rude or nasty about it. Not a problem in my book
For the record I think it is good but nowhere near as good as their previous work but I expect that as with most DT albums it will continue to grow on me.
I like your new avatar JiB :lol:
Nah - no lynching comments - but it made me come to this thread for the 1st time :)
Sorry I'm an unabashed DT fanboy having seen them live 22 times covering gigs all over the UK and 3 in the US and once in Zurich. Octavarium seems to be a DT fan favourite but is a career low point for me, As much as a fan as I am I Walk Beside You leave me cold every time they play it live and I skip over it on those rare occasions I spin octavarium. Although as an album it grows on me every time I listen to it with the exception of I walk beside you which ranks up there for me with Overture from the start of Disc 2 of Six Degrees as Dream Theaters worst track IMHO.
I have to admit whilst I've loved Dream Theater from Images and Words I love it when they get heavier although Scenes from a Memory still remains my favourite as a complete album. And although Dream Theater has always been known for it's Keyboard/ Guitar interplay Jordan is my least favourite of DT's 3 keyboard players. I found Kevin Moore's playing to be more understated and more suiting to the music than either Derek Sherinian or Jordan. And live neither can compete with Derek for his stage presence and personality off stage (although I have a friend who toured with Planet X who will disagree with me vigorously on this point).
Anyway I digress getting back to the new album whilst on first listen I hated Mike's vocals on a Nightmare to Remember and felt given his friendship with Mikael Åkerfeldt if those were the sort of vocals he was looking for he should have asked his friend to do them. I kind of agree with the point on Petrucci's solos but for the record my favourite Petrucci solos are in Voices and The Spirit Carries On.
Overall I rate this album on a par with Systematic Chaos and Train of Thought both of which I prefer over Octavarium.
On the subject of the Twelve Steps Suite (Preferred title of MP) already have this has a playlist on itunes and on my mp3 player and can't wait to hear them play this in it's entirety live although I have a feeling this may require another transatlantic flight.
But the point being, if they churn out the same sort of stuff time after time - how can they be progressive?
EDIT: This post was originally brought to you by beer and without much thought :lol:
removed by the other me (ie the sober one)
About the Queen cover > Mr May himself met with MP a few weeks ago, got himself a copy of the album and was floored by this cover, especially by the vocal layers and stuff. Mike was like a kid getting an A for his school project :)
I first heard DT on New Year's Day 1990 (When Dream And Day Unite album) and, with Charlie Dominici on vocals, they definitely seemed to be going for a heavier, more complex Rush sound at the time. Like most DT fans, I love Images and Scenes most, but I also seem to like Awake more than average. Octavarium is one of my least favourite DT albums (Train of Thought is at the bottom of my list - sorry, just not a metal fan) and I'm also among those who preferred Kevin Moore. I like some of what Derek and Jordan have done, but Kevin's playing, like you said, seemed better suited to the material.
Quote from: "Nellie"I like your new avatar JiB :lol:
Thank you, I might use a different song soon.......
I would rate it above systematic chaos but probably not anything else :/ that being said i'm still enjoying listening to it daily for most of the summer just like SC
Quote from: "johninblack"Quote from: "Nellie"I like your new avatar JiB :lol:
Thank you, I might use a different song soon.......
What is that song, JiB?
Nice one Epo ;)
I have managed around 80% of it so far. I can't find an hour to myself these days! :roll:
What I've heard, I really like. Particularly the soundscapes. Maybe its me, but there seems to be a lot of new sounds going on compared to other DT releases. Yes it's full of DT cliches, my first impression was another Scenes form a Memory, but on listening further I have not been able to continue that thought.
On the technical side, the production sounds fantastic, on my modest studio monitors, without being overly clinical.
To summarise, I'm really looking forward to further listenings.
And that's a big +1 from me on that. That song is a totally underrated masterpiece that continues to escape the DT live catalogue... Songs like A Fortune In Lies, The Killing Hand or Only A Matter Of Time have been played over the years, although not that often I admit, but still, they DID get a taste of the audience. Ytse Jam too in the ToT tour's Instrumedley.
But The Ones never appears for some reason, and that's a complete shame...
Yep, but that was for WDADR, when they played the whole album live for its 15th anniversary. It was a really rare occasion, and the song itself was never (I think) included in regular setlists.
I also second that comment on Labrie's take on these vocals... But I guess I'd say the same if Charlie was to sing some of James's stuff. Which he did that very night btw, on To Live Forever and Metropolis, and that was a bit disturbing, though it was great to see him on stage. Derek was here too, and jammed with John and Jordan on Metropolis.
