Octavarium

Octavarium

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Octavarium opens with a lean and enthusiastic-sounding Dream Theater, one that continues to move forward without compromising its classic sound or its classic progressive metal appeal. Bassist John Myung propels album opener "The Root Of All Evil" with a weight equal to that of Mike Portnoy's forceful but finessed drumming and guitarist John Petrucci's masterful riffing which seems once more to widen the realm of possibilities available on the instrument. Keyboardist Jordan Rudess lends subtle and deft touches throughout helping further solidify the outfit's equally strong footing in the worlds of heavy and progressive rock. But the best evidence that Dream Theater remains alive and well rests perhaps in the final 34 minutes of the album. The 10-minute 9/11 meditation "Sacrificed Sons" finds vocalist James LaBrie giving one of his most convincing performances to date. The closing, 24-minute title track serves as the sound of a progressive rock orchestra delivering one more classic epic symphony, one more that lengthens this unit's ever-long prime. Both tracks stand as testament to the quintet's virtuosity, integrity and ingenuity and will fast become favorites. Further evidence of the group's diversity also exists here in the form of the unapologetically commercial (and U2-inflected) "I Walk Beside You," a song that seems destined to connect with a crossover audience--at least one up for an unforgettable adventure. --Jedd Beaudoin

Product Description
Dream Theater has maintained a rare combination of stellar musicianship and unwavering passion for over a decade, selling millions of albums and filling concert venues worldwide. The band once again confirms its status as progressive hard rock's standard-bearers on their latest studio epic, Octavarium.

Tracks:

Root Of All Evil
Answer Lies Within
These Walls
I Walk Beside You
Panic Attack
Never Enough
Sacrificed Sons
Octavarium

Amazon.com

Octavarium opens with a lean and enthusiastic-sounding Dream Theater, one that continues to move forward without compromising its classic sound or its classic progressive metal appeal. Bassist John Myung propels album opener "The Root Of All Evil" with a weight equal to that of Mike Portnoy's forceful but finessed drumming and guitarist John Petrucci's masterful riffing which seems once more to widen the realm of possibilities available on the instrument. Keyboardist Jordan Rudess lends subtle and deft touches throughout helping further solidify the outfit's equally strong footing in the worlds of heavy and progressive rock. But the best evidence that Dream Theater remains alive and well rests perhaps in the final 34 minutes of the album. The 10-minute 9/11 meditation "Sacrificed Sons" finds vocalist James LaBrie giving one of his most convincing performances to date. The closing, 24-minute title track serves as the sound of a progressive rock orchestra delivering one more classic epic symphony, one more that lengthens this unit's ever-long prime. Both tracks stand as testament to the quintet's virtuosity, integrity and ingenuity and will fast become favorites. Further evidence of the group's diversity also exists here in the form of the unapologetically commercial (and U2-inflected) "I Walk Beside You," a song that seems destined to connect with a crossover audience--at least one up for an unforgettable adventure. --Jedd Beaudoin

Album Description

Dream Theater has maintained a rare combination of stellar musicianship and unwavering passion for over a decade, selling millions of albums and filling concert venues worldwide. The band once again confirms its status as progressive hard rock's standard-bearers on their latest studio epic, Octavarium.

Customer Reviews:

if it wasn't for the last 2 songs, it would have been an uninteresting album.......2007-07-17

Going through the past comments, it's interesting to see all the feelings between love and hate pointed towards this album. This actually seems to be quite the typical response to most of the albums DT has released to the moment. Take this album for example. The metallists keep bashing songs like "The Answer Lies Within" and "I Walk Besides You". The prog heads are complaining about most songs except the last 2. Most people complain about DT not living up to the expectations with this album. I dare to disagree. DT always does a mixture of various other groups' sounds with their own music, a mixture of amaizing and mind blowing with uninteresting and too long and sloppy and crude. It's stuff for everyone in here. Just that one needs to filter out what does not like, and stick to what he likes. Take for example Liquid Tension Experiment I. Myself I never listen to the 2nd half of the disk. I simply can't! I'm not too keen of Train of Thought but I love Scenes from a Memory (which by the way has its own highs and lows). It's pretty much the same with Octavarium. Most of the time I simply skip to the last 2 tracks (the lows of this album to me is "I Walk Beside You", where DT sounds like a U2 tribute band; most of the other songs are not too bad, are just mainstream; this is what you get when there is too much LaBrie in the album). I thought to give this album a 5 stars simply because of the title song (Octavarium), a typical DT combination of a beautiful mixture of Pink Floyd and Genesis with their own mind blowing sound, but then it's a few minutes too long and (sorry) I still can't get past "I Walk Beside You".

