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Dream Theater - Dream Theater



7.6 | 614 votes |
Release date: 20 September 2013
Style: Progressive metal

Owners:

482 have it
55 want it


Disc I [CD]
01. False Awakening Suite
    1 - Sleep Paralysis
    2 - Night Terrors
    3 - Lucid Dream
02. The Enemy Inside
03. The Looking Glass
04. Enigma Machine
05. The Bigger Picture
06. Behind The Veil
07. Surrender To Reason
08. Along For The Ride
09. Illumination Theory
    1 - Paradoxe De La Lumière Noire
    2 - Live, Die, Kill
    3 - The Embracing Circle
    4 - The Pursuit Of Truth
    5 - Surrender, Trust & Passion

Disc II [DVD][deluxe edition bonus]
01. 5.1 Audio Mix

Additional info
Released as:

Standard album:
- Features the nine-track disc and a 28-page booklet designed Hugh Syme.

Deluxe Edition CD
- The digipak includes a bonus disc of 5.1 audio mix and expanded packaging by Juno Award winning graphic artist, Hugh Syme.

180-gram 2-LP
- Embossed gatefold vinyl

Limited Edition collector's box set bundle
- Custom 2GB Majesty Symbol USB Stick containing:
* Isolated stems of "Behind The Veil"
* Take This For The Pain (Mike Mangini Audition Improv Jam)" - 30 minute documentary.
- Exclusive 7" of "The Bigger Picture" on clear vinyl, wrapped and sealed with a custom wax seal.
- Gel-skin iDots of Majesty Symbol for iPhone.
- 2-Disc embossed Deluxe Edition digi with bonus disc of 5.1 audio mix + expanded packaging.
- 180-gram 2-LP embossed gatefold vinyl with high quality FLAC files of full album.
- Artwork by Hugh Syme.

Found in 49 lists
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Comments page 4 / 4

Comments: 120   Visited by: 1398 users
04.10.2013 - 00:14
Rating: 8
Mehdi Taba
Mehdi Taba
I think on this album there was just some few special moment not a lot .
My final rating "8.4" .
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05.10.2013 - 06:38
Rating: 8
Masonics

2nd full listen and despite the shorter songs, DT keep it interesting. Bit disappointed by Magaini's Drum mix, but everything else sounds great, especially Pretrucci's Guitar work. James sounds better vocally this time, not going thorugh the motions like in the last couple of records. Illumination theory takes a bit of time, but could be their best song yet, the last section is probably their most emotive part of their songwriting career.
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05.10.2013 - 21:39
bulldozerash

Sounds so much monotonous to me, pretty much better than their last record but i think DT lost it after systematic chaos, dont know maybe because that was the first album that i listened to from DT and had great moments listening to that....
i didnt enjoy anything from them like classic albums
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06.10.2013 - 00:07
Rating: 9
Nicko's Nose

How is this better than A Dramatic Turn Of Events?
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06.10.2013 - 11:43
Rating: 7
Lethrokai

Written by Masonics on 05.10.2013 at 06:38

2nd full listen and despite the shorter songs, DT keep it interesting. Bit disappointed by Magaini's Drum mix, but everything else sounds great, especially Pretrucci's Guitar work. James sounds better vocally this time, not going thorugh the motions like in the last couple of records. Illumination theory takes a bit of time, but could be their best song yet, the last section is probably their most emotive part of their songwriting career.


Have to say I agree with pretty much everything you say. Felt this album was perhaps a little too guitar-centric though. While I love the sound Petrucci gave the guitar, the mixing makes it feel like he's the focus the whole way through, which he shouldn't be. James LaBrie is finally back to taking risks with his vocals, and Myung is finally starting to stand out. While Mangini's drums sound a little too processed, his technique is flawless.
As for that final section, I think that's become one of my favourite DT moments of all time. Heck, it's definitely put Illumination Theory in my top 5 DT songs.
----
Sometimes you just need to roll the dice and look away.
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06.10.2013 - 11:53
Rating: 8
Masonics

Written by Lethrokai on 06.10.2013 at 11:43

Written by Masonics on 05.10.2013 at 06:38

2nd full listen and despite the shorter songs, DT keep it interesting. Bit disappointed by Magaini's Drum mix, but everything else sounds great, especially Pretrucci's Guitar work. James sounds better vocally this time, not going thorugh the motions like in the last couple of records. Illumination theory takes a bit of time, but could be their best song yet, the last section is probably their most emotive part of their songwriting career.