There did seem to be an unusual amount of revisited bits (aside from the expected TSF) as epo mentioned, which got a ho-hum eye roll reaction from me. As if it weren't bad enough that their new songs sound too much like previous work, they've gone the extra mile and actually played parts from older DT songs. Maybe the next album will just be 80 minutes of metronome so everyone will think of SFAM's 'Regression,' the appropriate term for the band's recent releases. It's going to take several listens to find out if there's anything on here I can enjoy without wanting to throw things at the band. "The Best of Times" may be that track, but I'm disappointed with that one, too, as it kicked in with that promising 'Spirit of Radio' riff, then petered out into a 'Hollow Years'/'Trial of Tears' yawner. Pardon my snippy commentary. It's still early and I'm a bit grumpy. These albums always seem to take a while to sink in properly.
Re: WDADU... I always rather liked "Status Seeker" ("A Fortune in Lies' and "Ytse Jam" were right up there, too).
Status Seeker is a great song, but I'm still happy the band (at least partly) abandoned that FM feeling they had back then. Works wonder with Charlie's voice on a 1989 album, but that time is gone.
DREAM THEATER ARE BACK!!!!
I've not even finished the first track and already grinning widely. Its not some metal splurge like SC.
I'm a happy fox.
Then brace yourself, because the best is yet to be heard. :mrgreen:
Listened to the "bonus" disk of covers on the car on the way home today. Really enjoyed it, OK "Stargazer" is a classic locked in my system from a teenager, as is Odyssey, but the rest are all new to my ears... gosh, yes, even Larks Tongues! :o , so the bonus has even more bonus value.
Black Clouds & SL is being absorbed with continued enthusiasm.
I was only able to find the standard 1 cd version at Best Buy and I have to say initially
I didn't think I was gonna like this album but I was pleasantly surprised. It's actually
quite good. It's got me thinking more about getting tickets for the Albany.NY show
coming up in August.
now if I can get get my hands on the bonus disc!
http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/9692282 ... oduct.html (http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/9692282/Black-Clouds-Silver-Linings/Product.html)
;)
Great album! Probably their best effort since Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. :o
Wow! The album went straight in at No. 6 in the US Billboard Top 100 album charts! :shock: This from an elated Mike Portnoy:-
DT cracks the US Top 10!!!!
Just got this below email from our A&R guy at Roadrunner....
Dream Theater's Black Clouds & Silver Linings entered the US Billboard Charts today at #6!!
This is truly amazing....that after almost 25 years together, this band is still growing and progressing and doing bigger and better numbers than ever.....I can't think of many bands that can claim that...
Plus - a progressive metal album with four songs over 12 minutes in the US Top 10???
(wedged between Jonas Brothers, Eminem and Hannah Montana!)
Hell must've frozen over!!!!
(this must be a first of its kind.....)
See the statistics below.....
Thank you everybody! [&:]
MP
-------------------------
from Monte Conner (Roadrunner Records):
We did 40,285 units in the first week to come in at #6 (!!!)
That is DT's highest US chart number ever, beating "Systematic Chaos" which charted at #19 back in May 2007 and until now was the band's highest chart debut.
That is also DT's highest first week units total ever - handily beating "Awake" which did 36,160 first week back in October 1994 (#32 on the chart). "Awake" was the first (and very heavily anticipated) DT album in the wake of the band's previous breakthrough album "Images And Words" - with its smash hit "Pull Me Under" - and yet here we are 15 years later totally crushing it.
Previous DT highs:
Systematic Chaos: 35,689 (#19) – May 2007
Awake: 36,160 (#32) – October 1994
FYI, 4,783 of those sales were digital (over 10%), and we have actually scanned 40,591 to date because there were pre-release street violations of 306 units last week.
Yeah I read it on the mikeportnoy forum. Good for them! I think it's great for a band to keep improving after so many years.
I honestly have to say that I didn't expect this, although I really do love BC&SL. (it's no Frost* yet, but still, kudos to them! :lol:)
Pity it's the worst thing they've ever done.
Quote from: "Bert"Pity it's the worst thing they've ever done.
You say that like it's a fact. :P
Quote from: "Pajter"Quote from: "Bert"Pity it's the worst thing they've ever done.
You say that like it's a fact. :P
Yes, sorry. In my personal opinion, of course :D
Actually, I'm just listening now on my iPod and I have to say, the production is very good - probably the best I've heard on a DT album. And the songs make a bit more sense after repeated listening - believe me, I am really trying to like this album.