Worth Another Listen.......2007-07-07

Like many of you fans, I was also riding the "Train of Thought" when this album was released, and I expected more of the same. However, I was shocked and appalled to find that this was most definitely not the case. DT toned down from the bone-crushing riffs of "Honor Thy Father" to somber piano ballads like "The Answer Lies Within." The ripping, 32nd note solos of Rudess and Petrucci were replaced by the 'majesty' of whole notes and rests. After a few listens, I threw the album down in disgust. However, I soon picked it back up and played it over again. It took a long time, but, this album has finally grown on me. Once you appreciate the direction that DT went with Octavarium, you'll start to appreciate it for the multi-layered, progressive masterpiece it is. I think the only song I still can't listen to on this album is "I Walk Beside You," but that's just because it reminds me of U2, and I hate U2. People are waaay too hard on this album, when it's not too difficult to get into. "Panic Attack" has a great groove with a sweet bass line, and has very progressive tendencies. "The Root of All Evil" is more like classic DT, although not nearly as heavy as anything from Train of Thought, it's still pretty metal. "These Walls," though very 'mainstream-ish,' is very melodic and has its moments. "Never Enough" has a ripping synchronized keyboard and guitar solo. "Sacrificed Sons" has some great solo work and the bridge has got some awesome odd-meter riffs. "Octavarium" is just epic. If you don't enjoy that song, you shouldn't consider yourself a DT fan. Overall, if you've left Octavarium sitting on your shelf for a while and have neglected it even more since the release of Systematic Chaos, give it another chance. You may find something you like.

What The Heck Happened? .......2007-07-05

Where is my METAL? I have to admit I'm not a long time fan of Dream Theater. I do like Heavy Metal and Progressive Rock. I heard "Pull Me Under" off Images and Words on the radio and was quite impressed. I bought that first album and liked it. Picked up Train of Thought also, very good and similar to I&W.

I am continually researching bands/music on the internet, and then buying that music, mostly off Amazon.com When I saw Dream Theater was coming out with a new album, I thought "Great, can't wait to pick it up."

Well, was I ever disappointed! The first couple of times I tried listening to it, I think I must of fallen asleep. Each time I would come away with the same impression: A bunch of Symphonic crap! What happened to the Progressive Metal band known as Dream Theater? Now, I know bands "evolve" and change over time, but come on. This was ridiculous.

Octavarium starts off OK, the first track rocks just enough to put the listener to ease, makes you think "OK, they still have it, this sounds pretty cool, but I hope it gets better." Next thing you know they go into a full Ballad. Nothing but a Piano and Orchestration! It just goes downhill from there. By the 4th track I'm having visions of Dream Theater being featured on late night TV programming for one of those Faith-based, Christain Rock music programs with shots of hundreds of people singing in unison with their hands in the air! I do realize (now) that DT is considered a Christian Rock band, but it used to just be no more than an "undertone", now it's up front and "in your face".

Panic Attack is a little more heavy, pretty close to the Dream Theater of old. Never Enough is OK. But, by track 7 they're letting me down... again! Too much orchestration, just mindless and repetitive.

Finally, we get to the great Octavarium, a four part, 24 minute epic. The first few minutes evoke memories of Pink Floyd's - Wish You Were Here. This just isn't the type of DT that I want. This stuff has already been done, by other (better) bands!

This is Definately my LAST Dream Theater album. Systematic Chaos - NO Thanks. I've already read enough reviews that say it is simply "more of the same". What a Pity. At least I still have my Porcupine Tree cd's to enjoy.

