Album Rating: 4.5

"This is so underrated, then again what can one expect from the userbase that gave the debut a 3 avg"

^

This hard.



Musically it's a very strong debut for sure, weakest link is the production imo. And I'm not the biggest fan of Dominici. He's not bad per se but his voice and style doesn't fit the music too well.

Great dynamic songwriting, great vocals with memorable melodies, respectable playing that stays away from useless wank, a pleasant production where music actually breathes (though it's nothing special). It's much better than most stuff post-I&W for me, same for this one

Btw it's not the 3 itself that irks me, it's the "3 on Sputnikmusic". Where it feels like the 3 is a terrible rating though it clearly says "good album"

Album Rating: 4.5

Totally agree about the songwriting. It's been a while since I gave the debut a spin in depth tbh but the greatest issue for me always was the production. It's good regarding dynamic range but as far as I remember it doesn't do the great instrumentation any justice and kind of smothers the music sometimes.

Album Rating: 4.5

Damn I just realized I might have the remastered version of the debut tbh... Will check at home.

Album Rating: 2.5

debut is ok this is also ok

Album Rating: 4.5

Ah c'mon, this is way better than just ok :]

Some classic DT stuff on here for sure.

Album Rating: 4.0

quite a bit of greatness here

[2] definitely

@Davil: Rough production indeed but I'll take rough over disgustingly fat anyday

Album Rating: 2.0

vocals on the debut are so bad they should be a punishable crime

still better than labrie tho

Album Rating: 2.0

labrie is mostly kinda terrible too but nah

Album Rating: 4.0

i hope 2017 brings a shitty year of music to both of you

at least i'm gonna listen to some new music in 2017 my friend

Vocals on the debut are very melodramatic and it's fair that some see it as a turn-off. But they are sung with competence (though plagued by the production) nevertheless so it never bothered me. And they add to the Rush feel, which is cool

Album Rating: 3.5

You could say Labrie brings.... the cheese?





I think his vocals are great up until this album when he had that vocal cord rupture.

Album Rating: 4.5

I honestly think Trial of Tears is one of Dream Theater's greatest songs. The bass is amazing and Derek Sherinian pulls off a monster solo with his signature sound. The progression is immersive and it feels like one is diving into an ocean and coming back up for air when the acoustic guitar rings in. Very immersive and atmospheric song, how could you say it just drags on?

Album Rating: 4.5

Couldn't agree more, Trial Of Tears is perfect in every respect. Feel the same about Hell's Kitchen + Lines In The Sand. All among DT's best for sure.

Album Rating: 4.0

that middle section of Lines In The Sand

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

Every time I listen to this I like it more and more. Tempted to bump it to a 4. Despite being quite inconsistent, it still has some great atmosphere and some of the great lyrical qualities of the I&W/Awake (and yes, they did have excellent lyrics back in the day - Awake was a lyrical beast)