Hey Gang!! LONG VIDEO - kinda had a coffee-driven ramble on about this song - F#&KING AMAZBALLS!!! Okay den, caffeieeeeen buzz flex'n now so I'm gonna listen to this a few more times! AWWWRIGHT!!
Love the channel! Could you consider a new genre? Post hardcore prog is amazing and hail the sun disappearing syndrome or circa survive the amulet are 2 amazing ones I know you would appreciate
Long is always fine! With YT nowadays, the "In it in a Minute to Win it" mentality is def not there anymore. Dream Theater are one of (if not) the best at this style, hands down. Always loved Petrucci since I heard him jamming years ago. DT ftw!
People need to stop hating on Labrie's vocals. The man's close to 60 and he's still has the stamina to sing at such a powerful level. Check out his vocals with his son's band Falset on their cover of Motley Crue's Kickstart My Heart. He could actually replace Vince Neil.
@Big Floppa Morning, for context I have never liked James voice. His overt vibrato forever annoys me. That said, I own much of the DT catalog as I like their music and respect their talent. I just don't care for his voice.
Also there is something to be said about hearing James live as opposed to on RUclips , I caught them on their Scenes From A Memory anniversary tour and I thought he sounded amazing live!
I actually loved how he sounded in dramatic turn of events, that album got way more hate than it deserved imo. Many fans were caught up in the whole Portnoy/Mangini thing and didn't take the music for what it is separate from the drummer debate.
@@aidanblackproject I’d agree, this new album sounds like it’ll have the best drum mix but for Mangini but ADTOOE is a close enough second. The other drum mixes from DT and TA are really unlistenable IMO.
You are SO right! Mangini has been a beast since he joined and I've loved their sound with him in the band but yes, this is on a completely different level!
Imagine the rehearsal time for just this song to be that tight!! Now imagine a whole album of this musical mastery. These guys are the best!!! No contest!!
They've been making iterations of this song post Ocatavarium, over and over. It's raw dog pt 20 or something. I didn't know it at the time, but DT knocking off U2 or stuff like that results in better songs (what I'd give for an Anna Lee these days) than Djent Theater or the everything comes back to Metallica phase.
@@colinburroughs9871 - While I definitely respect your opinion, I do have to disagree. I've spent many hundreds of hours listening to all of their albums, and while the style is always recognizably Dream Theater, and they do from time to time make obvious and openly admitted homages to other artists, they are not repetitive in any way that I have picked up on. Each album has been a new musical journey, with new musical and lyrical ideas, and each new album has blown me away completely. The only album that doesn't seem 100% original DT is, ironically enough, the one you mentioned. Falling into Infinity (which has Anna Lee on it) was forced by the record label to be more "pop" sounding, with shorter, more "radio friendly" songs. Even the song Take Away My Pain, a loving ballad written by John Petrucci following the recent death of his father, was given a quicker tempo and a reggae style beat that the band did not want. The band was so upset by the way the label forced their hands that they insisted on 100% control of their music after that, or DT would disband. The very next album we got was Scenes From a Memory, which many consider to be their finest album. While I do enjoy Falling Into Infinity, in my opinion it is the least Dream Theater sounding album of theirs. I very much doubt that we will ever get another "Anna Lee", but there's no doubt in my mind that we will get plenty more enjoyable music from DT. That being said, to each their own. You are, of course, welcome to your own opinion. One of the great things about music is that none of us hear it quite the same way, and we all enjoy it (or not) differently. Kind regards.
@@N1RKW fair enough. I'd point out the FII demos lay out what was the intended product and what's more is it's the test case that JP benefits from editorial direction at times, at least in the formation of tunes (not writing melodies or instrumental passages) . These newer tunes feel like instrumentals with vocal passages tacked on after the fact. There's something going on with these guys that's substantially different than what made them iconic in the 90s'. I don't think it's really a debate, personally, but as you noted, there's a degree of bias/preference that goes into this stuff.
@@colinburroughs9871 - "instrumentals with vocal passages tacked on"... Yup, you have a good point there. That definitely fits this new song! As for the differences now from where they were 20+ years ago, I think that all bands evolve over time. Also, Mike Portnoy, who was their primary motivating force in the 90's (especially while he was battling his addiction), left the band in 2010. John Petrucci has mostly taken over in that role, but also the other band members have been able to add more to the music. Portnoy, who is an awesome drummer and did a great job with DT, was the first to admit that he was a control freak, and was very much in charge of most of the songwriting prior to 2010. The others had their voices, of course, but he was pretty much in control of the direction of the band. Personally, I like how the band has changed since then. I think that they are more open to explore different things, both musically and lyrically, and I enjoy it as I enjoy all of their music. As I said, to each their own. I agree that this isn't a debate. I would call it a discussion between fans with differing viewpoints. Have a great day!
Legitimately haven’t heard a better mix than this song in a VERY long time. Every single instrument is so audible at every point. Hats off to John Myung and Mangini for really showing off and making this track soar.
John Petrucci ( guitarist ) mixed it himself in their brand new personal band studio they built in between the prior and this album. Really shows. John is a mixing genius for sure.
@@nelsonjere17 yeah, they're definitely the ones I prefer. Their tones and acoustic sections are more interesting. Dream Theater tends to overdo their guitar and keyboard solos, and Akerfeldt is a much better vocalist than Labrie. Overall, dream theater strikes me as kind of dorky, but Opeth always has this dark and menacing feel that I've always been more drawn to.
Dream Theater is hands down the best band anyone could possibly listen to !!!! My favorite group . I have been a fan since 1989 !!! and will be until they quit playing or I die.
Dream Theater FTW! Having been a DT fan since Images and Words this song has quickly become one of my favourites because as you mentioned, that mix just really gives every single band member their own space to shine.
This song is so amazing. The drums are nuts, the bass sounds good...first time i heard this song i was so mindblown. I am again...its so good. They totally deserved the Grammy they won for this.
Killer cut! Mangini and Myung just beast mode. JP’s solos were epic! What was that crazy note from Jordan? Otherworldly! Can’t wait for the album release. 🎸🔥🎸🤟
I’ve listened to this song maybe 30 times and still hear new parts I didn’t previously. If this is anything to go by for the new album it’s gonna kick some serious ass.
I've been a fan of Dream Theater since 1993. Every new album they release, I'm always afraid that they are finally not going to do it for me anymore. Each song usually takes multiple lessons to appreciate the pure genius of these guys. Usually by about listen number six or seven, I'm hearing it in a different way. And even after 20 or 30 listens, oftentimes there are still things that I'm hearing for the first time because there's so much going on with these guys. By the way, your reaction at 14:23 was absolutely perfect! Priceless, and I wholeheartedly agree with your facial expressions and the words that came out of your mouth. 😂
I've been a DT fan since 2000 and in my opinion they're the best band in history! Their versatility with the musical styles and sounds, untouched technical skills, and incredibly deep and meaningful lyrics is what does it for me! I agree about the mix, this may be the best mixed sounding DT song to date out of their ENTIRE discology! I had to listen a good 4 or 5 times to realize it may be a top 10 song by them too! There was too much going on for me the first listen, and I have no music education so I imagine it was wild for you!!
When the lead came in your in Houston so you have a Earthly introspect Inn of the musical storyline notice how it brought you from the opening of the song back down to earth?!
Dream Theater FTW! I agree, James did sound pulled back to the middle a bit. That said, I felt his higher notes sounded cleaner and more powerful than they did on The Astonishing and even their self titled album.
Yes, I’m that old also that I remember Styx. Try: the day that the world brakes down, by Ayreon. Floor Jansen is in it. Or The Garden of emotions; the electric castle live and other tales by Ayreon. It’s symphonic metal/metal opera.
Maybe I’m way off base, but the way this song is engineered and performed, compared to the engineering on virtuoso prog music of yesteryear makes me think of visual-intensive movies of the 70’s and 80’s vs the effects-driven masterpieces of the last 10-15 years. I’m thinking like YYZ is to The Alien as Mel Gibson Mad Max is to Tom Hardy Mad Max. Both are amazing in their own right, but the more recent work benefits greatly from a whole lot of technical and technological advancements from the last couple decades. The trick is not making the technology into the spectacle, but using it to support the artistic vision. I think they succeeded in that here.
But the thing is that live they sound incredible too and even the small nuances get it even more rich!! Technically... The best out there to appreciate... Each and every one of them.
This song won them their Grammy Award. Long overdue and they finally got into the Hall of Fame as well. No better talent out there. Love love love this band.
Dream Theater FTW indeed! Always love hearing your insights on the mix and engineering aspects of the recordings. Clarity and placing the instruments in their proper spots along the EQ spectrum are crucial for being able to tell whether the performance was good in the first place.
So cool to see you do this one already! 😯 In terms of interesting production to goober over, here's some future Dream Theater options for you, in order of suggestitude: *"Misunderstood"* , *"A Nightmare to Remember"* , *"Sacrificed Sons"* , and *"The Ministry of Lost Souls"* . Enjoy! 🤙🏼
If you haven't already, I think you should have a look at Eluveitie: rebirth. It's a Swiss folk metal band with like 8 instruments and 2 singers. From a composer perspective I think you'd love it
I've seen them live in Porto, and I was amazed by the sound quality. It sounded exactly the same as in the DVD, except for the fact they were playing it right in front of me. It was a surreal experience.
I thought at first, LTE invited LaBrie to do vocals. The intro was so LTE. The start of the vocal parts reminiscent of The Count of Tuscany! But really great new material. You're right, sound engineering and mixing was spotless!
22:08 With every new Dream Theater album since 2011's _A Dramatic Turn of Events,_ Dream Theater fans are terrified that Mangini's drums will be poorly produced again. Drum sounds on "The Alien" seem good to me. "A View from the Top of the World," will likely be the third album of the Mangini era in a row with acceptable drums, so I think the engineers may have finally figured out how to treat the man's incredible performances with respect. Dream Theater FTW!
There is really no letting up throughout their entire discography. The Alien reminds me of some of Kansas' early compositions on crack.... DT is truly next level.
I’m stoked I came across your channel, man! So much deep knowledge and actual dissection of the songs versus just plain opinion. Awesome work. Subscribed!!
I used to love DT. They were my favourite band. But ever since JR joined, who is most certainly an absolute virtuoso, it seems to me that their music relies more and more on guitar/key unisono riffage and scale-runs without end. After a while I find that it gets utterly boring. All of the guys are masters of their craft. But compositionally, I tend to very much prefer their older albums like I&W, Awake, A Change of Season, and Falling into Infinity. There's something incredibly wonderful on those albums: the guitars and keys don't play the same things, most of the time. When Petrucci is riffing, they keys play complex/extended chords underneath, either sustained, or arpeggiated. I find that a lot more satisfying.
They just keep getting worse and worse. The old stuff is absolutely genius. I do still like Scenes from a Memory, 6 Degrees, and Train of Thought with Jordan, but they go downhill from there. Octavarium is pretty good, but there's just a few gems. Same with Systematic Chaos and Black Clouds. aDTOE could've been good, but you really felt the departure of Portnoy. Everything since then is just uninspired prog music. It just feels like they're only writing because "it's time to write another album". Everything sounds like they just started a 5 minute jam and recorded whatever riffs they came up with.
They are formulaic and sounds the same . and I agree, i love their first albums, up until 6 deegres. I actually stopped listening to them in the Train of thought album; really don´t like that album at all.
@@plap111 I think this might be a generational thing to some extent. If you grew up with or were a seasoned music listener/musician in the 90's, DT mattered in a way that the folks who've found them subsequent to that largely don't see. Though there are some hardcore fans that think it's all good. Rush would do a record in a style, then on the next it'd take a turn and on the next most of what was on the first (in a run of three) isn't detectable. DT has been on auto pilot for a long time now.
100000% agreed. I think Portnoy's direction and vision really kept the members from just going into mindless riffing with no real structure or direction. They're very cut and paste now. Such a shame.
Dream Theater ftw xD the one who taught me guitar the most once showed me their album metropolis pt2 and while at first many things were hard to absorb or digest and wouldn't really pull me that much into their work, small passages and works kept me compelled to get back for more and more and it then became a need... It's so awesome and so misunderstood due to the complexity to a normal everyday commercial mainstream listener
I really like your reactions. I have to say it again. Octavarium and or The Count of Tuscany will give you a better knowledge of the pinnacle of the portnoy years. There is a clear difference.
Mangini comes into his own on this song (and hopefully the whole album) -- the drumming is the best it's sounded since the ADToE in my opinion. I like Portnoy too, and generally like his drumming better than Mangini's, but the "bag of tricks" does get repetitive.
Heyyy Geebz!!! I discovered your channel recently and I have to say that your reviews are the most detailed and my new favorite of all the different music reviewers out there!!! It's an absolute treat to hear the perspective you share! Anyways, to get to my point, I would absolutely be thrilled if you could take the time to review my favourite song of all time since the release a year and a half ago!! I have seen you review some of my other favorite songs (Reptile, Of Matter), and if you could do a review of the song DARK by INVENT, ANIMATE, I think you will understand why I believe it will be my absolute favorite song forever!!! I truly believe it will blow you away with how perfect it is in every way! 🔥 Much Love my Brother!! 🙏❤
I've listened to thousands of hours of Dream Theater since the 90s. They were my favorite band for over a decade. This... sounds like most of Dream Theater. Technical mastery paired with a vague sense that I'm not getting what I want. At this point I'm convinced I never will. I admire them, I will always find enjoyment in what they do, but as I get older, I'm less interested in investing the time for an end product I know won't satisfy me.
Great video! I love your reactions - they are always bring a level of authenticity and engagement that is hard to come by nowadays. I am from New Zealand, and one of our greatest taonga (gifts) are Māori waiata. It's not a conventional composition, but if you were to listen to 'te pikikōtuku o ngati rongomai - Tira 2019,' I think you'd be blown away! Thanks for being awesome.
An amazing Dream Theater song I'd love to see you listen to - To Live Forever, the live from tokyo version from '93, james is completely in his prime and will just blow you away with the notes he cant hit and the power with them. Finished off with a very moving and wide genre range solo, its an easy recommend. Either way, love the videos. Your reactions to the right parts of the music are so entertaining
Soooo, this is what happened when Tarkus grew up? (just kidding, there were a few similar passages, but I'm not sure how to reference them and I didn't write down the timestamps. You really know how to take the bite that cannot be chewed.
Hey Gang!! LONG VIDEO - kinda had a coffee-driven ramble on about this song - F#&KING AMAZBALLS!!! Okay den, caffeieeeeen buzz flex'n now so I'm gonna listen to this a few more times! AWWWRIGHT!!
Hey if it's DT related, I'll sit for as long as I have to 😂
Please jump back into VEKTOR-RECHARGING THE VOID
Love the channel! Could you consider a new genre? Post hardcore prog is amazing and hail the sun disappearing syndrome or circa survive the amulet are 2 amazing ones I know you would appreciate
Long is always fine! With YT nowadays, the "In it in a Minute to Win it" mentality is def not there anymore.
Dream Theater are one of (if not) the best at this style, hands down. Always loved Petrucci since I heard him jamming years ago.
DT ftw!
Your try to go
People need to stop hating on Labrie's vocals. The man's close to 60 and he's still has the stamina to sing at such a powerful level. Check out his vocals with his son's band Falset on their cover of Motley Crue's Kickstart My Heart. He could actually replace Vince Neil.
Normally I’m not a really big fan of James’ voice, but I really enjoyed it in this song. Probably what surprised me the most here is James.
@Big Floppa Morning, for context I have never liked James voice. His overt vibrato forever annoys me. That said, I own much of the DT catalog as I like their music and respect their talent. I just don't care for his voice.
Replacing Vince Noel is NOT something that is incredibly hard at this point.
Also there is something to be said about hearing James live as opposed to on RUclips , I caught them on their Scenes From A Memory anniversary tour and I thought he sounded amazing live!
Someone needs to. Lol
Mangini slaying those drums
This is the best Mangini has sounded with them since joining. So you are not wrong about the drum mix.
I actually loved how he sounded in dramatic turn of events, that album got way more hate than it deserved imo. Many fans were caught up in the whole Portnoy/Mangini thing and didn't take the music for what it is separate from the drummer debate.
@@aidanblackproject I’d agree, this new album sounds like it’ll have the best drum mix but for Mangini but ADTOOE is a close enough second. The other drum mixes from DT and TA are really unlistenable IMO.
@@ScottAndersonYT for me the DT drum mix was definitely terrible, TA was better, D/T even better than that, and this slots in between that and ADTOE.
You are SO right! Mangini has been a beast since he joined and I've loved their sound with him in the band but yes, this is on a completely different level!
My first listen: "What is this? I'm not vibing with this at all. It sounds all over the place. Not impressed."
My tenth listen:
"ALLLLLIIIEEEEENNN!"
Dream Theater songs in a nutshell
Me too. An acquired taste. 😁😁😁
Agreed, they're definitely one of those bands that takes time to get into.
Same!
Facts.
Imagine the rehearsal time for just this song to be that tight!! Now imagine a whole album of this musical mastery. These guys are the best!!! No contest!!
This sort of thing is why Dream Theater has been my favorite band for 30 years. Absolute masters of their craft.
They've been making iterations of this song post Ocatavarium, over and over. It's raw dog pt 20 or something. I didn't know it at the time, but DT knocking off U2 or stuff like that results in better songs (what I'd give for an Anna Lee these days) than Djent Theater or the everything comes back to Metallica phase.
@@colinburroughs9871 - While I definitely respect your opinion, I do have to disagree. I've spent many hundreds of hours listening to all of their albums, and while the style is always recognizably Dream Theater, and they do from time to time make obvious and openly admitted homages to other artists, they are not repetitive in any way that I have picked up on. Each album has been a new musical journey, with new musical and lyrical ideas, and each new album has blown me away completely. The only album that doesn't seem 100% original DT is, ironically enough, the one you mentioned. Falling into Infinity (which has Anna Lee on it) was forced by the record label to be more "pop" sounding, with shorter, more "radio friendly" songs. Even the song Take Away My Pain, a loving ballad written by John Petrucci following the recent death of his father, was given a quicker tempo and a reggae style beat that the band did not want. The band was so upset by the way the label forced their hands that they insisted on 100% control of their music after that, or DT would disband. The very next album we got was Scenes From a Memory, which many consider to be their finest album. While I do enjoy Falling Into Infinity, in my opinion it is the least Dream Theater sounding album of theirs. I very much doubt that we will ever get another "Anna Lee", but there's no doubt in my mind that we will get plenty more enjoyable music from DT.
That being said, to each their own. You are, of course, welcome to your own opinion. One of the great things about music is that none of us hear it quite the same way, and we all enjoy it (or not) differently. Kind regards.
@@N1RKW fair enough. I'd point out the FII demos lay out what was the intended product and what's more is it's the test case that JP benefits from editorial direction at times, at least in the formation of tunes (not writing melodies or instrumental passages) . These newer tunes feel like instrumentals with vocal passages tacked on after the fact. There's something going on with these guys that's substantially different than what made them iconic in the 90s'. I don't think it's really a debate, personally, but as you noted, there's a degree of bias/preference that goes into this stuff.
@@colinburroughs9871 - "instrumentals with vocal passages tacked on"... Yup, you have a good point there. That definitely fits this new song!
As for the differences now from where they were 20+ years ago, I think that all bands evolve over time. Also, Mike Portnoy, who was their primary motivating force in the 90's (especially while he was battling his addiction), left the band in 2010. John Petrucci has mostly taken over in that role, but also the other band members have been able to add more to the music. Portnoy, who is an awesome drummer and did a great job with DT, was the first to admit that he was a control freak, and was very much in charge of most of the songwriting prior to 2010. The others had their voices, of course, but he was pretty much in control of the direction of the band.
Personally, I like how the band has changed since then. I think that they are more open to explore different things, both musically and lyrically, and I enjoy it as I enjoy all of their music.
As I said, to each their own. I agree that this isn't a debate. I would call it a discussion between fans with differing viewpoints. Have a great day!
@@N1RKW peace dude
I swear you have to listen to Octavarium, it will be a long video but you'll undoubtedly love it
Have to react to Octavarium, no doubt.
The last real DT effort in a lot of ways. Very JP centric, riff, epic solo stuff
@@colinburroughs9871 yes.
I support this!!!!!
I am absolutely on board for this!!
Legitimately haven’t heard a better mix than this song in a VERY long time. Every single instrument is so audible at every point. Hats off to John Myung and Mangini for really showing off and making this track soar.
John Petrucci ( guitarist ) mixed it himself in their brand new personal band studio they built in between the prior and this album. Really shows. John is a mixing genius for sure.
How about Coil/Heir Apparent? Anything more by Opeth would be killer, but I would love that duo in particular to be decomposed!
That breakdown in the lotus eater though.
I vote yes on Coil/Heir Apparent, those two tracks together are one of the best album openings ever.
That's a fantastic idea.
Dare I say that Opeth is a more actualized version of Dreamtheater?
@@nelsonjere17 yeah, they're definitely the ones I prefer. Their tones and acoustic sections are more interesting. Dream Theater tends to overdo their guitar and keyboard solos, and Akerfeldt is a much better vocalist than Labrie. Overall, dream theater strikes me as kind of dorky, but Opeth always has this dark and menacing feel that I've always been more drawn to.
I wonder what it must be like to wake up everyday knowing you are the most talented musicians on the planet?Just incredible playing.
I was waiting for you to get to John's solo at 12:57 of the video. That's how I felt when I heard that tone.
Dream Theater is hands down the best band anyone could possibly listen to !!!! My favorite group . I have been a fan since 1989 !!! and will be until they quit playing or I die.
You should react to "The Count of Tuscany" by Dream Theater
💯
Or illumination Theory
Best song in their catalog.
Dream Theater FTW! Having been a DT fan since Images and Words this song has quickly become one of my favourites because as you mentioned, that mix just really gives every single band member their own space to shine.
This song is so amazing. The drums are nuts, the bass sounds good...first time i heard this song i was so mindblown. I am again...its so good. They totally deserved the Grammy they won for this.
I've listened to listen song about 5 times now, and it keeps getting better each time. There's so much going on! Freaking amazing track.
I saw Dream Theater opening for YES, many years ago...
that evening was no dull moment!
Killer cut! Mangini and Myung just beast mode. JP’s solos were epic! What was that crazy note from Jordan? Otherworldly! Can’t wait for the album release. 🎸🔥🎸🤟
The Dear Hunter - A Night on the Town
I promise you, with your composer background, you absolutely will not be disappointed. ❤️
Very nice choice!!
"The bass is the soul, the bottom end" needs to be on a t-shirt Geebz. DreamTheater for the win indeed!
Myung is brilliant and never gets enough recognition... just such a great bass player.
I’ve listened to this song maybe 30 times and still hear new parts I didn’t previously. If this is anything to go by for the new album it’s gonna kick some serious ass.
Arch Echo is touring with them later this year. That would be a great next reaction
Please do "Arch Echo - Color Wheel"
I'd love to see Arch Echo's "Daybreak" or "Iris." Color Wheel is wonderful but Iris is a masterclass in composition!
Agree, amazing mix and you can even hear Myung for once, and get to hear just how beautifully his lines compliment what's happening up top.
You put this out on my Birthday last year and 2 nights ago I got to see it live, all I can say is WOW, what a song and what a show
Best band on the planet. Period. Can’t wait to hear the whole album. Cheers from Brazil! 🤘🏻🇧🇷
I've been a fan of Dream Theater since 1993. Every new album they release, I'm always afraid that they are finally not going to do it for me anymore. Each song usually takes multiple lessons to appreciate the pure genius of these guys. Usually by about listen number six or seven, I'm hearing it in a different way. And even after 20 or 30 listens, oftentimes there are still things that I'm hearing for the first time because there's so much going on with these guys.
By the way, your reaction at 14:23 was absolutely perfect! Priceless, and I wholeheartedly agree with your facial expressions and the words that came out of your mouth. 😂
This is Masterpiece Composing OMG
Love you Guys 🎸✌️
Yes!!! More Dream Theater please 🙏 "Glass Prison" (Studio version) will blow your mind off - a ton of crazy riffs 😉
I think this is one of Dream Theater's best songs.
And hence why the won the Grammy Award for it
They have outdone themselves, which seemed impossible. The MASTERS!🙏🏻🤟🏻
Another thing, Dream Theater isn't slowing down a bit. All of these years later and they still bring it with conviction.
I've been a DT fan since 2000 and in my opinion they're the best band in history! Their versatility with the musical styles and sounds, untouched technical skills, and incredibly deep and meaningful lyrics is what does it for me!
I agree about the mix, this may be the best mixed sounding DT song to date out of their ENTIRE discology! I had to listen a good 4 or 5 times to realize it may be a top 10 song by them too! There was too much going on for me the first listen, and I have no music education so I imagine it was wild for you!!
The drum cam video of this is just flipping insane. Mangini is a machine.
When the lead came in your in Houston so you have a Earthly introspect Inn of the musical storyline notice how it brought you from the opening of the song back down to earth?!
the alien is Mike Mangini
Their best performance is Octavarium - Live from the SCORE tour
five magics by megadeth
only original version :D
trust me 😎❤️
Mary friedman is god
Agree with you on the original version. The remaster they did on that album is a disaster.
Dream Theater FTW! I agree, James did sound pulled back to the middle a bit. That said, I felt his higher notes sounded cleaner and more powerful than they did on The Astonishing and even their self titled album.
Mike Mangini is d best ever. Dream Theater guys, you nailed it. Materpiece, grande, deep soul. Yeah, they are The Alien(s). 👽🤘🤘
and so this song just won the grammy ... more than deserved :)
I totally agree with you on the mix. So precise and crystal clear with a perfect punch.
I completely agree that the mix is really good. For me this is the best I've heard Mangini's drums.
This song gets even better with multiple listens!!
Imagine how much I love it. I’ve already heard it about 20 times
Yes, I’m that old also that I remember Styx.
Try: the day that the world brakes down, by Ayreon. Floor Jansen is in it.
Or The Garden of emotions; the electric castle live and other tales by Ayreon.
It’s symphonic metal/metal opera.
Was this DT trying to be Ayreon? 🤔🤔🤔 JK 😉
@@ShadowhispersBand Y not? Hehehe
@@edelcorrallira well played 👍
Maybe I’m way off base, but the way this song is engineered and performed, compared to the engineering on virtuoso prog music of yesteryear makes me think of visual-intensive movies of the 70’s and 80’s vs the effects-driven masterpieces of the last 10-15 years. I’m thinking like YYZ is to The Alien as Mel Gibson Mad Max is to Tom Hardy Mad Max. Both are amazing in their own right, but the more recent work benefits greatly from a whole lot of technical and technological advancements from the last couple decades. The trick is not making the technology into the spectacle, but using it to support the artistic vision.
I think they succeeded in that here.
But the thing is that live they sound incredible too and even the small nuances get it even more rich!! Technically... The best out there to appreciate... Each and every one of them.
🤦🏻♂️ go see them live
What is absolutely freaking awesome is Dream Theater recorded there whole album at there own building (DTHQ)!!!!
This song won them their Grammy Award. Long overdue and they finally got into the Hall of Fame as well. No better talent out there. Love love love this band.
Dream Theater FTW indeed! Always love hearing your insights on the mix and engineering aspects of the recordings. Clarity and placing the instruments in their proper spots along the EQ spectrum are crucial for being able to tell whether the performance was good in the first place.
So cool to see you do this one already! 😯 In terms of interesting production to goober over, here's some future Dream Theater options for you, in order of suggestitude: *"Misunderstood"* , *"A Nightmare to Remember"* , *"Sacrificed Sons"* , and *"The Ministry of Lost Souls"* . Enjoy! 🤙🏼
If you haven't already, I think you should have a look at Eluveitie: rebirth.
It's a Swiss folk metal band with like 8 instruments and 2 singers. From a composer perspective I think you'd love it
One word: masterpiece
Dream Theatre A nightmare to remember please! It’s a dark melodic epic journey masterpiece!!
DT and BTBAM in the same month, heck ya! Digging the Death Wish Mug btw.
Dream Theater for the WIN!!! That kicked ass!!!!!!
I've seen them live in Porto, and I was amazed by the sound quality. It sounded exactly the same as in the DVD, except for the fact they were playing it right in front of me. It was a surreal experience.
@@medved3027 That's exactly what makes it so fun to watch though..
Big difference with dvd though.. labrie live performance is never desirable :(
@@medved3027 thats how you enjoy this type of music. Go to some pop concert if you wanna go to moving concert.
Dream theater for the win!!! Always been a fan of theirs!
I thought at first, LTE invited LaBrie to do vocals. The intro was so LTE. The start of the vocal parts reminiscent of The Count of Tuscany! But really great new material. You're right, sound engineering and mixing was spotless!
YOU should have realized it was not LTE by the drumming!
Portnoy cannot play like that
22:08 With every new Dream Theater album since 2011's _A Dramatic Turn of Events,_ Dream Theater fans are terrified that Mangini's drums will be poorly produced again. Drum sounds on "The Alien" seem good to me. "A View from the Top of the World," will likely be the third album of the Mangini era in a row with acceptable drums, so I think the engineers may have finally figured out how to treat the man's incredible performances with respect.
Dream Theater FTW!
There is really no letting up throughout their entire discography. The Alien reminds me of some of Kansas' early compositions on crack.... DT is truly next level.
Dream Theater won their first Grammy tonight. 🤘🤘🤘
Cool. I was going to ask you to do this song but your already made it. Awesome
I shared your brilliant reaction on the Main DT facebook page. Let's see how it goes.
You re my favorite man on youtube ! Such a lovely musician, I like when I see you reacting like me with ur face ! Haha
I’m stoked I came across your channel, man! So much deep knowledge and actual dissection of the songs versus just plain opinion. Awesome work. Subscribed!!
I used to love DT. They were my favourite band. But ever since JR joined, who is most certainly an absolute virtuoso, it seems to me that their music relies more and more on guitar/key unisono riffage and scale-runs without end. After a while I find that it gets utterly boring.
All of the guys are masters of their craft. But compositionally, I tend to very much prefer their older albums like I&W, Awake, A Change of Season, and Falling into Infinity.
There's something incredibly wonderful on those albums: the guitars and keys don't play the same things, most of the time. When Petrucci is riffing, they keys play complex/extended chords underneath, either sustained, or arpeggiated. I find that a lot more satisfying.
They just keep getting worse and worse. The old stuff is absolutely genius. I do still like Scenes from a Memory, 6 Degrees, and Train of Thought with Jordan, but they go downhill from there. Octavarium is pretty good, but there's just a few gems. Same with Systematic Chaos and Black Clouds. aDTOE could've been good, but you really felt the departure of Portnoy. Everything since then is just uninspired prog music. It just feels like they're only writing because "it's time to write another album". Everything sounds like they just started a 5 minute jam and recorded whatever riffs they came up with.
They are formulaic and sounds the same . and I agree, i love their first albums, up until 6 deegres. I actually stopped listening to them in the Train of thought album; really don´t like that album at all.
I'm with you and everybody responding to you. x2 on all of it. ESPECIALLY re: Jordan.
@@plap111 I think this might be a generational thing to some extent. If you grew up with or were a seasoned music listener/musician in the 90's, DT mattered in a way that the folks who've found them subsequent to that largely don't see. Though there are some hardcore fans that think it's all good. Rush would do a record in a style, then on the next it'd take a turn and on the next most of what was on the first (in a run of three) isn't detectable. DT has been on auto pilot for a long time now.
100000% agreed. I think Portnoy's direction and vision really kept the members from just going into mindless riffing with no real structure or direction. They're very cut and paste now. Such a shame.
Well I can absolutely hear where Between the Buried and Me get their influence
Its aight
Really wish you'd do the older stuff.
This Dream Theater for the win
👇
Space Dye Vest
Lol. Arguably one of DT's most boring songs of all time just like the silent man. DT doesn't even want that in the album. Only for Kevin Moore.
Wonderful reaction.
Hell yeah, Geebz! Check out their prog opus 'Scenes from a memory: Part 2' if you want to hear my personal favourite of theirs.
The intro reminds me of my all-time favorite DT intro: In the Presence of Enemies. Really solid stuff and I can't wait for the whole album!
Fantastic band, fantastic song, and some really great comments, Geebz! DT for the win!!
Long epsiodes really is no problem what so ever! DT for the win!
Thank you so much for doing this. What a track. If this is anything to go by the new album is going to be an absolute belter.
Dream Theater ftw xD the one who taught me guitar the most once showed me their album metropolis pt2 and while at first many things were hard to absorb or digest and wouldn't really pull me that much into their work, small passages and works kept me compelled to get back for more and more and it then became a need... It's so awesome and so misunderstood due to the complexity to a normal everyday commercial mainstream listener
Epic song!!! Amazing reaction ❤️🔥🤘🏻
I really like your reactions. I have to say it again. Octavarium and or The Count of Tuscany will give you a better knowledge of the pinnacle of the portnoy years. There is a clear difference.
Mangini comes into his own on this song (and hopefully the whole album) -- the drumming is the best it's sounded since the ADToE in my opinion. I like Portnoy too, and generally like his drumming better than Mangini's, but the "bag of tricks" does get repetitive.
One of the Portnoy nuthuggers. Go get a life.
Heyyy Geebz!!! I discovered your channel recently and I have to say that your reviews are the most detailed and my new favorite of all the different music reviewers out there!!! It's an absolute treat to hear the perspective you share!
Anyways, to get to my point, I would absolutely be thrilled if you could take the time to review my favourite song of all time since the release a year and a half ago!!
I have seen you review some of my other favorite songs (Reptile, Of Matter), and if you could do a review of the song DARK by INVENT, ANIMATE, I think you will understand why I believe it will be my absolute favorite song forever!!!
I truly believe it will blow you away with how perfect it is in every way! 🔥
Much Love my Brother!! 🙏❤
I agree with you on your initial take of The Alien. Everyone in the band is in top form. Dazzling players (and singer) with sparkling musicianship.
love your analysis
"Daaaaah Daaaaahh" You made my day ! xD
I've listened to thousands of hours of Dream Theater since the 90s. They were my favorite band for over a decade. This... sounds like most of Dream Theater. Technical mastery paired with a vague sense that I'm not getting what I want. At this point I'm convinced I never will. I admire them, I will always find enjoyment in what they do, but as I get older, I'm less interested in investing the time for an end product I know won't satisfy me.
That's how I like to kick off the morning with an early notification at 2:30 in the morning
May I suggest : "Dance of Eternity" Dream Theater.. their most complex and difficult piece to date
Music that takes your mind on an ethereal journey.
Enjoying your content. You should totally do a Haken song. Perhaps Puzzle Box or Nil by Mouth.
Great video! I love your reactions - they are always bring a level of authenticity and engagement that is hard to come by nowadays.
I am from New Zealand, and one of our greatest taonga (gifts) are Māori waiata. It's not a conventional composition, but if you were to listen to 'te pikikōtuku o ngati rongomai - Tira 2019,' I think you'd be blown away!
Thanks for being awesome.
An amazing Dream Theater song I'd love to see you listen to - To Live Forever, the live from tokyo version from '93, james is completely in his prime and will just blow you away with the notes he cant hit and the power with them. Finished off with a very moving and wide genre range solo, its an easy recommend.
Either way, love the videos. Your reactions to the right parts of the music are so entertaining
The Glass Prison - studio version. This song has the most insane guitar riffs - it will make you jump in your chair.
You absolutely need to check out Arch Echo, they're supporting Dream Theater on their upcoming tour
Its a GREAT track 🔥🔥. From a really Great album 👍🇺🇸
What can you say. This is the greatest band on the planet.
Dream Theater.. Haha. Was watching this about 730pm. From chicago-land.
Been a fan since Images & Words.. Anywho.. Have you ever visited chgo?
So Jordan is playing tasteful and James is singing great!!!
First and last reaction I watch from you!!!
Dream theater for the win!
You need to do Liquid Tension Experiment's "When the Water Breaks"
Soooo, this is what happened when Tarkus grew up?
(just kidding, there were a few similar passages, but I'm not sure how to reference them and I didn't write down the timestamps.
You really know how to take the bite that cannot be chewed.
You are awesome!
Listen to A Change of Seasons, my favorite of Dream Theater's long epic songs
"5, 6, 7 times".....LOL!!!! Ive listened way more than that and am just now really getting this.