Dream Theater fans, Identify yourselves

One of my favorite bands, and my bridge into classic progressive rock bands like Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, most recently Marillion.

What I really love about DT is that moreso than any other modern progressive rock/metal band, they make an effort to appeal to a wide audience. They're not always successful - most noticably (for me, anyway) in their lyrics, which are mostly solid, but occasionally cringe-worthy.

I think it's very cool to see such a highly-skilled band put their chops into catchy songs, some of which really have a hook to them, like the choruses to "Strange Deja Vu" and "6:00," for example.

I also appreciate how prolific their output has been, especially since Jordan joined the band - studio albums, live CD's/DVD's, instructional material from Rudess/Petrucci/Portnoy, the Liquid Tension albums, the JP/JR live album, and all the stuff available from the YtseJam records site.

Awesome band. They're far from flawless, but I respect them immensely for never mailing it in or half-assing it, whether it's on album or on tour. Can't wait for the 20th anniversary DVD - August 29th!

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by *AkirA*

Dream Theater are undeniable good musicians, but theyre music just seems void of any emotion to me. Its like the whole band is just an excuse to show off.

I have alot of friends who adore them, and say they show off "because they can."

I just feel like they belong in the class of Yngwie and to some extent Dragonforce, as far as playing to show theyre the best is concerned.

If you feel like it, check out the song "Goodnight Kiss" and tell me there's no emotion in that song and in the guitar solo at the end.

Your friends kind of have it wrong, too. DT plays progressive rock, and virtuosity is one of the hallmarks of the genre. Prog is a genre largely for people who want to listen to good musicians play their asses off, and while Dragonforce and Yngwie certainly do that, they focus a whole lot less on the other parts (songwriting and composition) than DT do.

So the long solos and complex musical passages aren't really showing off, they're just a part of progressive rock. It can definitely get gratuitous, though, especially in DT's later albums, so I understand where you're coming from.

How ya doing, buddy?