Dream Theater's sixth album, released in the uncertain winter of 2002, is nothing less than a progressive metal masterpiece. A two disc set with six songs (including the eight-part title track on the second disc), 6DoIT (as it is informally known) shows the band working on its largest canvas to date.
The first disc kicks off with "The Glass Prison", a heavy two-part track that opens drummer Mike Portnoy's "Twelve Steps Suite". The story of the percussionist's struggle with alcoholism, this complex, fast track weaves a power metal groove with the band's usual instrumental wizardry. The influence of Pantera and Nine Inch Nails can be heard here, especially in the fast sections. (The "Twelve Step Suite" would continue on the next four DT records, ending with "The Shattered Fortress" on this year's Black Clouds and Siver Linings.)
Another highlight is the gentle, slow-burning "Misunderstood", with a tremendous vocal performance by James LaBrie. "The Great Debate" features John Myung's bass wizardry, and "Disappear" is the kind of moody, multi-layered track that is made possible by the presence of Jordan Rudess on keyboards.
The first disc would be impressive as a stand-alone album. But this is just the appetizer for the eight-part title track that encompasses six different mental disorders, explored from the point of view of seven different characters. From the brain-numbing thrash of "The Test That Stumped Them All" to the soaring, acoustic "Solitary Shell", this is the ideal blend of progressive and metal that has come to define Dream Theater.
On a personal note, I saw the World Tourbulence tour twice (four times if you count the summer jaunt in '03) but never really sat down and LISTENED to the whole record in all the years that it's sat on my shelf. Maybe it was depression, maybe it was too soon for me after 9/11, but lately I have found this album to be a personal comfort as well as a majestic piece of music.
If you don't have it, go forth and git' it!
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