These music virtuoso’s shine once more and no matter how much of a burden the life of being in DT had to be for Portnoy after 25 years of the same grind as he pretty much stated he wanted a break from the band and the guys did not want that, is evident to me that they keep on forging forward more stronger then they’ve ever been, and their fan base has only gotten bigger throughout the years. No complaints from me, great package for any Dream Theater fan.
If Impermanent Resonance and Elements of Persuasion are going to echo each other, then it looks like the new s/t Dream Theater album is going to be incredible as well. And like back then it will be a win-win situation for we the fans. That my friend is great news! I’m glad James Labrie is still able to put out top notch music and perform at the level he is these days. His voice truly is a gift and his music is more than deserving of many accolades. Do yourself a favor and get this album. I’m already looking forward to listening to it again.
In addition, would also like to make a really positive remark about the amazing artwork of the frontcover of the album, which can best be viewed when folding out the inner sleeves of the CD booklet that makes it almost look like a classic surrealistic painting from 90 years ago (in the style of MAGRITTE/DALI/MIRO).
the album is probably more closely compared to either IMAGES AND WORDS or FALLING INTO INFINITY rather than say SYSTEMATIC CHAOS or BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS…
I hear influence definitely here from DREAM THEATER but also note a bit of a RUSH/ASIA vibe too which does a good job of mixing the old with the new…
the immense guitar talent is a plus and always has been but the way Derek conducts each song to fit each style of the guitar talent is the best quality about this instrumental effort and you don’t always just get the feel of just a “Jam” band.
CRUSADE 1212 is an excellent album no doubt about it, and DORIAN OPERA have shown with this release that they are serious about making it in the progressive metal game. I don’t think they’re quite up with the kings of the genre just yet, but they are surely a lot closer than most…