View From the Top of the World

A View from the Top of the World, the 15th studio album by these prog metal titans, showcases Dream Theater's trademark approach to group songwriting and rigorous musical acumen. The seven tracks totaling 70 minutes balance 21st century prog with riff-laden melodic heavy metal. "The Alien" opens with Mike Mangini playing rolls in 17/8 time around a suite-like architecture. "Sleeping Giant" delivers lush vocal harmonies atop a cinematic sonic attack with layered guitar, synth, and bass drama. The 20-minute title track juggernaut offers a Holst-inspired intro before moving into a sound universe populated with thudding drums, soaring melodic guitars, and propulsive basslines under and around James LaBrie's anthemic vocals. ~ Thom Jurek