Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence (2002)
One of the great, unsolved problems in
theoretical physics is the development of a proper, fully deterministic mathematical
theory of turbulence. Crudely speaking, turbulence refers to a state in fluid flow
characterized by random, unpredictable chaotic motion; at least in this regard, I
cannot think of a better title for Dream Theater's latest studio offering.
Dream Theater has really taken their sound to places they had never been before, and
indeed the whole album plays like a fantastic sonic trip through a labyrinth of ebbs
and swells. I was extremely impressed by the wide array of influences and styles
they have incorporated into their music, all of which can be fully enjoyed in a CD
that is meticulously produced and mixed. This music is much darker and even more
emotionally charged than what they offered in "Scenes Form A Memory". The execution
of every instrument, as always, is technically impeccable, and I think this may be
Labrie's finest moment with Dream Theater. Every note he hits is deliberate and just
perfect for the part, and the backing vocals have the right amount of effects and
level in the mix to really enhance his brilliant vocal performance. Furthermore, we
are treated to more of Rudess' tasteful, expertly crafted palette of keyboard sounds
and textures, while Myung continues to excel at providing melody, rhythm and
discipline at the low frequencies. As if that weren't enough, I was very surprised
by the performances delivered by Portnoy and Petrucci. Both gave the people who
expect over-the-top bombast and double bass drum, rapid fire riffing more than
enough to be happy, yet they always picked their spots wisely and played to serve
the song rather than to showcase their undeniable skills. The arrangements are
really superb from beginning to end, and I dare anyone who likes to dismiss
progressive rock for it's so-called "self-indulgent excesses" to find something here
which sounds cluttered or superfluous.
Typically, reviews go down the track list describing each song and what the
scribbler in turn happened to like/dislike, etc, but I'm not going to waste anyone's
time with that. To me, this album should be heard as a single cohesive unit first,
and then broken down into parts if the listener feels the need to do so. But I have
to say something without giving too much away, right? Besides, I don't want anyone
thinking I don't work hard to earn the big bucks...
Well, I can say you will hear many different styles and nuances, both in the music
and the production, and that if you like being treated to an epic swarm of changing
meters and key modulations within a solid foundation of groove and melody, then disc
two will probably be something that won't leave your disc player for days.
I can say that you will find anything from in your face shredding to almost
theatrical, cinematographic music on this album, and I can assure you nothing
overstayed its welcome in my ears.
I can also say that as a music fan, I was disappointed at the rather heavy nods they
took towards Metallica in a tune that stumped us all, and especially towards Tool in
a song I refuse to name but which treats the subject of stem cell research. Don't
get me wrong, because I love Tool. But Dream Theater had no need to emulate in an
album of this caliber, where they have amply demonstrated their ability to innovate.
To anyone who is naturally inclined to embrace music that not only engages the brain
but also ROCKS, I have nothing but earnest praise for this amazing musical work. The
reservations I expressed earlier are merely my own; perhaps to other ears without
pre-conceived ideas about what a DT album should sound like these spells of musical
mimicry will be insignificant peccadilloes. Bottom line: get a copy of this album,
any way you can, and throw on the headphones. It will NOT disappoint if you like
music, which is instantly accessible, yet continues to yield new discoveries upon
repeated listening.
However, I fear that the Dream Theater purists are going to be sniveling over this
album for a long time. The reason is that "Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence" proves
the wisdom in the band's refusal to "stick to the proven", choosing instead to
search for new ways to ply their craft while remaining true to the basic ingredients
which earned them their loyal fan base. Hopefully, even the purists (or "prog-holes",
to use a term coined by Carl Groves of Salem Hill) will eventually get past the fact
that this is not "Images and Words, version 2002", and will actually listen to what
the band has accomplished here.
For lack of a better analogy, I can only say that, to me, this is Dream Theater's
White album, and I mean that in the best way possible.
Rating: 9.5 Keyboards.
Review Date:
02/13/02
Dream Theaters Six Degrees Of Inner
Turbulence (2002) has been released
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Honors
Album of the month for Febuary 2002
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