Artist: Dream Theater Album: Train of Thought

Year: 2003
Duration: 1:09:54

A Critical Review of Train of Thought Album by Dream Theater

Dream Theater has been one of the most influential progressive metal bands in the world. They have released many albums over their three-decade career, and today I want to delve deep into their Train of Thought album, critically reviewing it to give listeners a glimpse of what the album has to offer. In this review, you will learn the history of the band, the music genre of Train of Thought, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and a critic to the album. Buckle up as we explore this great album by this iconic metal band.

Dream Theater has been in existence since 1985, and they have released 15 albums to date. They have proven to be masters in their craft by continuously evolving and experimenting with different sounds. Train of Thought is considered one of their most aggressive albums, a departure from their progressive style that fans have come to adore them for. Released in 2003, Train of Thought is the band’s seventh album and is credited for its heavy sound.



Train of thought brought a fresh blend of heavy metal sounds, including high-speed double-bass drums, a lot of guitar riffage, eerie keyboard sounds, and long solos from both John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess, with Myung and Portnoy laying down a supportive yet tight rhythm section. The sound is reminiscent of Metallica's Load era. The album could pass off as heavy metal music rather than progressive metal for some listeners.

The best songs on the album are As I Am, This Dying Soul, and Honor Thy Father. As I Am starts with a thunderous guitar riff that is catchy and sets the tone for the whole album. This Dying Soul slows things down with a ballad before picking up into frantic guitar riffs. The last song, Honor Thy Father, is an angry tirade aimed at someone who has wronged another person. The vocals on this song are genuine and portray the emotions of the lyrics.

The album features some of the most innovative parts in Dream Theater's history. Petrucci's solo at the end of Endless Sacrifice is a breathtaking masterpiece. The drums in This Dying Soul are off-beat, with the keyboards and guitar creating an ominous atmosphere. The lyrics are also strikingly honest and emotional, conveying a sense of extremity that is rarely found in metal music.

Critically, Train of Thought was a pushback from the band's signature style, which shocked fans. It features little aspects of progressive music; instead, it is more of an edgy metal album that lacks the harmonic or melodious aspects that fans are accustomed to hearing from Dream Theater. Nonetheless, this departure shows that the band is willing to experiment and evolve in their sound, which is impressive.

In summation, Dream Theater's Train of Thought album is an excellent addition to any metalhead's collection. Despite the loss of the band's signature progressive style, this album sets Dream Theater apart from their contemporaries, solidifying their place in the music world. The album best songs are As I Am, This Dying Soul, and Honor Thy Father, and its standout moments are Petrucci's solo in Endless Sacrifice, the creative drums on This Dying Soul, and the heartfelt lyrics of the album. However, critics argue that the band lost their touch in the progressive genre. Regardless of the critique, Train of Thought is a powerful metal album that is worth listening to and adding to your music collection.

In summation, Dream Theater's Train of Thought album is an excellent addition to any metalhead's collection. Despite the loss of the band's signature progressive style, this album sets Dream Theater apart from their contemporaries, solidifying their place in the music world. The album best songs are As I Am, This Dying Soul, and Honor Thy Father, and its standout moments are Petrucci's solo in Endless Sacrifice, the creative drums on This Dying Soul, and the heartfelt lyrics of the album. However, critics argue that the band lost their touch in the progressive genre. Regardless of the critique, Train of Thought is a powerful metal album that is worth listening to and adding to your music collection.