3.5 stars - Falling (back) into Infinity.......2007-06-29

I was riding a post-Train of Thought Dream Theater high when this album came out, and was expecting (as I always do) another great studio release from a band that never fails to impress. Unfortunately I came away from Octavarium less than impressed. Even after a couple of years this album still fails to resonate with me the way most Dream Theater albums do.

It certainly started off on the right foot, with The Root of All Evil, part 3 of Mike Portnoy's AA 12-step suite. This is a heavy and aggressive song that brings to mind The Glass Prison and pretty much all of Train of Thought. Unfortunately the mood was shattered with The Answer Lies Within, one of the most unenergetic songs I've ever heard from this band. Then comes These Walls, an instantly memorable "traditional" Dream Theater song, which started to restore my faith in the album. And while I thought they had given up on their attempts at radio hits after Falling Into Infinity, I Walk Beside You had top 40 written all over it (if, of course, any other artist had recorded it). It's closer to American Idol than Dream Theater, but I actually like the song quite a bit. Go figure. The super-aggressive Panic Attack and progressive Never Enough never really make much of an impression at all, and I have mixed feelings about Sacrificed Sons. Musicially it is a great example of Dream Theater's skills, but the 9-11 outrage lyrics seem more suited to an Iced Earth album. Besides, didn't they already cover this subject with Train of Thought's excellent In the Name of God?

Ultimately this album is going to be defined by its 24-minute title track, a sprawling, self-indulgent epic that name drops just about every one of the band's influences in the lyrics. I know everyone seems to consider this Dream Theater's greatest moment, but when you stack Octavarium up against A Change of Seasons, it's clear which is the better song. A Change of Seasons was powerful, epic, dramatic, and emotional. Octavarium comes across as a cold and clinical exercise of the band's considerable instrumental skills. Before you click the "no" button at the end of this review, play both songs back to back and ask yourself which one really captured both your heart and your head.

This album is so uneven and inconsistent that I had major Falling into Infinity déjà vu. It kept jerking me between fast and slow, technical and melodic, aggressive and tranquil. After an album as tight and focused (and yes, heavy) as Train of Thought, the pace of Octavarium is more than a little frustrating, leading to the feeling that this is a bunch of disconnected songs in search of a greater purpose. I can't give it the three stars it probably deserves, because that rating implies mediocrity and that's something no one can accuse Dream Theater of.

Trapped Inside This Octavarium.......2007-06-25

I have liked Dream Theater's music, especailly "Images And Words". I'm glad they are now back in that business. There's 8 great songs, and last of them, the title track, is 24 minutes. The total time of the album is under 80 minutes. Someone could thing that it's quite boring. Well, I say to you: No it's not! Dream Theater has managed to make some great melodies and riffs...and of course interesting lyrics. The songs like "The Root of All Evil" and "These Walls" really should satisfy the old fans...and also the slow ones "The Answer Lies Within" and "I Walk Beside You" should get radio time in rock radios. My personal favourites are "Panic Attack" and "Never Enough".
Stars: Panic Attack, Never Enough, The Root of All Evil, Octavarium

Score: XOX - 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium Orchestra

Average customer rating:

I have GOT to see these guys live someday...
VERY DISAPPOINTED
Blown away
A fantastic live recording
10 stars!

Score: XOX - 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium Orchestra
Dream Theater
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Dream Theater - Score: 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium Orchestra
Systematic Chaos
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
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Gigantour

ASIN: B000G7PMD2
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Tracks:

The Root Of All Evil [Disc 1]
I Walk Beside You [Disc 1]
Another Won [Disc 1]
Afterlife [Disc 1]
Under A Glass Moon [Disc 1]
Innocence Faded [Disc 1]
Raise The Knife [Disc 1]
The Spirit Carries On [Disc 1]

Tracks:

Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence: [Disc 2]
I. Overture [Disc 2]
II. About To Crash [Disc 2]
III. War Inside My Head [Disc 2]
IV. The Test That Stumped Them All [Disc 2]
V. Goodnight Kiss [Disc 2]
VI. Solitary Shell [Disc 2]
VII. About To Crash (reprise) [Disc 2]
VIII. Losing Time/Grand Finale [Disc 2]
Vacant [Disc 2]
The Answer Lies Within [Disc 2]
Sacrificed Sons [Disc 2]

Tracks:

Octavarium: [Disc 3]
Intro [Disc 3]
I. Someone Like Him [Disc 3]
II. Medicate Me [Disc 3]
III. Full Circle [Disc 3]
IV. Intervals [Disc 3]
V. Razor's Edge [Disc 3]
Encore: [Disc 3]
Metropolis [Disc 3]

Album Description

This album marks the grand finale of the 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium Orchestra--a tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of the members of Dream Theater meeting at Berklee School of Music. The recording was captured live at Radio City Music Hall on April 1st, 2006.

Customer Reviews:

I have GOT to see these guys live someday..........2007-07-24

Okay, I'll start with the bad stuff. It sounds like one of the violinists in the orchestra is out of tune. And John Petrucci's backing vocals are simply awful; I've yet to hear a live DT recording where he stayed on key. OTOH, I can live with that because it's one of those little things that markes this album as a live recording. The backing vocals aren't coming from a tape, they're coming from actual humans.

But overall, this is a great set. The live Dream Theater is every bit as tight as the same band in the studio. The second and third discs, with the backing of the orchestra, sound great as well, although "Metropolis Pt. 1" sounds a little cluttered in spots. While I could complain that a few of my favorite tracks are not in this set, I won't; how many live versions of "Pull Me Under" or "A Change of Seasons" do they really need to record? ;)

This is definitely a great set, and one of the best live albums I've heard in years.

VERY DISAPPOINTED.......2007-05-26

3 DISC SET..1 DECENT CD..2 CRAPPY CD'S..THEY COULD HAVE @ SHOULD HAVE BEEN ALOT BETTER !!!!!!!!!!!!

Blown away.......2007-04-29

This is the first Dream Theater record I ever heard and I couldn't believe how blown away I was with it. I popped the first CD in the car and listened to the first 2 songs and couldn't believe the quality of music so I went back and listened to the first 2 songs again. The same thing happened after I listened to 'Afterlife' (track 4) -- I went back to the beginning and listened to the first 4 songs again. It took about a week before I even got to the second CD.

The second CD is the 41 epic tune, 'six degrees of inner turbulence. A song about, well, the inner turbulence of life. There is a spot around the 15 minute mark where I find it too dissonant, and there is an instrument in the orchestra that is flat, but this is a very weak criticism for a absolute work of art including the fantastic 'solitary shell' and powerful climax.

The find the 3rd CD ok but not anywhere near the first 2. Octivarium takes too long to get going and 'Metropolis' starts out so promising but the wonderful keyboard riff that kicks off the song is drowned out in the dissonance.

The keys are great, the guitar playing is great, the percussion is great and the vocals are out of this world outstanding.

One of the top 3 live albums off all time on my list along with Iron Maiden's "Live after Death" and Rush's "All the Worlds a Stage."

A fantastic live recording.......2007-04-06

Simply put, this may be the best collaboration between a heavy metal rock band with an orchestra that has ever been recorded. Separation of sound is very difficult to achieve when you are dealing with high volume but here the engineers manage to pull it off exceedingly well. If you don't know about this group by now then this is as good an introduction as you will find. If you are a fan then you will appreciate the excitement that the live audience adds to the band's performances even if you know most of the songs by heart. If you can't appreciate how incredibly good these musicians are then you have my condolences.

10 stars!.......2007-04-03

Awsome, great set list. Performance Flawless!

The whole group do a great job (like always) and the orchestra does fantastic following the whole six degrees album (side 2) and octivarium and metropolis and more! They do their classics great! Buy this, and if you dont know about Dream Theater... Your world will change, proceed to buy all their albums :)

Average customer rating:

Score: XOX - 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium Orchestra
Dream Theater
Manufacturer: Wea/Rhino
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Systematic Chaos

ASIN: B000GW88R4
Release Date: 2006-09-18

Tracks:

Root of All Evil
I Walk Beside You
Another Won
Afterlife
Under a Glass Moon
Innocence Faded
Raise the Knife
Spirit Carries On

Tracks:

Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - Dream Theater,
Vacant - Dream Theater,
Answer Lies Within - Dream Theater,
Sacrificed Sons - Dream Theater,
VI. Solitary Shell
VII. About to Crash (Reprise)
VIII. Losing Time/Grand Finale
Vacant
Answer Lies Within
Sacrificed Sons

Tracks:

Octavarium - Dream Theater,
Metropolis - Dream Theater,
Octavarium
Intro
I. Someone Like Him
II. Medicate Me
III. Full Circle
IV. Intervals
V. Razor's Edge
Encore: Metropolis

Album Details

First pressing includes a card calendar.

Average customer rating:

Don't pass it by-Remarkable CD not to be skipped. only 10 bucks on iTunes
Dream Theatre's Octavarium will Satisfy, not Delight, Fans

Octavarium
Dream Theater
Manufacturer: Wea/Atlantic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009EOZYO
Release Date: 2005-06-20

Tracks:

Root of All Evil
Answer Lies Within
These Walls
I Walk Beside You
Panic Attack
Never Enough
Sacrificed Sons
Octavarium

Album Description

Japanese pressing of their 2005 album features the same tracks as the US pressing. Warner/Japan opted in the end to not include any bonus material.

Customer Reviews:

Don't pass it by-Remarkable CD not to be skipped. only 10 bucks on iTunes.......2006-10-06

This CD is unbelievably great! the song Octavarium is an instant DT classic that is absolutely fantastic. Towards the end of the song He SCEAMS "Trapped inside this Octavarium" several times and it still gives me chills when I hear it! . Root of all evil, These Walls and Panic Attack are all awesome high energy songs. "Never Enough" is a right to the point song about a relationship gone bad that is easy to relate to. Don't skip this! this is a good disc to start with if your new to DT then move on to the undisputed champs in their catalog. Train of thought, Image and Words, and Awake. It's also for sale in iTunes for $9.90. For 10 bucks or 25 it's worth it either way!

Dream Theatre's Octavarium will Satisfy, not Delight, Fans.......2005-07-15

As a hardcore DT fan, I am a bit confused over the band's direction, post "Scenes From A Memory" which I consider their seminal work. Despite the hopes of progressive metal that may spring in fans' minds upon seeing the 24+ minute title track, this is no "Scenes." Nor is this the "return to metal albiet mainstream" direction of "Train of Thought." Frankly, two of the songs ("Walk" "Answer") are fairly simplistic, though well executed, ballads. With other bands, these would be throw-away tracks but DT does execute things a bit better than most.

The opening song is very reminiscent of Pink Floyd ("Welcome to the Machine" "On The Run") and you will find other parts of this work to be, well, derivative. That's not to say the music is bad - these are excellent musicians and they don't miss a beat. However, the epic title cut is VERY reminiscent of Floyd's "Shine on You Crazy Diamond" in its opening. Later, it strongly reminds one of early Genesis ("The Musical Box" in particular and other Gabriel-era tunes) and, for those who know the band, the stylings of "It Bites" (a very decent Australian progressive-pop band). However, once (or if) you can get past this, it is a very good piece of music that is worth not only hearing but, for a musician, study.

Other tracks are very good and heavy ("Panic Attack" is one of my favorite) and despite the seemingly disparaging comments I've made, I would recommend it to DT fans. You can expect the usual exceptional musicianship from the band - Petrucci screams a lot less on the guitar but what he does (and it's still a lot) he does well. Rudess is heavily featured on keyboards and is extremely effective. Myung is his usual awesome self on bass (awesome opening on "Panic" and in "Sacrificed") and Portnoy continues to be one of the few drummers actually interesting in and of himself.

Production and the like are very well done and 5.1 encoding will make this work even more a pleasure. If this were another band I'd give the album a 4-star rating, but DT sets their own standard bar very high.

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