Dream Theater - Systematic Choas review

Release Date: 06/05/2007
Label: Roadrunner Records

Like most Dream Theater albums I listen to there is really nothing on this disc that jumps out at me. Sure, Dream Theater have had some unbelievably well constructed songs but sometimes it’s just a little too much. It’s like having a monkey (which is good), putting him on a unicycle (which is better), making him juggle bananas (which is unbeatably hilarious) and then lighting those bananas on fire (just plain unnecessary). Too much of a good thing never works out like it should.

So for the first 7 hours of song one you are going to hear a technically brilliant, well structured, flowing song that doesn’t really offer anything more than a “Woah these guys sure can play their selected instruments quite well” reaction. It’s all good, but it gets too much!

I know Dream Theater fans are going to hate this comment but maybe shortening the songs would be a good idea. At times it seems like Dream Theater are making every song reach the eight minute mark just because they can. At times you may find yourself wishing for a song to end so you can hear the next one that you’ll wish would end too.

Systematic Chaos is a good album. It’s defiantly still the Dream Theater we all know. But just for once I want to put on a Dream Theater album and be blown away by more than just good musicianship! I want something unexpected. Maybe a country song thrown into the mix??? Maybe not……Surprise me Dream Theater!

Rating: 3/5
Choice Lyric: “I once thought it better to regret things that I have done when haven't”
Download: In the Presence of Enemies Pt. 1