Dream Theater: Scenes From A Memory Originally released: 1999, EastWest America

The idea of concept albums was first created by the Beatles with Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and have often been very popular such as the Who’s Tommy and Queen’s A Night At The Opera. 30 years later the concept album is usually not attempted by mainstream bands but the progressive rock metal band Dream Theater have come up with a cracker. The album is set around a character, Nicholas, being hypnotized and revealing the story of a murder investigation. This story is told in nine scenes with twelve songs, each unique in its own way but all an example of great musicianship.

This album is often named the band's greatest achievement. It is a great album - from the moment it sucks you in with its slow hypnotizing beginning (excuse the pun), it assaults your senses with powerful riffs and drum beats, enveloping you in its story. Throughout the album the band uses several different music styles, each played to perfection. The album itself must have been an experiment at perfection. The musicianship is amazing with fast changing tempos (19/16 and 15/8 - nuts), impossible shred guitar riffs and solos, piano ballads, good (in tune!) singing that really catches the right emotion, and YES, even a superb shred bass solo (really talented).

The instrumental song, The Dance of Eternity, is probably the most technically brilliant on the album, but from the song Overture 1928 to Beyond This Life the best fun can be had. A great metal album of the 90s, demonstrating real musical ability. I give this album 4.5 stars.