Have to say I agree with pretty much everything you say. Felt this album was perhaps a little too guitar-centric though. While I love the sound Petrucci gave the guitar, the mixing makes it feel like he's the focus the whole way through, which he shouldn't be. James LaBrie is finally back to taking risks with his vocals, and Myung is finally starting to stand out. While Mangini's drums sound a little too processed, his technique is flawless.
As for that final section, I think that's become one of my favourite DT moments of all time. Heck, it's definitely put Illumination Theory in my top 5 DT songs.



Loved James section in IT in the third section where he bellows the high notes, was cool to witness again.

Hopefully they nail the drums/guitar sound in the next record, as long as the music is good again!
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06.10.2013 - 13:42
Rating: 7
Lethrokai

Written by Masonics on 06.10.2013 at 11:53


Loved James section in IT in the third section where he bellows the high notes, was cool to witness again.

Hopefully they nail the drums/guitar sound in the next record, as long as the music is good again!


Have to agree, one of favourite James LaBrie moments. Combine that with the drum/bass combo that leads into it, and beautiful orchestral break before that, and it was just one massive hype-builder waiting to happen!

Also, I hope that, for the next album, they realise that not every chorus needs to have that whole "epic" thing going on. Every chorus on the whole album had that same thing going on in the chorus. (with slight exceptions in The Enemy Inside & IT's first part) Just think Constant Motion, where it was still a chorus, but more raw.
----
Sometimes you just need to roll the dice and look away.
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09.10.2013 - 09:31
Rating: 3
Lustful Maid

Written by Hollberr on 24.09.2013 at 06:20

For me, it's a completely uninspired album. Way too pop. Bigger Picture is probably their worst song ever.
Bad transitions throughout the album (Behing the Veil starts so well, but the rest of the song doesn't connect with the intro). Illumination Theory has its moments, but I feel it's just a sequence of riffs that dont' really make a whole. And let's face it, the song is 19minutes long, not 22. What comes a minute after it's finished is completely irrelevant.

I feel it's an album made by amateurs. Truly.

You're the only one here got the constructive point, yes the transitions bad to the core !
I don't argue with people here anymore as It's unnecessary. Listeners come from different standards of musical backgrounds, it's similar to telling your 3 years old son that Shakespeare's are better than Ben 10 series, simply waste of your time...
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09.10.2013 - 13:51
Rating: 7
Lethrokai

Written by Lustful Maid on 09.10.2013 at 09:31

Written by Hollberr on 24.09.2013 at 06:20

For me, it's a completely uninspired album. Way too pop. Bigger Picture is probably their worst song ever.
Bad transitions throughout the album (Behing the Veil starts so well, but the rest of the song doesn't connect with the intro). Illumination Theory has its moments, but I feel it's just a sequence of riffs that dont' really make a whole. And let's face it, the song is 19minutes long, not 22. What comes a minute after it's finished is completely irrelevant.

I feel it's an album made by amateurs. Truly.

You're the only one here got the constructive point, yes the transitions bad to the core !
I don't argue with people here anymore as It's unnecessary. Listeners come from different standards of musical backgrounds, it's similar to telling your 3 years old son that Shakespeare's are better than Ben 10 series, simply waste of your time...


