Album Rating: 3.5

"I've seen it described that he was a singer that belonged in another genre but that's sort of what enhances the neo-prog elements of this one"



Can't say I agree with this having neo-prog elements. If anything, I'd say this is the closest to DT embracing the tech-prog and speed metal trends of the 80s. I hear a lot of Fates Warning, Racer X, Watchtower, and Psychotic Waltz (though the latter came after DT) in this record, which makes it stand out quite a bit in the band's catalog

Album Rating: 3.0

With better production and prime LaBrie on this I'm pretty sure I would absolutely love it. The writing is mostly great

Album Rating: 3.5

Yeah, the production is definitely the weak link here. Still, the album has been growing on me quite a bit recently



I also appreciate the fact that DT still play these songs live, even to this day. The Live at Luna Park version of A Fortune in Lies is fantastic

Album Rating: 3.5

I agree this is an album with a weak production, which isn't a strange thing due that it's their debut. However, I'm still convinced this is a great debut and their most naive and pure work, despir its weaknesses.

Album Rating: 3.5

The solo section of Ytse Jam is so damn good

Album Rating: 4.0

This is the best Myung's ever sounded on a record all the way through imo

Album Rating: 3.5

Yeah, his bass is super prominent on the band's early records. Really sucks how the band kept burying him in the mix later on, not to mention limiting his songwriting efforts over time

Album Rating: 4.0

Yeah, he has songwriting credits on two of the best songs on I&W lol

Album Rating: 3.5

yeah unfortunately in 1999 they realized it was the 90s and got all chugga chugga, myung took a backseat as a result

Album Rating: 3.5

Also, I fucking love the intro to The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun. Such a mysterious atmosphere to it



I always had this album near the bottom of my DT ranking, but I'm really starting to respect and enjoy it a lot more these days

When Shit and Feces Unite

Album Rating: 3.5

Just put out a new video on this album! Check it out if you'd like :] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1IEZ4dfYts

Album Rating: 3.5

Nice and thanks, Brendan.

Album Rating: 2.0

"I've seen it described that he was a singer that belonged in another genre"



This was Petrucci's tactful way of saying that the band wanted someone with Bruce Dickinson's range and power but got someone with Billy Joel's.