Review Summary: I judge as my eyes see
Whether you love or hate Dream Theater, I think we can all agree that they’re pretty damn ridiculous. Every album has a slew of cheesy moments, but I don’t think there’s a more potent example of that cheese in action than 2007’s Systematic Chaos. While swinging back to the metal side of their light/heavy pendulum, the vibes hit different than Train of Thought. It seems to have a more classic spirit as the solo sections are somehow even more over the top than they already were while the lyrics are preoccupied with fantasies of evil pharaohs, vampires, and dark masters.
The album also stands out for how much of a spotlight it puts on Mike Portnoy, emphasizing his vocals on top of his always powerful drumming. He had been contributing backup harmonies as far back as Scenes From A Memory but is more upfront here with more of his own lines. It works at times as his intrusive shouts add to the disjointed feel of “Constant Motion” and a brief croon gives “Repentance” a hit of vulnerability, but then you get the aggro distortion on “The Dark Eternal Night” or the melodramatic rap at the climax on “Prophets of War.” It feels like he was trying to give the music an extra edge that LaBrie couldn’t bring but ironically makes the experience even goofier than it’d be otherwise.
But while these bombastic elements are no doubt a turnoff for some, I’d be hard pressed to think of the last time a Dream Theater album was this much fun. “The Dark Eternal Night” may have those ridiculous barks, but it also has a gnarly riff set, strong chorus, and some wacky keyboard-driven curveballs. I also gotta love the gothic camp on “Forsaken” thanks to its tight structuring and “Constant Motion” is another fitting exercise of frantic thrash riffs describing relatable mental distresses with a smooth call and response chorus to boot.
Thankfully it’s not all dumb as the album shows a more contemplative side as it goes along. “Repentance” is a welcome break from the heaviness both here and the whole AA Suite, its mellow Opeth-esque swirls supporting restrained vocals that eventually give way to a collage of echoing confessions and apologies. “The Ministry of Lost Souls” also does well in relaying its lengthy life and death narrative through somber verses and an uptempo solo section while “Prophets of War” makes for better Muse worship than “Never Enough.”
Just as Wish You Were Here was bookended by “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” Systematic Chaos is similarly defined by the two-part wraparound that is “In The Presence of Enemies.” While this move could be seen as gimmicky, each part is substantial in itself and nicely enhances the overall flow. The first part makes for a great start, invoking memories of “Erotomania” as its extended shred-friendly overture fades into a gradually ominous verse/chorus set. The second part ramps up the darkness and camp in equal measure across sixteen minutes, spreading spooky motifs over bass-driven murkiness, sinister calls to arms set to Iron Maiden-inspired gallops, and an apocalyptic yet triumphant finish. I don’t know if I’d call this the best Dream Theater epic, but it is among their most entertaining.
Prog metal may be the last genre you’d ever expect to see something that invites you to turn your brain off, but Systematic Chaos makes for some dumb fun by Dream Theater standards. The playing feels more energized than their last couple outings and the songwriting seems more cohesive with no outright dud bringing it down. It didn’t exactly refute the band’s corny reputation and those viewing them through that lens will likely find plenty to hate here, but it’s yet another instance of that character shining through.