That's quite a silly way to go looking at these kinds of things. Just because people come from different musical backgrounds, doesn't mean that people from a similar background can't like different things.
I personally enjoyed the album quite a bit, despite the obvious problem with transitions. Does this mean I'm a Ben 10 loving, "what's-popular-is-great" preaching, ignorant listener?
I will easily admit that the transitions were bad, however I don't even think that the transitions are that big of a deal. I wouldn't even mark this album down by half a point because of transition flaw.
There's no way of being objective when it comes to music.
----
Sometimes you just need to roll the dice and look away.
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10.10.2013 - 18:14
Mohamad777

To those who didn't enjoy this record: stop being so judgemental, if you're looking for perfection in metal you have picked the wrong place, Bach(baroque composer) was perfect, listen to his stuff, and stop bitching.
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11.10.2013 - 14:18
Rating: 3
Lustful Maid

Written by Mohamad777 on 10.10.2013 at 18:14

To those who didn't enjoy this record: stop being so judgemental, if you're looking for perfection in metal you have picked the wrong place, Bach(baroque composer) was perfect, listen to his stuff, and stop bitching.

1. Unable to appreciate any forms of artworks by giving his own judgements is a moron.
2. Mentioning Bach on metal website is an idiot.
3. Considered other people's opinions as bitching is a fool.
4. People have expressed their negative concerns but still asking people to "listen to his stuff" is a geek.
Ther're Moron, Idiot, Fool and Geek live inside you !
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12.10.2013 - 16:05
Mohamad777

Written by Lustful Maid on 11.10.2013 at 14:18

Written by Mohamad777 on 10.10.2013 at 18:14

To those who didn't enjoy this record: stop being so judgemental, if you're looking for perfection in metal you have picked the wrong place, Bach(baroque composer) was perfect, listen to his stuff, and stop bitching.

1. Unable to appreciate any forms of artworks by giving his own judgements is a moron.
2. Mentioning Bach on metal website is an idiot.
3. Considered other people's opinions as bitching is a fool.
4. People have expressed their negative concerns but still asking people to "listen to his stuff" is a geek.
Ther're Moron, Idiot, Fool and Geek live inside you !

I don't what you are sir other than angry, and boy does that make me giggle. If you think you are so brilliant, who am I to disagree, "Seek and destroy", well done sir. As for Bach, I have one question to ask you, do you know Yngwie J. Malmasteen? If that guy's metal then Bach is metal too. I wouldn't even bother to offend you, you do that yourself so well.
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19.10.2013 - 08:14
Rating: 5
Hollberr

Written by Mohamad777 on 10.10.2013 at 18:14

To those who didn't enjoy this record: stop being so judgemental


I really don't get your point. All the idea of writing here is to exchange opinions. All kinds.

Written by Mohamad777 on 10.10.2013 at 18:14

if you're looking for perfection in metal you have picked the wrong place, Bach(baroque composer) was perfect, listen to his stuff, and stop bitching.


Are you saying that ''not being Bach'' is an excuse for DT to create a poor album? I'm not looking for perfection, I'm looking for a fucking good prog metal album from DT, like they succeeded to make so many times. This time though, it's nearly repulsive.
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24.10.2013 - 14:36
Rating: 8
Darth Mitchell
Mitchell
Written by Hollberr on 19.10.2013 at 08:14
Are you saying that ''not being Bach'' is an excuse for DT to create a poor album? I'm not looking for perfection, I'm looking for a fucking good prog metal album from DT, like they succeeded to make so many times. This time though, it's nearly repulsive.


Do you really hate it that much to call it repulsive? In my opinion it's not that bad. I really like the album. It's way better than ADTOE and has some really good songs (False Awakening Suite, The Enemy Inside, Enigma Machine, Illumination Theory). The other songs are not that bad, but didn't really get stuck in my head as these songs did. I agree on the fact that it's not their best album and that there far better prog releases this year (JOLLY, Haken, Persefone and tomorrow the new Ayreon). But to call it repulsive is a little to far for me
But hey! Everyone has their opinion
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24.10.2013 - 19:55
Rating: 7
Lethrokai

Written by Darth Mitchell on 24.10.2013 at 14:36

Written by Hollberr on 19.10.2013 at 08:14
Are you saying that ''not being Bach'' is an excuse for DT to create a poor album? I'm not looking for perfection, I'm looking for a fucking good prog metal album from DT, like they succeeded to make so many times. This time though, it's nearly repulsive.


