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At this point in the evolution of Dream Theater, their full potential had not yet been grasped. Their music would not reach levels of perfection until later records like IMAGES & WORDS or AWAKE. This cd also features singer Charlie Dominicci - he would only be a member on this one album. However, this does not take away from the beauty that embodies this important Prog Metal release. Some of the songs featured such as 'A Fortune in Lies' and 'The Killing Hand' are songs that the band had written when they were in their early 20's and under the name MAJESTY. When you think about all the material Dream Theater has recorded over the years, and you think about these early songs, it should give you the chills, because you know that most human beings lack that type of musical ability at such an early age. I wouldn't recommend this album as a fair place to start, simply because James LaBrie is not in the band yet, and while these songs are prog metal classics, it is clear that the band was still musically immature. Most importantly, you can hear their influences, such as Rush, Kansas, Yes, and Metallica, but they had not yet established a sound that was uniquely 'Dream Theater'. If you love extremely progressive and indulgent metal, this is a great place to look. Songs like 'The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun,' and 'Light Fuse and Get Away' are juggernauts of extreme proportions by way of complex time meters, random key changes, polyrhythms, harmonies, and amazing solos. There are also some more 'commercial?!?!?!' sounding tracks such as 'Afterlife' and 'A Fortune in Lies.' Another highlight is the instrumental 'Ytsejam' which is still a popular fan favorite at concerts, and often includes some sort of extended drum solo from Mr. Portnoy. It is truly a labor of love from a few good friends on Long Island. On a side note, I own both the original release and this limited edition remastering, and either I'm going deaf, or I hear absolutely no difference between the two!. I still don't understand why this album doesn't get the credit it deserves. This is an outstanding debut album from DT. While I admit that Dominici is no LaBrie, he's still a damn good singer. You must remember, this album came out in 1989. There was virtually no prog metal to speak of, and the mainstream metal was either thrash, or bands like Poison!! (Horrible) Trust me, if you like DT's later stuff, buy this CD, it will not disappoint.Read full review
If you are a Dream Theater fan, especially of the earlier albums, you will like this. Only a few tracks embody the true sound of what most Dream Theater fans know the group to be, but this is merely because of a few different band members. Definitely worth buying even when not every song impressed me like Dream Theater usually does.
First works from DT, but almost with your knowed quality. Great rock album! I've buyed this to complete my personal colection, that is too expensive here in Brazil. Highy recomended!
very good.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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