I am a lover of jazz, fusion, rock and progressive rock and metal, taht one by artists such as Frank Gambale, Bill Frisell, Allan Holdsworth, and groups like Jethro Tull, Rush and Tool just to name a few. From friends and people I know, I heard a lot about Dream Theater, the strong curiosity prompted me to buy what, reading and find out a little, seemed to be their best album, Octavarium ... now I can say that I really hope that it's not true. I was quite disappointed because I think that the music lacks direction and structure, the lead singer James Brie has a voice which I don't appreciate, and the musicians have definitely a lot of talent, but in my opinion, the virtuosity of guitarist John Petrucci, drummer Mike Pornoy, keyboardist Jordan Rudess, and bassist John Myung is something that stands alone, no blends, no ties, and does not gives rise to important and harmonic compositions of the same quality and level of the individual talent of each musician. I listened to this album many times before expressing my opinion, and I'll do it again, if I change my mind, I will update my review. I have also to say that other friends tell me that their best albums are Images and Words, Metropolis Pt 2: Scenes From A Memory and others, I hope it's true ... now, however, before buying an album, I will listen to it carefully.