Do you really hate it that much to call it repulsive? In my opinion it's not that bad. I really like the album. It's way better than ADTOE and has some really good songs (False Awakening Suite, The Enemy Inside, Enigma Machine, Illumination Theory). The other songs are not that bad, but didn't really get stuck in my head as these songs did. I agree on the fact that it's not their best album and that there far better prog releases this year (JOLLY, Haken, Persefone and tomorrow the new Ayreon). But to call it repulsive is a little to far for me
But hey! Everyone has their opinion


To be honest, I've seen this year as the year of prog. I mean, not only did we get these epic albums you mentioned, but also things like Leprous and newcomers Fright Pig releasing absolutely beautiful albums... I don't think I've been able to give a single prog album a rating under a 7 so far this year, and there have been A LOT of albums!
----
Sometimes you just need to roll the dice and look away.
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24.10.2013 - 22:01
Rating: 6
Mountain King
K i K o
I'll give it a 7. The album before this one was better. It had like 3 really great songs. This one has solid songs just nothing so beautiful but "Illumination Theory" seems like a grower and the instrumental "The Enigma Machine" is great...
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25.10.2013 - 18:18
Rating: 8
Darth Mitchell
Mitchell
Written by Lethrokai on 24.10.2013 at 19:55

Written by Darth Mitchell on 24.10.2013 at 14:36

Written by Hollberr on 19.10.2013 at 08:14
Are you saying that ''not being Bach'' is an excuse for DT to create a poor album? I'm not looking for perfection, I'm looking for a fucking good prog metal album from DT, like they succeeded to make so many times. This time though, it's nearly repulsive.


Do you really hate it that much to call it repulsive? In my opinion it's not that bad. I really like the album. It's way better than ADTOE and has some really good songs (False Awakening Suite, The Enemy Inside, Enigma Machine, Illumination Theory). The other songs are not that bad, but didn't really get stuck in my head as these songs did. I agree on the fact that it's not their best album and that there far better prog releases this year (JOLLY, Haken, Persefone and tomorrow the new Ayreon). But to call it repulsive is a little to far for me
But hey! Everyone has their opinion


To be honest, I've seen this year as the year of prog. I mean, not only did we get these epic albums you mentioned, but also things like Leprous and newcomers Fright Pig releasing absolutely beautiful albums... I don't think I've been able to give a single prog album a rating under a 7 so far this year, and there have been A LOT of albums!


Damn how could I forget the awesome 'Coal' by Leprous ?! Yeah there are not many prog albums that can be rated under a 7 or 6 this year. Even RIverside made a solid record with SONGS. It's a good year for prog metal
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26.10.2013 - 20:12
Mohamad777

Written by Hollberr on 19.10.2013 at 08:14

Written by Mohamad777 on 10.10.2013 at 18:14

To those who didn't enjoy this record: stop being so judgemental


I really don't get your point. All the idea of writing here is to exchange opinions. All kinds.

Written by Mohamad777 on 10.10.2013 at 18:14

if you're looking for perfection in metal you have picked the wrong place, Bach(baroque composer) was perfect, listen to his stuff, and stop bitching.


Are you saying that ''not being Bach'' is an excuse for DT to create a poor album? I'm not looking for perfection, I'm looking for a fucking good prog metal album from DT, like they succeeded to make so many times. This time though, it's nearly repulsive.

