Dream Theater has been around for quite along time. Since the beginning they have been regarded as one of the best if not the best Progressive band around. To tell you the truth, I'd have to agree. After the very successful "Metropolis Pt:2 Scenes From A Memory, many fans were afraid DT would not be able to top that with their newest release. So now the time is at hand, and that question is now answerable. So, does "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" beat out "Scenes From a Memory"? The answer is unsurprisingly no. But do not let that discourage you from getting this CD. "Scenes From a Memory" is damn near impossible to beat. Aside from "Images & Words", "Scenes From a Memory" is DT's best.

"SdoIT" is a real treat for DT fans though! Not only do we get 5 songs that average 10min each. We get a very welcomed second disc that contains the title track, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. A very polished and well composed 42min song! Personally I find myself listening to that more times over than "Change of Seasons".

"SdoIT" has to be one of the best DT albums from a lyrical stand point. I absolutely love some of the content on these songs. Subjects range from acceptance of death, self realization, religion, science VS morality, and psychological turmoil. This has to be the best lyrical album DT has put out yet!

Sound consistency has never been DT's strong point, and it shows here. Ever since "I&W" we have yet to hear a single DT album replicate that sound. When we heard "Awake", while it was good, just seemd like it was missing something. Many thought the CD was void of soul. We won't even disuss the commercialness of "Falling into Infinity". Then came "Scenes From a Memory" a brilliant pice of music with hints of classic Dream Theater. But still nothing like any album beforehand. Now we have "SdoIT". At some points in the album it doesn't even sound like Dream Theater. So what are the songs? Let's review them:

The Glass Prison- At initial listen, you can tell immediately that this is going to be different. Suddenly the song bursts into double-bass frenzy, and ceases to stop! The only break is the chorus which is the only part that actually sounds like a Dream Theater song. This is a great start to any CD! Even a DT CD!

Blind Faith- A very "Heavy Metal" type song. Seems there was a lot of influence of old 80's metal in this song. It may be just me though. This is a great song as well!

Misunderstood- The song name states it all. I think alot of DT fans will bypass this song simply because there is nothing DT about it. Its a simple, catchy ballad. NO time changes, NO solos. So I'm going to tell you all here, do not let this song go unheard! It's a great little tune that will stick in your head time and time again. Nice and soothing effects abound and a very well written chorus makes this an all-round decent song.

The Great Debate- This is my personal favorite on the album. The song starts off w/ about 3min worth of dialogue consisting of sampled new's broadcasts discussing cloning and the subject of playing god through science. The song itself sounds nothing like DT(big surprise). In fact, this song could pass for a Tool song. Aside from the chorus the rest of the first half might as well be a Tool song. Suddenly about half way through Jordan Ruddess remembers "HEY! We're not Tool, we're Dream Theater!!" and bursts into a classic Ruddess solo! Guitar and Keyboard are layered perfectly and the switches between the two remind me of why I love DT! A sudden rising of double-time playing then to triple-time playing commences and crashes into a one of the best riffs I have ever heard! The song then ends to the same dialogue we heard in the beginning.

Disappear- DT took a very different approach to writing this song. Its a very soothing piece with nothing special to note. In fact it seems they were influenced by Radiohead while writing this song, you decide.

Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence- This is the BIG one. 42min worth of music. A 8 part song of epic proportions. This song is very content heavy. Lyrical wise its, about different people with different psychological struggles, and how man can overcome them. Its a very nicely written song... influences range from classical music, to jazz, to Rush. This song is very DT reminiscent and thats a good thing! One of the longest and BEST songs I have ever heard in my life! The song alone is worth the $25 admittance fee.