Dream Theater - Black Clouds and Silver Linings

[Insert_username]

Band – Dream Theater
Album – Black Clouds and Silver linings
Released – June 23rd, 2009
Label – Roadrunner Records
Genre – Progressive Metal
Ratings - 3/5



Lyrics altogether written by John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy; songs in the album depict their personal experiences, whereas ‘A Rite of Passage’ is about secret societies.

1.   A Nightmare to remember (14:45) – This first track from the album is an extravagance. There are multiple time signatures and variations due to which it seems like listening to 10 songs compiled into one single song. Way too progressive. Similarly, the lyric is also one of the weaknesses of the song. Petrucci seriously lacks the skills to write. Thus, this song fails to live up to its potential.

2.   A Rite of Passage (8:36) – Even though this song is quite well arranged, there’s still something missing. It’s like watching a Terminator movie without Arnold. Altogether, this song will give you a hint of what’s coming next.

3.   Wither (5:26) – The vocal is much better. The smoothness of the music will give you pleasure. You might remember some 80’s ballad. This song is quite similar to "Pull me under" from Images and Words and "Vacant" from Trains of Thoughts. And so the album starts getting better.

4.   The Shattered Fortress (12:50) – Awesome song. Portnoy is God. Transitions are very expressive and suits in all order. The combination of two different vocals enhances the song. But seriously, LaBrie’s vocal was disappointing.

5.   The Best of Times (13:09) – Like I said, Portney IS God. This song also reveals the aptitude of Mike Portnoy. I have to say, Portnoy is better than Petrucci. Since, this song was dedicated to Portney’s father by him; his efforts can be seen in the song.

6.   The Count of Tuscany (19:16) – Unlike ‘A Nightmare to Remember’, this song is very well crafted. Even though this is the longest track from the album, you won’t get bored. The song has some cool features like - the intro is a kind of melo-ambient, serene solos, an acoustic blend with well acquainted vocals. Nothing would be more suitable than this song to end the album.

Overall, Black Clouds and Silver Linings is a very good album. Dream Theater has tried to comprise everything into this album so none of their fans gets disappointed. It really fits into Dream Theater’s greatest album’s list. This is a must listen album to all prog-metal fans and would be an excellent choice to collect. 

[g3babu]

^ Great review.

Great album. I just love the epic, long, progressive songs that they have presented in this album. All the time signature changes, absurd and over-the-top parts are meticulous and certainly fits to be called a great Dream Theater album.
I have to agree that the lyrics written by Petrucci are very kiddish compared to the ones by Portnoy. Listening to this album made me feel like going in a journey- everything explained and kept together so beautifully.
Fav. tracks- The Shattered Fortress and The Count of Tuscany. The ending of Count of Tuscany is absolutely brilliant, nothing better to end a great album.

[the_flautist]

Dream theater is old and they have run out of ideas.My review.Listen to Hells Kitchen that was passion, listen to Dance of Eternity that was interplay , listen to Change of Seasons that was an epic song.Old,predictable shit from one of my all time favourites.Thats just my review.

[Icon]

This band is still around ?

[psycho]

hahaha

Are you still around "Metal Baje"?

[Octav]

The second disc from this album is also really good. It has covers (and knowing DT, absolutely Kickass covers) from Maiden, Rainbow, Queen etc)
To Tame a Land atti daro cha, also 'Stargazer' and Odeyssey.
setlist for the cover CD:
No.   Title   Writer(s)   Original artist   Length
"Stargazer"     Ronnie James Dio, Ritchie Blackmore   Rainbow   8:10
"Tenement Funster"
"Flick of the Wrist"
"Lily of the Valley"     Queen   8:17
"Odyssey"     Dixie Dregs   Dixie Dregs   7:59
"Take Your Fingers from My Hair"     Randy Jackson   Zebra   8:18
"Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part Two"     Robert Fripp   King Crimson   6:30
"To Tame a Land"     Steve Harris   Iron Maiden   7:15

Definitely worth a listen

[Shawn_Lane]

One of the best Dream Theatre albums. So glad to see them spring back with something as this one.
Great review Insert!

The Count Of Tuscany is my favorite track in this album.

[Epic Noob]

Why is the band called dream theater?

Listening to the band makes you fall asleep and have sweet sweet dreams.

[blackmetal rash]

i like petrucci and portnoy more in Liquid tension experiment-2
Biaxident, acid rain far better than dream theater...
although old dream theater stuffs are also good..

[analbirth]

i like petrucci and portnoy more in Liquid tension experiment-2
Biaxident, acid rain far better than dream theater...
although old dream theater stuffs are also good..

glassglow kiss is wht evry drummer n lead guitarist must listen..

[analbirth]

Band – Dream Theater
Album – Black Clouds and Silver linings
Released – June 23rd, 2009
Label – Roadrunner Records
Genre – Progressive Metal
Ratings - 3/5



Lyrics altogether written by John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy; songs in the album depict their personal experiences, whereas ‘A Rite of Passage’ is about secret societies.

1.   A Nightmare to remember (14:45) – This first track from the album is an extravagance. There are multiple time signatures and variations due to which it seems like listening to 10 songs compiled into one single song. Way too progressive. Similarly, the lyric is also one of the weaknesses of the song. Petrucci seriously lacks the skills to write. Thus, this song fails to live up to its potential.

2.   A Rite of Passage (8:36) – Even though this song is quite well arranged, there’s still something missing. It’s like watching a Terminator movie without Arnold. Altogether, this song will give you a hint of what’s coming next.

3.   Wither (5:26) – The vocal is much better. The smoothness of the music will give you pleasure. You might remember some 80’s ballad. This song is quite similar to "Pull me under" from Images and Words and "Vacant" from Trains of Thoughts. And so the album starts getting better.

4.   The Shattered Fortress (12:50) – Awesome song. Portnoy is God. Transitions are very expressive and suits in all order. The combination of two different vocals enhances the song. But seriously, LaBrie’s vocal was disappointing.

5.   The Best of Times (13:09) – Like I said, Portney IS God. This song also reveals the aptitude of Mike Portnoy. I have to say, Portnoy is better than Petrucci. Since, this song was dedicated to Portney’s father by him; his efforts can be seen in the song.

6.   The Count of Tuscany (19:16) – Unlike ‘A Nightmare to Remember’, this song is very well crafted. Even though this is the longest track from the album, you won’t get bored. The song has some cool features like - the intro is a kind of melo-ambient, serene solos, an acoustic blend with well acquainted vocals. Nothing would be more suitable than this song to end the album.

Overall, Black Clouds and Silver Linings is a very good album. Dream Theater has tried to comprise everything into this album so none of their fans gets disappointed. It really fits into Dream Theater’s greatest album’s list. This is a must listen album to all prog-metal fans and would be an excellent choice to collect. 

nice review to nice album