| The
Review |
Even though it has been nearly a
year since the release of this DVD, it still remains the most
important release by Dream Theater to date, only because this
DVD documents the awesome power of this band and allows us
to visually watch as we listen to these guys fierce playing
abilities during a live performance in 2004 during the "Train
of Thought" tour. Dream Theater have clearly mastered what
this band is all about, which took (in my opinion) many years
to get to this point and the addition of Jordan Rudess on
keys to get it right. But now they have, and they are here,
and should not be missed if they come to your town unless
you are one of those prog purists who can't take the heavier
rock side of the new prog stuff. Because most of this stuff
is very, very heavy and hard rockin', but amazingly and skillfully
performed. Petrucci is a guitar god who ranks among the very
best in the world, and Mike Portnoy is the premier drummer
of our time, having worked with many other prog bands including
Transatlantic, Neal Morse, O.S.I., etc. Jordan Rudess continues
to prove that he has always been one of the very best keyboard
players in rock history and his solo records prove that beyond
the shadow of doubt having included such players as Joe Satriaini,
Steve Morse and Dave LaRue, who Jordan used to play with in
the Dixie Dregs, as well as with his other Dregs buddy Rod
Morgenstein on drums.
Each of us will probably have our
various favorite tracks. Mine are "As I Am", "Endless Sacrifice"
Jordan's "Keyboard Solo", "Solitary Shell" (the original version
which I consider to be one of the best DT tracks ever written),
and "In The Name of God". However, the entire DVD is well
worth watching. Every track is awesome.
Even better yet, the 2nd DVD has
some really great extras including a tour documentary and
some solo spots with Petrucci, Rudess and Portnoy. During
the Petrucci spot I found it rather hilarious when John was
asked why he kept the plexiglass surrounding his amps and
he replied that it was to keep the spit from flying from Portnoy
when he plays from landing on his equipment! Apparently Mike
Portnoy starts spitting when he is really getting into his
playing! John said that is why they have nicknamed him "The
Mule". Kinda gross, but some interesting stuff none-the-less!
During 2006 Dream Theater plan
to record another DVD during their current tour. It will be
hard to top this one, but knowing them they just may pull
it off! I saw them last August during the "Octavarium" tour
and they were very, very, powerful and played their ass's
off. They put on an extemely enjoyable show and far outplayed
every other band on the bill. You definately don't want to
miss them because you really get your money's worth. -
Russ Bellinger March 2006
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