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Dream Theater is one of the most recognizable names in progressive metal, and yet they always have been able to ride the line between metal and progressive rock more efficiently than most of their contemporaries. This three CD, two DVD set treats fans to a cross-section of material from their 2019 album "Distance over Time", selected tracks from other DT albums, but it's undeniable centerpiece is the full performance of "Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory", as a 20 year celebration of the band's landmark concept album.
Prior to purchasing this set, I was confused by other reviews, stating that the band played too many songs from "Metropolis Pt. 2 ", however it being the 20 year anniversary, it only makes sense to showcase that album, while still promoting "Distance over Time", in addition to tracks spanning the band's history.
Overall, the audio quality is consistently top-notch, and the performances, for the most part are superb. Bassist John Myung has an outstanding synergy with drummer Mike Mangini, providing a solid rhythm section, and guitarist John Petrucci, as well as keyboardist Jordan Rudess are in top form. James LaBrie's vocals during "Metropolis Pt. 2 "appeared oddly strained throughout, but are still quite good. This being said, if given the choice, in terms of listening to, and/or watching the performance of "Metropolis Pt. 2", I would choose "Live Scenes from New York", the three CD set, or one DVD, as although the band is performing the album in a considerably more intimate venue, the presentation makes you feel as if you were there. I should also point out that the DVDs featured in the "Distant Memories - Live in London" set are lacking in any audio commentary track, whereas the New York show 20 years prior features the band casually watching the performance, commenting on various influences, and even pointing out mistakes made. I don't know if this was something that DT abandoned with the departure of founding drummer Mike Portnoy or not, but I always enjoyed listening to the band talking together about this track or that, and I found it to be insightful. A minor gripe in the grand scheme of things though, as "Distant Memories - Live in London" is a must own, at an affordable price, and the material from "Distance over Time" is some of DT's best work to date.
Admittedly, I have a fondness for "Metropolis Pt. 2" Scenes From A Memory", as it was the album that really prompted me to explore the band's back catalog, and the album that made me a fan. I had heard "Images and Words" several times over the course of the 1990s, but was always put off by the production/engineering of the album's sound, and had also heard "Awake", and "Falling into Infinity", and despite those albums being fantastic in hindsight, "Metropolis Pt. 2" is my go to album in the Dream Theater catalog, and "Live Scenes from New York", with its humble feel, not to mention James LaBrie's vocals being utterly stellar makes the CD set and DVD worth tracking down, if you haven't already.
I would highly recommend "Distant Memories-Live in London" for the phenomenal performances, and a great set list. The packaging is simplistic but effective, although I would have preferred a sturdier box. If you plan on listening to the CDs repeatedly, I would recommend transferring them to another device, or copying them upon purchase, and in terms of the DVDs, I would advise the same, or placing them in separate cases alongside your existing DT DVDs and/or Blu-Ray's! =)
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Reviews with images
The bass is audible AND edible
As far as sound quality/mix I would say this isn't as good as the Portnoy Budokan mix but YOU CAN ACTUALLY HEAR THE BASS! That is a first as far as the new Mangini era releases is concerned. Speaking of Mangini, he is constantly fixing his sunglasses throught the show; He played an amazing set despite that disturbance. James' voice isn't terrible, better than bootleg Budokan and if he HAS been autotuned its really hard to tell.Did I mention you can now actually hear the bass? 5 stars for that alone.p.s. if you want comparisons of shows, in terms of playing and quality, look up "before and after dreamtheater" on youtube.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2020
As far as sound quality/mix I would say this isn't as good as the Portnoy Budokan mix but YOU CAN ACTUALLY HEAR THE BASS! That is a first as far as the new Mangini era releases is concerned. Speaking of Mangini, he is constantly fixing his sunglasses throught the show; He played an amazing set despite that disturbance. James' voice isn't terrible, better than bootleg Budokan and if he HAS been autotuned its really hard to tell.
Did I mention you can now actually hear the bass? 5 stars for that alone.
p.s. if you want comparisons of shows, in terms of playing and quality, look up "before and after dreamtheater" on youtube.
Did I mention you can now actually hear the bass? 5 stars for that alone.
p.s. if you want comparisons of shows, in terms of playing and quality, look up "before and after dreamtheater" on youtube.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2020
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Distant Memories Brought Back in Time to Relieve over and over!
Reviewed in Canada on March 30, 2021
Amazon Customer
Reviewed in Canada on March 30, 2021
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