Fair enough! If you can still find good prog metal, go ahead and enjoy them, don't let what fails to please you, eat you up.
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24.03.2014 - 08:03
Rating: 6
CobiWan1993
Secundum Filium
This album doesn't hold up as much as it did when I first heard it (largely blame that on my roommate for blasting the same songs over and over through the walls). Still consistent and solid, but doesn't really grab me after multiple listens.
----
Ordinary men hate solitude. But the Master makes use of it, embracing his aloneness, realizing he is one with the whole universe (Lao Tzu).
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24.03.2014 - 20:45
Rating: 7
R Lewis

Written by CobiWan1993 on 24.03.2014 at 08:03

This album doesn't hold up as much as it did when I first heard it (largely blame that on my roommate for blasting the same songs over and over through the walls). Still consistent and solid, but doesn't really grab me after multiple listens.

Pfff. You should thank God that you have a roommate that blasts Dream Theater, instead of all the shit most of my friends listen to
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We could be so much more than we are. Stop.
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24.03.2014 - 22:13
Rating: 6
CobiWan1993
Secundum Filium
Written by R Lewis on 24.03.2014 at 20:45

Written by CobiWan1993 on 24.03.2014 at 08:03

This album doesn't hold up as much as it did when I first heard it (largely blame that on my roommate for blasting the same songs over and over through the walls). Still consistent and solid, but doesn't really grab me after multiple listens.

Pfff. You should thank God that you have a roommate that blasts Dream Theater, instead of all the shit most of my friends listen to

That's true lol.
----
Ordinary men hate solitude. But the Master makes use of it, embracing his aloneness, realizing he is one with the whole universe (Lao Tzu).
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02.01.2015 - 19:29
Rating: 6
Mountain King
K i K o
After a year and 2 months, I'm still not very interested. It's not horrible just no interesting at all, and their riffs are going backwards in term of creativity and technicality...
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28.04.2015 - 06:37
Rating: 9
Nicko's Nose

I still can't believe this has a higher rating than ADTOE. It's their most generic album.
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30.06.2015 - 00:50
John Shock

I don't like the production of this album, that snare just takes me out of myself... I don't like the drum production in all!!! I mean, what the hell was that?! The musicianship of the album, is good but nothing special...i prefer A Dramatic Turn Of Events, it's has more than a 70's vibe than this has!!!
Although the intension was good, it's not bad at all...it has some moments here and there...maybe it's a grow up, i don't know...but first i have to get used to the drum sound...i don't know, sounds like a fucking machine...it's not pure!!!
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22.01.2016 - 03:28
Rating: 7
iMorphball

Written by Nicko's Nose on 28.04.2015 at 06:37

I still can't believe this has a higher rating than ADTOE. It's their most generic album.


And... 9/10?
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22.01.2016 - 09:40
Rating: 9
Nicko's Nose

Written by iMorphball on 22.01.2016 at 03:28

Written by Nicko's Nose on 28.04.2015 at 06:37

I still can't believe this has a higher rating than ADTOE. It's their most generic album.


And... 9/10?

More like 8.5.

Gave ADTOE a 10.
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22.01.2016 - 13:47
Marcel Hubregtse
Grumpy Old Fuck
Written by Nicko's Nose on 22.01.2016 at 09:40



Gave ADTOE a 10.


Nope, you didn't. You gave it a 9.
----
Member of the true crusade against European Flower Metal

Yesterday is dead and gone, tomorrow is out of sight
Dawn Crosby (r.i.p.)
05.04.1963 - 15.12.1996

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12.02.2016 - 00:21
Rating: 6
Mountain King
K i K o
This has nothing on the previous album. This one is a little boring and more than a little lacking of catchy melodies and good vocals. "A Dramatic Turn Of Events" had remarkable songs even compared to DT classics, this one on the other hand is bland. My favorite song is the instrumental "Enigma Machine" which says a lot about the quality of this album...
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14.11.2018 - 03:56
Rating: 8
BlankFile

A good record, but not great or amazing. "The Enemy Inside" is my favourite track on this one.
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08.06.2022 - 02:49
Rating: 10
24emd
Theory Snob
This remains my fav DT album, alongside their previous.
----
"I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense." - Proverbs 30:2
"Music? Well, it's just entertainment, folks!" - Devin Townsend

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