A View From The Top Of The World Booklet)

I have been a huge fan of Dream Theater fan since Black Clouds and Silver Linings (they had inexplicably passed me by before that). Every album since then has been top-notch (Train of Thought, the critics favourite, is my least favourite and I love The Astonishing!). I don’t think AVFTTOTW is quite as good as “Distance Over Time” (comes very close, just that the first 3 tracks are very good, just not great, but the last 4 tracks are brilliant) but there are no bad tracks and have listened to it several times already. “Transcending Time” is my favourite with some gorgeous piano from Jordan Rudess. As with the last album, they cannot be accused of going soft as there is enough John Petrucci guitar pyrotechnics and soloing and Mike Mancini power drumming to keep the metalheads happy. James LaBrie is in great voice as well. Waiting for the double vinyl to arrive today.

What can I say 70 + minutes of sheer enthusiasm amazing music this takes me back to early dream theater but faster and heavy its amazing a must buyRoll on 2022 live in the uk again can not wait

Fantastic release from a band that is still pushing boundaries and driven by an amazingly powerful mix from the ever impressive Andy Sneap. Arrangements now seem more aligned with JL's vocals who gives a powerhouse, controlled and melodic performance. The music as ever is powerful, anthemic and technical without any of the compositions outstaying their welcome. Crushingly heavy in places but underpinned by great songwriting. Its so impressive the band can release an album of this quality so far down the track. Dream Theater once again showing they are titans of progressive metal.

Latest album finds the band continuing in a straightforward direction with plenty of crunchy guitar riffs, immersive keyboards, progressive-metal flash, articulate arrangements, groove-laden guitars and skyscraping melodies. The quintet still keeps things engaging and endearing enough with many standout moments, with all four instrumental musicians remain at the top of their game. There's a little something for all Dream Theater fans but unlikely to win any new ones. That's fine.