Dear Dream Theater, your new album (while all-together better than the heap of scrap that we have come to know as "Octavarium") is completely predictable and utterly devoid of emotion or proper care of songs.
I understand that there are some "rocking" crunch sections that allow you, Mr. Petrucci, to place your leg up on those completely necessary black boxes surrounding your pedals and bob your head like a seal, but I notice you playing nothing new on guitar. Except for Joe Satriani's "War" during the solo bridge of "Constant Motion", which, although technically new when played by YOUR fingers, is exceedingly old for those of us who enjoy listening to a song the FIRST time it is written (and by the original writer, no less).
I agree that alcoholism is a terrible addiction, Mr. Portnoy, and I fully support you in your strive to kick the habit and tell the world what it feels like to be under the control of a destructive substance. I only ask, however, that you acknowledge the fact that continuing your story of redemption on Dream Theater albums has also become a destructive substance. If I wanted to hear five minutes of talking (in which the words are too low in the mix to comprehend anyway) I would step in to an elevator.
Believe me, Mr. LaBrie, I know that you are in a quote/unquote "metal" band, and that the pressures of trying to sound aggressive are strong. However, the sound that comes out of your throat is already painful enough without you distorting it and trying to sound like the hybrid child of Dave Mustaine and James Hetfield. Please remember that your voice, although never to be considered pleasant, was at least tuneful once.
Mr. Myung and Mr. Ruddess, all I can ask is that you please comprehend the "less is more" policy, and implement it as often as possible. We all know that you can play 763 notes in 4 seconds, but can you play 763 notes in 763 seconds? The world wants to know.
As for the lack of emotion, cookie-cutter, non-inspired sound of (to be honest) the entire album, I ask that you all collectively re-listen to your back catalog. For easy reference points, please see "Lines in the Sand", "Pull Me Under", and "Take The Time". If possible, try and listen without repeating.
Pick up your instruments, take three years off, and actually write an album, rather than churning out another piece of your own (and often multiple other band's) recycled music.
Sincerely,
- Your Non-Contented, Not-Really-Fan
