http://www.dreamtheater.net/disco_dr...ater.php?s=tot
Here's a review by the webmaster of DT.net on TOT:
"OCTOBER 17TH, 2003: DREAM THEATER - TRAIN OF THOUGHT
Today I received a Secure Electronic Delivery (SED) of Dream Theater's
upcoming studio release "Train Of Thought" from Elektra. These are basically
high-quality copy protected Windows Media files that can only be played on
the machine they were downloaded on, and can't be recorded onto a CDR.
I have listened to the album five times so far, and it absolutely rocks. It
has just the right mixture of prog metal and prog rock for me. There isn't
one weak track on the album and the musicianship is out of this world, as
expected.
. The album opens with the kick-ass track "As I Am" (7:47), which is
currently being released as a promo single to radio stations in the USA. The
promo contains the full length album version, as well as a radio edit
(haven't heard the radio edit yet). We should have a list of stations and
contact info on dreamtheater.net soon, so that fans can request the track.
. "This Dying Soul" (11:24) starts with a two-minute instrumental intro with
some melodic guitar work that reminds me of Maiden. Musically the track is
very diverse and fragmented, sorta like "The Glass Prison" but less heavy.
There is even a re-used guitar riff from "The Glass Prison" at 6:40. Can't
wait to hear this track live.
. "Endless Sacrifice" (11:23) features beautiful mellow vocals by James
(which is how I prefer to hear him), with some heavier vocals during the
chorus and towards the end of the song. There is also an awesome four-minute
instrumental break five minutes into the song, with Dream Theater at their
absolute best.
. Next up is "Honor Thy Father" (10:11), which is one of my early
favourites. This track has it all... Mellow and melodic vocals, distorted
rap vocals, an amazing instrumental break with heavy guitar riffs, flashy
keyboards and (movie?) samples which reminds of the instrumental break in
"The Mirror".
. "Vacant" (2:57) is a beautiful vocals/keyboards track.
. The track I have been looking forward to the most is the instrumental
"Stream Of Consciousness" (11:16). I'm not a musician myself, so I won't
even attempt to describe this amazing piece of music. :-)
. The title "In The Name Of God" (14:14) has been a source of speculation
among fans. But rest assured, this is not a religious song but deals with
wrong-doings "in the name of God". A very powerful track and an excellent
album closer.
"Train Of Thought" was produced by
John Petrucci and
Mike Portnoy,
engineered by Doug Oberkircher and mixed by Kevin Shirley and the album is
going to rock the world on November 11th, 2003. :-)"
Mark Bredius
Here's the single:
As I Am (Radio Edit)
This is the RADIO EDIT, about 4:25 out of 7:47