However, in my view, they lack focus and quality control which I can only put down to the fact that MP and JP self-produce, and I don't think it's good for them. A bit of judicious editing and pruning wouldn't go amiss, I think.
Don't get me wrong - I haven't got a huge downer on DT - I am a fan and have been since I first picked up SFOAM (I bought the ltd edition of this album, after all) and I'd much rather they were here than not but nonetheless, it seems to me they have traded melody, musical inspiration and uniqueness for a more uniform, metal approach which probably has more appeal to the "Metal Hammer" market, which is where the bucks are to be found.
At the end of the day, the proof of the pudding as we say, is in the eating. I guess it must be working for them cos they're in the Billboard Top 10.
There's really nothing on this album that you couldn't find on Train of Thought or Systematic Chaos. At the end of the day I don't think Dream Theater are progressing through the use of detuned riffs, shreds, quasi-fantasy lyrics, cookie monster vox, endless double bass drum kicks etc.
But then, it seems to float lot of boat's hereabouts, so what do I know ? :D
I'm just a dissapointed fan.
I'm with ya, Bert. I've been a fan since 1990, own every album and will continue to buy their albums, but it's been harder to enjoy them each time out. We're in agreement about the direction, the lack of progression, the error of self-producing, etc. I'm still trying to digest BC&SL (it always takes several listens for this stuff to sink in), but I've already pulled the CD from my car and that's a bad sign. I'm always hopeful, though, and find I often appreciate the album more after the next one comes out.
I agree on a lot of points with you both. I think I had the exact same feeling you guys have, with Systematic Chaos.
With this album however, I feel they're getting better again. It's still nowhere near the genius of SFAM, but after Systematic Chaos, I'm quite relieved to hear this album.
I don't know what will happen over time, because I initially liked SC too. But BC&SL has some moments which give me chills (the good kind :P), and that's something I've missed in Dream Theater for a long while. I even bought tickets to see them with Opeth, and that's saying something, because I have not gone to a DT gig in years. (and I'm pretty much broke. :lol:)
Also, I have all the isolated tracks, and it's pretty cool to hear how it all sticks together. I might even say that is has made me appreciate the album more. :)
AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Despite all I said...
... it's beginning to grow on me
Damn them !!
Just discovered THIS:
(//http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f105/ajgr8/dttraininstrdemos-1.jpg)
Quote from: "gr8gonzo"Just discovered THIS:
(//http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f105/ajgr8/dttraininstrdemos-1.jpg)
I don't think it'll be an improvement, if I'm honest.
Quote from: "gr8gonzo"Just discovered THIS:
(//http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f105/ajgr8/dttraininstrdemos-1.jpg)
Ordered it this morning along with the 3 other new ytsejam releases (have all the others) and also caved and pre ordered the LTE box set
Quote from: "MikeEvs"Quote from: "gr8gonzo"Just discovered THIS:
(//http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f105/ajgr8/dttraininstrdemos-1.jpg)
Ordered it this morning along with the 3 other new ytsejam releases (have all the others) and also caved and pre ordered the LTE box set
Evs, you're a real DT fanboy :-)
Quote from: "Bert"Quote from: "MikeEvs"Quote from: "gr8gonzo"Just discovered THIS:
(//http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f105/ajgr8/dttraininstrdemos-1.jpg)
Ordered it this morning along with the 3 other new ytsejam releases (have all the others) and also caved and pre ordered the LTE box set
Evs, you're a real DT fanboy :-)
Can't help it it's an addiction, 22 live gigs including 2 trips across the Atlantic and one to Zurich, Every official release there's been plus a few promos (I have 3 different versions of the Hollow Years single) and quite a few t-shirts, long sleeves, hoodies etc
What can I say they hooked me early. I'm sure there are people out there who have far more than me :?:
Indeed :mrgreen:
http://forum.yourmajesty.net/viewtopic. ... 40&start=0 (http://forum.yourmajesty.net/viewtopic.php?t=5640&start=0)
And believe it or not, that's not the whole of it !
And on a not-so-completely different matter, I've been rocking to the LTE boxset for a week now and it's just unbelievably awesome. Being there that night in NYC was a dream come true, that I now can live again with this sweet release. I'm loving it :D
http://vimeo.com/5837878 (http://vimeo.com/5837878)
OWNED! :lol:
Great mashup. Serj Tankian was so good in there. Made perfect sense. :lol: