Oh absolutely, his analysis is what makes them great. I love listening to music, and hearing him pick up on little details and point them out makes me appreciate the music more
Let's goooooo. In The Presence Of Enemies is the first song i've heard from DT back in 2011, and made me fell in love with them. So happy you reacted to them.
That particular song defines prog music to me and it’s one of the reasons I’m listening to DT no matter if it’s the portnoy or the mangini part of it’s history. Best way to enjoy it on headphones and a glas of good wine in your hand 😃
If you hear this album for the first time, you should do a reaction video for "Ministry of Lost Souls" too. It's another epic in this album, I think you would love it.
This book ends suite is probably one of the most overlooked and underrated epic on Dream Theater's discography. Words just can't describe how breathtaking and mind blowing ITPOE is. 🤯🤯
I think it was their decision to split it. I get that they wanted both to open and end the album, but maybe the song lost its "20min epic prestige" in the mind of the average listener during that process.
This album caught a lot of critic upon release and some years after but I bet if another band had done it, it would be praised among prog fans. Also 16 years later it has aged amazingly well, I think, among their catalogue.
Doug, can I just say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for reviewing Dream Theater again. This band has a special place in my heart ever since I heard them back in 2001 for the first time and have continued to this day to be my #1 favorite band. The reason why I love your reviews so much is because you are able to analyze the songs in a way many of us can't truly comprehend because we aren't classically trained. And when I see you get excited about something the band is doing, then you could explain it musically, it just makes so much more sense to me why I loved it in the first place. I can't wait for when you dive into The Astonishing for the first time. It's going to be a loooong video :)
I first got into DT right around Octavarium. I can't remember if it was before or after the album came out but my entry point was Train of Thought and I was watching Live at Budokan continuously at that time. I feel like Systematic Chaos was the first album from them that was new while I was a fan since I don't remember Octavarium being released. I can still remember sitting in the basement of my childhood home while I was living home during the summers while in university and having my mind blown by the start of ITPOE on a copy I managed to "acquire"... back in the days before streaming or digital downloads.
Haha. I like to think of The Astonishing like one very long song, similar to Six Degrees. When I thought of it like that, TA made a lot more sense to me. But to be fair, I always liked TA, so... Take my view on it as you will. It has some great music on it regardless!
Hey Doug. I'd say you're still missing an epic. In The Name of God. And you should get a chance to listen to their instrumentals as well throughout their albums. Really good stuff. Thanks for the video. I wish everyone an amazing weekend 😊
The same thing happened to me! I remember it leaked out a bit before release and I was hoping it's not the real album. Octavarium was hard to follow but with more listens SC really grew on me. Perfect blend of energy, aggression and melodic moments. John's solo in Repentance is one of the most underrated solos ever.
In the Presence of Enemies Part 1 is peak Dream Theater. Discovered it pretty lately because its one of the less mainstream ones. Don't get why. Superb Mix and Mike's drumming is just straight up satisfying
This premiere is a moment I've been yearning for! This song holds a special place in my heart. It's more than just music, it's a profound journey that hits the reset button on my mind and soul. Each note carries therapeutic power. The anticipation for this episode is electric! 🤘🎶 Can't wait to dive in!!
Fun story about this album: Dream Theater put out a message that they needed a crowd of people to do backing vocals for the album. A couple hundred other Dream Theater fans and I waited in the absolute freezing cold outside the Manhattan studio to be a part of it. Turns out some of us (including me) had no chance. Fans who had showed up hours before the announced time had already been given lyric sheets by the security guard (against DT's wishes), and they were the only ones who were ever going to be let in. So, I missed out being on the album, but you can hear the people who got it doing the "Hey, hey, hey!" and first lines of the lyrics in the 4th section.
6 Degrees was pretty dam good as well. But I agree, the dynamics and flow of this one is miles above. The little nuances are just the icing on the top...
"Take my money y'all!" 🤣🤣🤣🤣 this is instantly one of my all time favourite daily doug reactions. In my opinion Systematic Chaos is an extremely underrated album. It's very interesting that you interpreted the ending as him dying, I always saw the ending as the death of the dark master🤷 Awesome reaction, I knew you'd love this 😁 now you have to listen to Ministry of Lost Souls, it's the 7th track of Systematic Chaos
6DOIT is a very special collection and imo some of the best lyrical notes from dream theater. I always come back to 6DOIT as it a masterpiece and I would love a review of each piece.
Sacrificed Sons with the orchestra is simply amazing. It gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it. Score is an absolute masterpiece, maybe their best live album ever.
Amazing song! Thank you as always for the breakdown. And "The Ministry Of Lost Souls" from this album is a must in the future! For some reason I thought you did it, but apparently not
13:42 - not two different guitar parts, I think they're doing is John Petrucci is playing the solo and Jordan Rudess is mimicking the same exact shredding solo on the keyboards, they did this also in many other songs, it's pretty impressive they can mimic each other's shredding that fast!
Yes it is. It's really impressive how Jordan Rudess can mimic a guitar part, but also very impressive how John Petrucci can play as fast and fluid as a professional pianist ❤
Part 1 is a masterpiece by itself. I’ve seen them in this tour. Petrucci and Portnoy swapped instruments and Mike played Eruption. I gave up on guitar that day lol
DT has this thing. They create a theme/motif and play around them throughout the song/album, and they do it with amazing technique and style. You can hear this all over their discography, 6 Degrees, Scenes From a Memory, and many others. It's kind of a signature of them, if I may.
Been a DT fan for going on 32 years now and I really enjoy your reactions to their music. It's a bit sad that their complexity and talent is lost on your average person, but you serve as a great bridge to explain what we are hearing in a digestible way for the masses. Kudos!
In the Presence of Enemies is among the absolute pinnacle for me in terms of both musicianship and storytelling. I only wish the 2 parts were released as a single song on Spotify so I get both parts when shuffling my liked songs. I know the live version is a single song but prefer the album version. Anyway, love this music, love DT and love your reactions Doug!
you gotta do Ministry of Lost Souls! It is also an epic with a long instrumental part in the middle. It also has an awesome seemingly never ending solo at the end (and fades out)
Thanks for covering that one man. It was a pleasure to share and revisit that. I haven't heard it in a while and it's all too easy to forget. I need to revisit the whole album now.. lol.
A fun alternative listen as one is: In the Presence of Enemies Part 1 Ministry of Lost Souls In the Presence of Enemies Part 2 It just has such an awesome flow to it. Sometimes I kinda wish they'd made it a three parter, honestly. Would be quite an epic to see played live all together!
Sure, all the instrumentation on this piece is surreal. We all agree on that. But lets take a moment to apreciate James interpretation and nuances in all the spectrum and the emotions on this? Breath taking!
There’s a really cool documentary on RUclips by DT that is the process of making this album. If anyone is interested in it it’s called The Making of Systematic Chaos or Chaos in Progress.
Hey Doug! If you are looking for some more stuff by Dream Theater, I'd suggest you take a look at The Best of Times, from Black Clouds and Silver Linings. It's my favorite track from them, and I love most of their discography. The songwriting, the lyrics (the backstory of this song is a tear-jerker) and that solo in the end (Petrucci's Magnum Opus in my opinion) all contribute for an absolute masterpiece. I'd really love to have you react to it!
Great stuff. This has been a favorite for a long time. You should seriously look into more of Neal Morse's stuff, too. Some really satisfying long epics.
For me it's one of the best Dream Theater albums, along with Octavarium and Scenes from a Memory. Years ago I read Systematic Chaos has the same track structure as Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here: Both divide the main song, In The Presence of Enemies and Shine on your Crazy Diamond in the beginning and the end of both albums... think about, it's kinda curious those coincidences! :D
Seeing this is a reminder to why DT is my number one. Each of their epics has a moment where I find myself getting all choked up because the music is just so beautiful. I've heard the song countless times over the last 16 years and know most of it on guitar, yet here I am once again choking up at the positive twist at the end of pt2 (in the hour of darkness...).
You always have a way of taking songs I've already loved, and making me love them even more. Heretic is one of my all time favorite DT moments. Loved watching your reaction!
Please mr. Doug next Dream Theater song must be SPACE DYE VEST, from 1994 album "Awake", the last masterpiece from the former keyboard player Kevin Moore. 🎹 🔝 🎶 🎵
So glad you got into Dream Theater..love your thoughts and musical opinions... I've seen every tour from the original Scenes from A Memory tour up until the last Dream Sonic tour ..saw the last two tours in NYC which was so cool getting to take my daughter to those...enjoy the continued DT roller-coaster
Amazing reaction, I'm so glad you liked this. This is probably my most favorite DT album. This whole album is absolutely amazing from start to finish. When I put this song on, I just continue listening to the whole album. Constant Motion, Dark Eternal Night, Repentance, Prophets of War, Ministry of Lost Souls all amazing tracks worth listening to!
It was this album in which Dream Theater first came to Australia, from what I recall. I went to see them in my city. It was a 40°C (104°F) day and I walked from the city centre in the mid-to-late afternoon to where they were playing at the city showgrounds. It's still the best sounding experience I've had when going to see a band live.
Systematic Chaos IMO is a more "Straight forward" Metal-Prog album (have no better word to describe it), have a more dominant metal elements than prog, but i like it so much, especially it is one of two DT albums that got me hooked into DT's music (the one being ADTOE). The layering and composition in this album is more simple compared to other albums, but it is a good thing for me 'cause sometimes prog music, that is already "complex" in it's arragement, is better digested when the music is relatively simpler (it is easier to enjoy and sing along without needing to focus so much on the music). Sorry for my confusing words 😁 Edit: and all of the songs are headbangers!!! Even the sad-beautiful TMOLS
This one gets me everytime! I feel In the Presence is underrated as a Dream Theater epic. I mean, that intro to start an album is just powerful, progressive. I love the soundscapes they explore in this one. They play this one amazingly live BTW.
This song (or these songs) is based on a Korean Manawha (John Myung influence?),in this,there is a warrior who have a girlfriend but she is kidnapped by the devil,and to save her,he have to fight for him,but at the end he put this to a end fighting against the devil... more or less like this,but FOR ME,this song is about a christian person who is seduced by the devil and at the end,recognizes that this was a huge mistake and comebacks to Christ,I'm a christian guy who made huges mistakes in life,so it always makes me emotional,this lyrics are very powerful in my personal life,the end give shivers all the time,but this part is very it's interesting "I have known you father/ And your sacred quest / Blessed soldier fighting / You shall never rest / I have known you,but do you know me?" It's like Lucifer talking "Hey man,I met God,Jesus,I know their plans,and I know you as well,best than you think,but do you really know who am I?" because all christian know (or at leadt should know) who the devil is,but we fall for him sometimes,it could be a word,action,a thought,so many simple and complex things,we're not perfect,we have to fight the devil every day,but sometimes we fight for him,we lose a little of our faith,some people lose all faith in God,and in this moment of darkness,of weakness,we choose the devil with his beatiful promises,but we lose our souls,we became slaves,slaves of drugs,prostitution,alcohol,money,porn,fame,even food,and is hard to comeback after this,and when we comeback there's something missing because we sacrificed important things like family,friends,health and sometimes we can't recover these things back,so yeah,that's the meaning of this song for me,sorry if I exagerated on this hehehe (now I saw that I made a mistake on the lyrics,is "known YOU father" and not "YOUR father" :v )
Great review overall - great song, one of the best. You did comment that you hear two guitars at one point, but that's John and Jordan in unison! I've seen them do it live in concert, and they are -very- good at it. To see another great example, try "Lost Not Forgotten". :)
They opened with the entire song (Pt. 1 & 2 back to back) when touring for Systematic Chaos... a moment as powerful as being in the first audience to ever hear Octavarium live.
From the Helsinki gig I only remember the opening with Also Sprach Zarathustra. I see some videos on youtube where they went on with Constant Motion instead of this. Was there in 2005 for the Octavarium as well.
I'm sad to say I am new to DT. I'll definitely be diving into them now though. Their influences from metal and prog bands before them are unmistakable. I heard, Rush, Yes, ELP, Metallica, Pink Floyd and I think a little Genesis all in that 25 minutes. Very cool.
Do not feel sad! Once you manage to go through their discography, you'll realize what an amazing journey it is. Those references are present all over their albums and songs. I feel glad that DT can still get new fans after so many years. Welcome to the Majesty club!!!
Other epics (and slightly less epics) you can add to your repertoire in the future: The killing hand Trial of years A Mind Beside Itself suite Metropolis pt 2 instrumental demo Instrumedley (and please add the Venezuelan percussion version to it) Pale blue for
These DT reactions make me wonder what Doug would think of The Astonishing; DT's attempt at writing a rock opera. Most fans haven't been kind to it, myself included, but considering Doug isn't a "metal purist" he may not have the same biases against it as most of the fanbase.
Part 1 is God tier. Not the biggest fan of part 2, but was great seeing it all live on yhe tour for that album. That Petrucci solo in part 1 is one of his greatest ever, without doubt.
I'm sure it's been brought up, but Awake does have a three-part song cycle that has been dubbed "A Mind Beside Itself". It is the tracks "Erotomania", "Voices" and "The Silent Man". I'm not smart enough to follow the connections like you are!
Yo Doug thanks for all your reaction videos. I really appreciate your inside musical knowledge, it makes THE difference to most other reaction channels. Keep 'em coming!
I did not particularly like this song in the beginning, but I have grown to love it. Let me join you with a drum of Bunnahabhain Toiteach A Dha! You should also check out The Ministry of Lost Souls and Forsaken from the same album. Have a good one!
@@PersonaX7 Yeah, everyone says Under a Glass Moon, as the best Petrucci solo, and while I think it's definitely one of his best, The Best of Times solo is just so genius too.
@@lopolik Under a Glass Moon is a shred fest. It's fun, and it definitely fits the song. But The Best of Times hits you way too hard. Isolated, it is a masterful demonstration of how to compose a solo that blends technique with emotional phrasing. In the context of the song, it's a warm, sincere, ode to "The Best Of Times". It's dramatic and profoundly heartbroken, but at the same time thankful for all that has happened and ensuring that the legacy of Mike's father will live on. For some reason if I listen to song as a whole I always start tearing up at the "fleeting winds of time" part, and go all out at the solo, no matter how much I try. No other piece of music has such an effect on me.
@@PersonaX7 Oh yeah, I agree with you 100%. This is one of the most emotional songs from Dream Theater, and I mean for me more songs have such effect on me as well, as much as songs that can make me cry, but they are pretty rare, that's for sure!
You are an ABSOLUTE master Doug! What a joy it is to see you react and break down a piece like this. I enjoy you analyzing almost as much as I enjoy the piece itself! Keep it up brother. We love you!
I don't know if you take recommendations, but Hanezeve Caradhina, Transcendance and Hanezeve, and Tomorrow from the Anime Made in Abyss are phenomenal listens.
There’s no doubt that your music reviews/reactions are the most instructive and engaging on the internet! Thanks Doug.
So happy that you enjoy!
@@Doug.Helvering I enjoy too and second his statement!
Doug, I'm interested to know if your own compositions have come to reflect some of what you've heard over the last few years.
Oh absolutely, his analysis is what makes them great. I love listening to music, and hearing him pick up on little details and point them out makes me appreciate the music more
I also love that he has like perfect pitch or something, Doug can recognize chords and tonalities immediately 😁
Let's goooooo. In The Presence Of Enemies is the first song i've heard from DT back in 2011, and made me fell in love with them. So happy you reacted to them.
So glad you’re doing this. One(two) of my favorite Dream Theater songs
That particular song defines prog music to me and it’s one of the reasons I’m listening to DT no matter if it’s the portnoy or the mangini part of it’s history. Best way to enjoy it on headphones and a glas of good wine in your hand 😃
Wait wait, has Doug listened to In the Name of God yet?? Thats unmissable
Not that I need an excuse, but had a dram of Laphroaig 15 while watching :)
If you hear this album for the first time, you should do a reaction video for "Ministry of Lost Souls" too. It's another epic in this album, I think you would love it.
I believe Doug has listened to that one live.
I second this
This book ends suite is probably one of the most overlooked and underrated epic on Dream Theater's discography. Words just can't describe how breathtaking and mind blowing ITPOE is. 🤯🤯
And listening to them together is the only way to travel.
I think it was their decision to split it. I get that they wanted both to open and end the album, but maybe the song lost its "20min epic prestige" in the mind of the average listener during that process.
In my top 5!
Not too luminous sensei, I consider giving my life away for your cause!
This album caught a lot of critic upon release and some years after but I bet if another band had done it, it would be praised among prog fans. Also 16 years later it has aged amazingly well, I think, among their catalogue.
13:35 that was not 2 different guitar parts - that was keyboard + guitar playing together
Jordan is unbelieavable
Doug, can I just say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for reviewing Dream Theater again. This band has a special place in my heart ever since I heard them back in 2001 for the first time and have continued to this day to be my #1 favorite band. The reason why I love your reviews so much is because you are able to analyze the songs in a way many of us can't truly comprehend because we aren't classically trained. And when I see you get excited about something the band is doing, then you could explain it musically, it just makes so much more sense to me why I loved it in the first place. I can't wait for when you dive into The Astonishing for the first time. It's going to be a loooong video :)
I first got into DT right around Octavarium. I can't remember if it was before or after the album came out but my entry point was Train of Thought and I was watching Live at Budokan continuously at that time. I feel like Systematic Chaos was the first album from them that was new while I was a fan since I don't remember Octavarium being released. I can still remember sitting in the basement of my childhood home while I was living home during the summers while in university and having my mind blown by the start of ITPOE on a copy I managed to "acquire"... back in the days before streaming or digital downloads.
Haha. I like to think of The Astonishing like one very long song, similar to Six Degrees. When I thought of it like that, TA made a lot more sense to me. But to be fair, I always liked TA, so... Take my view on it as you will. It has some great music on it regardless!
Hey Doug. I'd say you're still missing an epic. In The Name of God.
And you should get a chance to listen to their instrumentals as well throughout their albums. Really good stuff. Thanks for the video. I wish everyone an amazing weekend 😊
Systematic Chaos is a 10/10 for me. I remember having a hard time digesting it at first, but once I did...one of their greatest albums imo.
The same thing happened to me! I remember it leaked out a bit before release and I was hoping it's not the real album. Octavarium was hard to follow but with more listens SC really grew on me. Perfect blend of energy, aggression and melodic moments. John's solo in Repentance is one of the most underrated solos ever.
No way, like a 6/10. One of their weakest, no doubt.
@@carlosrobles5591 I can understand why people would feel that way about the album, and that's ok.
@@DiegoDeschain 6DOIT is #1, Images #2, Scenes #3, the rest I don't care how they are ranked.
I rate this album better than most DT fans. But Forsaken is so bad, I could never give this a 10/10. The rest are all good-great songs.
The unison guitar and keyboard solo at the end of Part 1 is straight fire
It surprised me on this re listen how dirty that is. So sick
Give me a black heart
In the Presence of Enemies Part 1 is peak Dream Theater. Discovered it pretty lately because its one of the less mainstream ones. Don't get why. Superb Mix and Mike's drumming is just straight up satisfying
This premiere is a moment I've been yearning for! This song holds a special place in my heart. It's more than just music, it's a profound journey that hits the reset button on my mind and soul. Each note carries therapeutic power. The anticipation for this episode is electric! 🤘🎶 Can't wait to dive in!!
Fun story about this album: Dream Theater put out a message that they needed a crowd of people to do backing vocals for the album. A couple hundred other Dream Theater fans and I waited in the absolute freezing cold outside the Manhattan studio to be a part of it. Turns out some of us (including me) had no chance. Fans who had showed up hours before the announced time had already been given lyric sheets by the security guard (against DT's wishes), and they were the only ones who were ever going to be let in. So, I missed out being on the album, but you can hear the people who got it doing the "Hey, hey, hey!" and first lines of the lyrics in the 4th section.
That's all on the box DVD that i bought with the album when it came out. Super cool!
Not to be that guy, but I believe they chant "Heil! Heil! Heil!" _or "Hail! Hail! Hail!", either works_
Unpopular opinion but this is their best epic. I know most people choose between change of seasons and octavarium for good reasons.
It’s definitely in the top 3 probably for me.
I think so too, but somewhere inside my head, there's a voice screaming "A Change of Seasons" and "Octavarium". I simply cannot pick one.
Depending on my mood it's one of those three and Illumination Theory fighting for the first place
I'd have to go with A Change of Seasons, but this is second!
6 Degrees was pretty dam good as well. But I agree, the dynamics and flow of this one is miles above. The little nuances are just the icing on the top...
"Take my money y'all!" 🤣🤣🤣🤣 this is instantly one of my all time favourite daily doug reactions. In my opinion Systematic Chaos is an extremely underrated album. It's very interesting that you interpreted the ending as him dying, I always saw the ending as the death of the dark master🤷
Awesome reaction, I knew you'd love this 😁 now you have to listen to Ministry of Lost Souls, it's the 7th track of Systematic Chaos
I love that transition from The Reckoning into Salvation. Gives me goosebumps every time.
"That's a different kind of church y'all"
Greatest commentary out there. Ur awesome dude
From the SCORE album, the full playthrough of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence with the orchestra is a must. Just epic.
I 2nd this
@@andyfox8377
and I 3rd 😁🥰
6DOIT is a very special collection and imo some of the best lyrical notes from dream theater. I always come back to 6DOIT as it a masterpiece and I would love a review of each piece.
Sacrificed Sons with the orchestra is simply amazing. It gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it. Score is an absolute masterpiece, maybe their best live album ever.
I'm a wise man. I see a Dream Theater reaction from Doug, I CLICK IT! been waiting so long for this song. Great job!!!
Amazing song! Thank you as always for the breakdown. And "The Ministry Of Lost Souls" from this album is a must in the future! For some reason I thought you did it, but apparently not
13:42 - not two different guitar parts, I think they're doing is John Petrucci is playing the solo and Jordan Rudess is mimicking the same exact shredding solo on the keyboards, they did this also in many other songs, it's pretty impressive they can mimic each other's shredding that fast!
lol, i've left pretty the same comment, my friend. regards!
@@CxpOnTube oh yeah I just saw it bro, cheers!
Yes it is. It's really impressive how Jordan Rudess can mimic a guitar part, but also very impressive how John Petrucci can play as fast and fluid as a professional pianist ❤
Wow just yesterday i was like “i cant wait for doug to react to in the presence of enemies”
Part 1 is a masterpiece by itself. I’ve seen them in this tour. Petrucci and Portnoy swapped instruments and Mike played Eruption. I gave up on guitar that day lol
Ha I've been waiting for this from you for a while
finally the wait is over
Section 4: The Slaughter of the Damned is one of the most badass lyrics I have ever read..this song is 100% a masterpiece
Most badass lyrics ever are
- Master Skywalker, there are too many of them! What are we going to doo?
This is such a masterpiece
Was literally listening to this two days ago and thinking, "Doug needs to do this one." Awesome!
This is my favourite album and favourite track thanks for checking it out
I actually love how the vocal melodies at the very end of the song is essentially a new arrangement of the guitar solo from the beginning of the song.
DT has this thing. They create a theme/motif and play around them throughout the song/album, and they do it with amazing technique and style. You can hear this all over their discography, 6 Degrees, Scenes From a Memory, and many others. It's kind of a signature of them, if I may.
Such a masterpiece. Another great song in Dream Theaters discography
Been a DT fan for going on 32 years now and I really enjoy your reactions to their music. It's a bit sad that their complexity and talent is lost on your average person, but you serve as a great bridge to explain what we are hearing in a digestible way for the masses. Kudos!
That’s prog in general to the masses my friend
Keep on truckin with the Dream Theater. So much great music from them.
OH HELL YEAAAHHHH... I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS SINCE 2021 MAN. FINALLY 🔥🔥🔥
Of all the Dream Theater breakdowns you have done, this is the one I’ve been waiting for!
Thank you Doug!!
In the Presence of Enemies is among the absolute pinnacle for me in terms of both musicianship and storytelling. I only wish the 2 parts were released as a single song on Spotify so I get both parts when shuffling my liked songs. I know the live version is a single song but prefer the album version. Anyway, love this music, love DT and love your reactions Doug!
live version from the systematic chaos tour in 2007 is better.Great reaction
you gotta do Ministry of Lost Souls! It is also an epic with a long instrumental part in the middle. It also has an awesome seemingly never ending solo at the end (and fades out)
Thanks for covering that one man. It was a pleasure to share and revisit that. I haven't heard it in a while and it's all too easy to forget. I need to revisit the whole album now.. lol.
For my fellow D&D fans, this makes excellent final boss/BBEG music, especially if you can get an instrumental version. I have yet to find one.
Yet another GREAT song from the best band EVER to produce music, keep them coming.
I wait for that for one year the best in my opinion.
Always wanted Doug to make this React, looking forward to it🙌🏼🙌🏼
A fun alternative listen as one is:
In the Presence of Enemies Part 1
Ministry of Lost Souls
In the Presence of Enemies Part 2
It just has such an awesome flow to it. Sometimes I kinda wish they'd made it a three parter, honestly. Would be quite an epic to see played live all together!
Sure, all the instrumentation on this piece is surreal. We all agree on that. But lets take a moment to apreciate James interpretation and nuances in all the spectrum and the emotions on this? Breath taking!
Yeah James kicks ass on this song (whole album really).
Oh man i was waiting for this! Let's do it!!
Seeing this video made my day. You are the man, Doug.
There’s a really cool documentary on RUclips by DT that is the process of making this album. If anyone is interested in it it’s called The Making of Systematic Chaos or Chaos in Progress.
i've watched that crazy amount of times since the release. One of the best "making of"'s out there.
I love that Making Of 😊
Systematic Chaos is my favorite DreamTheater album, thanks
Unquestionable masterpiece.
For me it is one of their best, saw it live and this was fantastic.
Hey Doug! If you are looking for some more stuff by Dream Theater, I'd suggest you take a look at The Best of Times, from Black Clouds and Silver Linings. It's my favorite track from them, and I love most of their discography. The songwriting, the lyrics (the backstory of this song is a tear-jerker) and that solo in the end (Petrucci's Magnum Opus in my opinion) all contribute for an absolute masterpiece. I'd really love to have you react to it!
Doug reacted to The Best of Times in a Fan Favorites episode on his Patreon. Check the directory of reactions in this video's description.
I'll never not sing "i do not fight for you... motherfucker!" as Petrucci says in the documentary haha.
"To those who understand I extend my hand. To the doubters I demand, eat my ass and balls!" - Portnoy & LaBrie.
After this album, I always felt every DT album sounded the same.....Not so hot on much of the discography after this....
Yesssss!!!
This was the first DT album I bought after finding them during the tail end of Octavarium. I’m excited for this one!!
I would say systematic chaos is much stronger album than Octavarium.
Great stuff. This has been a favorite for a long time. You should seriously look into more of Neal Morse's stuff, too. Some really satisfying long epics.
For me it's one of the best Dream Theater albums, along with Octavarium and Scenes from a Memory. Years ago I read Systematic Chaos has the same track structure as Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here: Both divide the main song, In The Presence of Enemies and Shine on your Crazy Diamond in the beginning and the end of both albums... think about, it's kinda curious those coincidences! :D
Seeing this is a reminder to why DT is my number one. Each of their epics has a moment where I find myself getting all choked up because the music is just so beautiful. I've heard the song countless times over the last 16 years and know most of it on guitar, yet here I am once again choking up at the positive twist at the end of pt2 (in the hour of darkness...).
I'd say, In the name of god, a nightmare to remember and ministry of lost souls are long masterpieces you should check out too
You should honestly listen two Pink Floyd the live at Pompeii film. It has such sound
You always have a way of taking songs I've already loved, and making me love them even more. Heretic is one of my all time favorite DT moments. Loved watching your reaction!
Please mr. Doug next Dream Theater song must be SPACE DYE VEST, from 1994 album "Awake", the last masterpiece from the former keyboard player Kevin Moore. 🎹 🔝 🎶 🎵
So glad you got into Dream Theater..love your thoughts and musical opinions... I've seen every tour from the original Scenes from A Memory tour up until the last Dream Sonic tour ..saw the last two tours in NYC which was so cool getting to take my daughter to those...enjoy the continued DT roller-coaster
Amazing reaction, I'm so glad you liked this. This is probably my most favorite DT album. This whole album is absolutely amazing from start to finish. When I put this song on, I just continue listening to the whole album. Constant Motion, Dark Eternal Night, Repentance, Prophets of War, Ministry of Lost Souls all amazing tracks worth listening to!
It was this album in which Dream Theater first came to Australia, from what I recall. I went to see them in my city. It was a 40°C (104°F) day and I walked from the city centre in the mid-to-late afternoon to where they were playing at the city showgrounds. It's still the best sounding experience I've had when going to see a band live.
Systematic Chaos IMO is a more "Straight forward" Metal-Prog album (have no better word to describe it), have a more dominant metal elements than prog, but i like it so much, especially it is one of two DT albums that got me hooked into DT's music (the one being ADTOE). The layering and composition in this album is more simple compared to other albums, but it is a good thing for me 'cause sometimes prog music, that is already "complex" in it's arragement, is better digested when the music is relatively simpler (it is easier to enjoy and sing along without needing to focus so much on the music). Sorry for my confusing words 😁
Edit: and all of the songs are headbangers!!! Even the sad-beautiful TMOLS
This one gets me everytime! I feel In the Presence is underrated as a Dream Theater epic. I mean, that intro to start an album is just powerful, progressive. I love the soundscapes they explore in this one. They play this one amazingly live BTW.
This song (or these songs) is based on a Korean Manawha (John Myung influence?),in this,there is a warrior who have a girlfriend but she is kidnapped by the devil,and to save her,he have to fight for him,but at the end he put this to a end fighting against the devil... more or less like this,but FOR ME,this song is about a christian person who is seduced by the devil and at the end,recognizes that this was a huge mistake and comebacks to Christ,I'm a christian guy who made huges mistakes in life,so it always makes me emotional,this lyrics are very powerful in my personal life,the end give shivers all the time,but this part is very it's interesting "I have known you father/ And your sacred quest / Blessed soldier fighting / You shall never rest / I have known you,but do you know me?" It's like Lucifer talking "Hey man,I met God,Jesus,I know their plans,and I know you as well,best than you think,but do you really know who am I?" because all christian know (or at leadt should know) who the devil is,but we fall for him sometimes,it could be a word,action,a thought,so many simple and complex things,we're not perfect,we have to fight the devil every day,but sometimes we fight for him,we lose a little of our faith,some people lose all faith in God,and in this moment of darkness,of weakness,we choose the devil with his beatiful promises,but we lose our souls,we became slaves,slaves of drugs,prostitution,alcohol,money,porn,fame,even food,and is hard to comeback after this,and when we comeback there's something missing because we sacrificed important things like family,friends,health and sometimes we can't recover these things back,so yeah,that's the meaning of this song for me,sorry if I exagerated on this hehehe (now I saw that I made a mistake on the lyrics,is "known YOU father" and not "YOUR father" :v )
This is one of my favorite pieces they have done personally. Everything about both Pt. 1 and 2 kicks ass.
I disagree, you haven't heard "At wit's end" by Dream Theater yet, so you still have some epic gems, mind blowing compositions by them.
Looking forward to seeing your reaction to "The Ministry of Lost Souls", one of DT´s most beautiful and epic songs
Great review overall - great song, one of the best.
You did comment that you hear two guitars at one point, but that's John and Jordan in unison!
I've seen them do it live in concert, and they are -very- good at it.
To see another great example, try "Lost Not Forgotten". :)
That was not two different guitar parts. That is guitar and keyboard. Guitar on the right, keyboard on the left.
They opened with the entire song (Pt. 1 & 2 back to back) when touring for Systematic Chaos... a moment as powerful as being in the first audience to ever hear Octavarium live.
From the Helsinki gig I only remember the opening with Also Sprach Zarathustra. I see some videos on youtube where they went on with Constant Motion instead of this. Was there in 2005 for the Octavarium as well.
@@tumpe6500yes that was the intro, ITPOE was the first song.
It depends upon where. I saw them on this gig in Texas in ‘07 and they did not do the entire song. They split it up like the album
@@AtomizedSound of course. I only saw their show in Helsinki, can't speak for other shows.
Thanks Doug! I've been waiting for this episode for 2 years😭🤘🏻
I'm sad to say I am new to DT. I'll definitely be diving into them now though. Their influences from metal and prog bands before them are unmistakable. I heard, Rush, Yes, ELP, Metallica, Pink Floyd and I think a little Genesis all in that 25 minutes. Very cool.
Do not feel sad! Once you manage to go through their discography, you'll realize what an amazing journey it is. Those references are present all over their albums and songs. I feel glad that DT can still get new fans after so many years. Welcome to the Majesty club!!!
Other epics (and slightly less epics) you can add to your repertoire in the future:
The killing hand
Trial of years
A Mind Beside Itself suite
Metropolis pt 2 instrumental demo
Instrumedley (and please add the Venezuelan percussion version to it)
Pale blue for
These DT reactions make me wonder what Doug would think of The Astonishing; DT's attempt at writing a rock opera. Most fans haven't been kind to it, myself included, but considering Doug isn't a "metal purist" he may not have the same biases against it as most of the fanbase.
Part 1 is God tier. Not the biggest fan of part 2, but was great seeing it all live on yhe tour for that album. That Petrucci solo in part 1 is one of his greatest ever, without doubt.
"I hear two different guitar parts" are always John and Jordan.
This is the first album that I herd from them and it's my favorite.... full of masterpieces. One of my favorites too is constant motion
This is the Most under rated DT Album. But Train of thought my 2nd favorite Album.
I'm sure it's been brought up, but Awake does have a three-part song cycle that has been dubbed "A Mind Beside Itself". It is the tracks "Erotomania", "Voices" and "The Silent Man". I'm not smart enough to follow the connections like you are!
Absolutely !! 'Awake' is my personal favorite !!
I like how you used arabic numerals for part 1 and roman for part II
Yo Doug thanks for all your reaction videos. I really appreciate your inside musical knowledge, it makes THE difference to most other reaction channels. Keep 'em coming!
This is my absolute favorite Dream Theater song. Both parts. Thanks for doing this!
I did not particularly like this song in the beginning, but I have grown to love it. Let me join you with a drum of Bunnahabhain Toiteach A Dha! You should also check out The Ministry of Lost Souls and Forsaken from the same album. Have a good one!
Please do THE BEST OF TIMES!
one of their best songs..
Just commented about The Best of Times too, that song has something really special about it, wish it was more recognized.
@@PersonaX7 Yeah, everyone says Under a Glass Moon, as the best Petrucci solo, and while I think it's definitely one of his best, The Best of Times solo is just so genius too.
@@lopolik Under a Glass Moon is a shred fest. It's fun, and it definitely fits the song. But The Best of Times hits you way too hard. Isolated, it is a masterful demonstration of how to compose a solo that blends technique with emotional phrasing. In the context of the song, it's a warm, sincere, ode to "The Best Of Times". It's dramatic and profoundly heartbroken, but at the same time thankful for all that has happened and ensuring that the legacy of Mike's father will live on. For some reason if I listen to song as a whole I always start tearing up at the "fleeting winds of time" part, and go all out at the solo, no matter how much I try. No other piece of music has such an effect on me.
@@PersonaX7 Oh yeah, I agree with you 100%. This is one of the most emotional songs from Dream Theater, and I mean for me more songs have such effect on me as well, as much as songs that can make me cry, but they are pretty rare, that's for sure!
the ministry of lost souls !!! plz do next
One of the most inspiring albums ever!
Your reactions help me have a great time in my free times, thank you so much for labor🤘
You are an ABSOLUTE master Doug! What a joy it is to see you react and break down a piece like this. I enjoy you analyzing almost as much as I enjoy the piece itself! Keep it up brother. We love you!
I don't know if you take recommendations, but Hanezeve Caradhina, Transcendance and Hanezeve, and Tomorrow from the Anime Made in Abyss are phenomenal listens.
My favorite album of this magnifc band, no words to discribe, pure feeling
Oh, yeah, defently staying up for this
Such a better feel with pornoy in my opinion
YESSS one of my fav dream theater songs, cant wait!
Thank you for doing this one. It's always been one of my favorite DT epics!