The group has followed up their most recent "Greatest Hit (...and 21 other pretty cool songs)" collection, a self-effacing reference to their lack of commercial breakthrough, with a CD that debuted at number six on the Billboard Top 200 in the first week of its release. With their own succesfully branded progressive rock tour now in its sophomore year good things are raining down upon the band helping them to grow and expand their loyal audience.

The six originals on Black Clouds & Silver Linings spans a full spectrum of sights, sounds and styles. "A Nightmare To Remember" opens with the sound of an approaching storm colliding into orchestrated instrumentation and thunderous drumming. The song runs the gamut from manic to melodic including a hazy hospital scene after the car crash which is the story line of the song.

"A Rite Of Passage" speaks about secret societies and melds middle eastern tones with metal. Varied vocals meander through a mysterious maze of meters and measures. "Wither" is wistfully and wishful enhanced by LaBrie's breathy vocals.

"The Shattered Fortress" is jagged like a broken glass bringing together the pieces of Portnoy's previous 12-Step songs. It is a hard hitting hodge podge of past and present dialogue and musical digressions.

In contrast to the chaos is the beautiful "Best Of Times" written and dedicated in memory to Mike's father Howard Portnoy. The song ranges from pensive to peppy starting with a pretty piano part by Jordan enhanced by subtle strings. The pace picks up with vibrant visual lyrics of life moments shared with Dad. John's solo on the song is spectacular and literally soars to heaven.

The CD closes with the epic "The Count Of Tuscany". It is a thematic and highly technical tune. Countless changes and haunting hooks adds to the intricacy and intrigue of the song.

The special edition of Black Clouds & Silver Linings includes an all instrumental version of the aforementioned six songs. Notes and nuances are more noticeable sans the singing. The instrumental mixes demonstrates that the new material would work well with a full orchestra, opening up the possibility for another Score like live album if Dream Theater chooses.

Disc Two of the special edition CD features Dream Theater's interesting interpretations of other music masterpieces. The choices are eclectic blending many elements and emotions. The set includes Rainbow's stellar "Stargazer" and a quest of Queen through "Tenement Funster/Flick Of The Wrist/Lily Of The Valley".

The Dixie Dregs' title "Odyssey" says it all and Zebra's "Take Your Fingers From My Hair" is riveting. Progressive royalty King Crimson's "Larks Tongues In Aspic Pt. 2" is lush and Iron Maiden's "To Tame A Land" is electric.

"All the finest wines improve with age" - and, so does Dream Theater on their latest record. The band is currently touring in support of Black Clouds & Silver Linings and will be headlining their second version of Progression Nation through 2009.

Related Links: For more information on DREAM THEATER and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- DreamTheater.net | Buy The New CD Here | Search "Dream Theater"

Originally Published: 07/02/2009 on Kweevak.com