Octavarium

Octavarium is the latest release from the band Dream Theater. This CD was definitely worth the wait. This is a must have for any Dream Theater fan or anyone who enjoys listening to music in the same genre as Dream Theater. The CD begins The Root of All Evil, where a drum beat crescendos and eventually incorporates guitar. Then the song starts with some heavy guitar riffs and later on a solo from the keyboard's, Jordan Rudess. The next song is titled 'The Answer Lies Within'. It is a much softer sound than the first track and has some very quotable lyrics in it as well. The third track, 'These Walls', also has some quotable lyrics. This song has some very interesting dynamics, beginning with a bass line, progressing into some heavy 6/8 time and involving a double bass pedal only to change instantly to some soft, melodic, and harmonic verses. The next song is titled 'I Walk Beside You'. I personally don't mind this song too much, but many people have criticized it as sounding a lot like U2. This is true, but I don't think it sounds too bad. Next is Panic Attack. This song really is a Panic Attack on all levels. It has the spastic and jumpy feel, a killer bass line, frequent double bass pedal action, and a changing time signature. The next song titled 'Never Enough' is an interesting song. It's almost techno-ish but yet heavy enough to be considered rock music. 'Sacrificed Sons' is the next song. This is a fantastic song. It was obviously inspired by 9-11 with the tragic events that occurred. It starts off peacefully and then progresses into something much heavier, much like what Last Sacrifice does. This song really captures well the emotion that many felt on 9-11. Then last is the cover song, Octavarium. This song is amazing to say the least. The CD is worth buying just because of this song alone. It has some soft melodic harmony at the beginning accompanied with a flute. Then there is a guitar solo/intro to the song followed by a heavy drum part. The song continues with a more jumpy drum line and progressing into heavier music followed by en encore at the end. This CD is so worth buying you should all go get it right now if you don't already have it.