Stability in times of change - A review of Dream Theater's A View from the Top of the World

Throughout the pandemic, progressive metal veterans Dream Theater have been more active than ever before as they have released a massive official live record with Distant Memories - Live in London, a Christmas single named ''The Holiday Spirit Carries On'' in support of their tour crew and the first four records of their Lost Not Forgotten Archives, including three bootleg live records and one demo. The band's fifteenth studio album was prepared with the help of video conferences as James Labrie was stuck in Canada while the other four members could meet in the United States of America. Once the band members could finally reunite, they recorded A View from the Top of the World at their brand-new own studio which shows that the band is alive and kicking and still has many projects for the near future. Even though the group had to push back its tour in support of the album from fall to spring due to the pandemic, the band still decided to release the new record now. Few bands have been as consistent in their development and release strategy as the dynamic quintet and this deserves to be pointed out as an inspiring example that should be followed by their colleagues in difficult times.

As for the record itself, it qualifies as a good average Dream Theater album in the key of the even stronger predecessor Distance over Time. Make no mistake however, since a good average Dream Theater album still easily outclasses the vast majority of the material released by less experienced, gifted and inspired genre colleagues.

Several similarities can be found between the predecessor and this new output. The band continues to find the right balance between energetic, fast and technical progressive metal soundscapes and catchy, melodic and soothing progressive rock harmonies. The songwriting remains diverse as every band member was involved in the musicianship while three band members provided lyrics to the seven songs. There is even a direct connection between the two records as the predecessor ended with ''Pale Blue Dot'' asking philosophical questions about life on our planet while the opening ''The Alien'' on this output explores mankind leaving said planet behind and establishing a society on another planet.

A few differences can also be pointed out between the two records. The production might be the best Dream Theater has ever had as every instrument sounds crystal clear and the different soundscapes harmonize and complement one another perfectly. This record is overall heavier which becomes obvious in the aggressive, fast and powerful opener ''The Alien'' or the modern, sinister and technical ''Awaken the Master''. The drum play is particularly adventurous as can be witnessed in the dynamic, energetic and variable ''Sleeping Giant'' and creative, diversified and emotional album closer and title track ''A View from the Top of the World''. Another noteworthy element are the experimental soundscapes provided by keyboardist Jordan Rudess who manages to incorporate organic-sounding orchestral samples that add an elegant classical atmosphere to songs such as ''A View from the Top of the World''.

If compared to the predecessor, the material on A View from the Top of the World might need a few more spins to grow but offers much replay value for patient listeners. The melodic, smooth and thoughtful ''Invisible Monster'' with its inspiring lyrics or the harmonious, timeless and uplifting power ballad ''Transcending Time'' are perfect examples for songs that unfold their magic after multiple spins. Overall however, the songwriting is less fluid, the melodies less infectious and the choruses less catchy here than on the excellent predecessor.

At the end of the day, occasional and faithful Dream Theater fans can't go wrong with purchasing the band's fifteenth studio album A View from the Top of the World that shows a band living the dream despite difficult circumstances. If you have never or only rarely come across Dream Theater, you would however rather want to start your discovery with the band's classic progressive metal masterpieces that have stood the test of time such as Images and Words, a more recent output showcasing the full potential of the current line-up such as the fresh A Dramatic Turn of Events or one of the band's massive live record such as the entertaining Distant Memories - Live in London.

Final rating: 80%