Dream Theater - "Black Clouds & Silver Linings": initial thoughts

I received my copy of the Collector's Edition in the mail yesterday. I've already digested the album of cover tunes (which I reviewed here). I have listened to the album itself twice now and the instrumental version of the album once. I don't think I can fairly give a review yet but I can at least give some initial impressions.

First off, the packaging is by far my favorite and the packaging for the Collector's Edition is amazing. When I got it, I was a bit concerned...maybe afraid is a better word. Such high hopes. I already heard "A Rite Of Passage" many times and I do love that song.

I heard both "Wither" and "A Nightmare To Remember" once each. I love "Wither" but then I do love when DT does the more "poppy" thing. "A Nightmare To Remember" is the typical epic and it's not as bad as people seem to make it out to be. The one problem is the "death" vocal growls that Portnoy does in the one section. I like death vocals but you actually have to be GOOD at it and Portnoy isn't. Add in that they aren't needed in the section and sound out of place.

As for the rest? "The Shattered Fortress" is good, sounds a bit "cut and paste" but I suppose that's the point. "The Best Of Times" is probably my favorite song along with "Wither". The final track "The Count Of Tuscany" sounds kinda familiar at times, but seems like a good epic. All of these songs will need more time.

All in all, the album seems to be a step up from the last album but it's nowhere near as good as "Octavarium". Oh well. We'll see how it progresses. I'll try and do a proper review soon.