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Album Details

• Artist: Dream Theater
• Album: Falling Into Infinity
• Label: EastWest
• Year of Release: 1997
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: gwhill on 2013-03-05

There are those who feel that Dream Theater is not a progressive rock band. However, this album contains many factors indigenous to progressive rock. Among these factors are odd rhythmic meters, musical virtuosity, complex arrangements, and long musical forms. Dream Theater, at one time, were rather derivative of many of the progressive bands that had come before, most notably, Rush and Yes. By this point in their career, the band have emerged with a rather unique sound. Although there are some minor influences apparent here and there, this sound is genuinely Dream Theater. This album is one of those that gets better with each repeated listening. Although I still do not find it on an equal level with some of their earlier albums; this is a very interesting and enjoyable effort. Dream Theater here is James LaBrie, John Myung, John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy and Derek Sherinian. Doug Pinnick of King`s X lends backing vocals to one of the tracks on the album.

“New Millennium” starts with a riff which is somewhat reminiscent of Yes, then drops into a really nice bass groove. This tune sort of alternates between that bass groove section and some eastern sounding stylings. Lyrically, it seems to relate the wishes that the new millennium will bring changes from some of the negative points of our world. The instrumental break to this piece is somewhat Rush influenced, and contains some unusual timing. It is quite a strong tune. “You Not Me” was the first single from the album, and is fairly bass driven, and definitely a high energy song. The hook is quite infectious, while still having integrity. The song seems to relate a person trying to break free of another’s control over their life. When someone thinks "single", the idea of a weak, watered-down song comes to mind. That description does not apply to this piece.

“Peruvian Skies” is essentially a ballad, but contains some very metallic sections. In fact, it is quite reminiscent of Metallica in places, and the last sections of this song are very hard rocking moments. Another ballad, “Hollow Years” begins with a pretty and moody section containing some nice, jazzy acoustic guitar work. The tune contains a very pleasing acoustic guitar solo, and some beautiful piano in the climax. Containing some keys that sound much like Jon Lord at times, “Burning My Soul” is a strong hard rock piece. It is quite heavily bass driven and has a nice feel to it, and very strong vocals. This track also contains some excellent double bass drum work. There are some very interesting sounds in the instrumental break.

The intro to the instrumental entitled “Hell’s Kitchen” is a little reminiscent of Red era King Crimson. This number has an almost fusionish feel in places, seeming a little Satrianiish at times. Although it does contain some entertaining changes, it is essentially a textural piece, and seems to pick up energy as it progresses. The latter section of this piece is just a little reminiscent of Kansas, and provides a seamless segue into the next number.  The twelve minute five second cut entitled “Lines in the Sand” starts with some keyboard work rather in the style of Vangelis, circa Jon & Vangelis` Short Stories. The piece gradually starts building with some interesting riff work, before settling into a nice groove. There is an almost funky feel to it in places, and it eventually drops into a nice laid back section. Towards the end of the track, the energy climbs again.

The music to “Take Away My Pain,” although fitting the end of the song, seems way too upbeat for the early portions of the lyrics. Lyrically this song is about the pain of coming to grips with the loss of loved ones, and, in fact is dedicated to the songwriter’s late father. It is not one of the stronger songs on the album. Starting in an almost Pink Floydish mode, “Just Let Me Breathe” quickly turns to more standard Dream Theater territory. It is an energetic number with a rather intriguing arrangement. The instrumental break is very engaging. “Just Let Me Breathe” certainly contains some quirky instrumental work toward the end. This tune is a stab at the corporate music scene.

“Anna Lee” is a very pretty song, containing some nice piano work. It is quite Elton John influenced with some definite Beatlesisms present. This is a delightful ballad, which contains some very pretty piano work at the end. The next set of songs are combined as a multi-track suite entitled “Trial of Tears.” Starting just a bit like Rush’s “Xanadu,” some later parts of the first movement (entitled “I – It’s Raining”) have an almost Queensryche Empire era feel to them. It contains some nice sounding keyboard work. “II-Deep in Heaven” is an instrumental section that has a jazz like feel to it, and contains an interesting rhythm section. The third and final movement (“III – The Wasteland”) is sort of a reprise of the “It’s Raining” section. It contains some good keyboard work and serves as a nice conclusion to both the song and the album.

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