When Dream and Day Unite

by Dream Theater

Overview

Dream Theater's first official release gave an indication that this was a talented band that combined the styles of Yes, Rush, and Queensryche. The latter seemed to be too big of an influence at this stage of their career. Vocalist Charlie Dominici's voice is not powerful enough to carry out the band's otherwise convincing intensity, and his attempt to sound like Queensryche's Geoff Tate was unsuccessful. The music here is not as heavy as it would become in the '90s but could still be classified as progressive metal. Guitarist John Petrucci and drummer Mike Portnoy established themselves as competent musicians, but their individual styles were not yet refined. The band's originality does shine through on "Light Fuse and Get Away," "The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun," and "Only a Matter of Time." The odd-meter measures and numerous time changes gave the group a complexity that hadn't been experienced for an entire decade in the rock genre. "YTSE Jam" was essentially their answer to Rush's "YYZ" and became a staple in the band's live set. The session was marred mostly by subpar singing, too many metal cliches, and poor production. There is, however, enough interesting playing to make it a worthwhile listen for fans of this genre, and is certainly essential for Dream Theater fans. ~ Robert Taylor

Product Details

Release Date:	01/24/2012
Label:	Universal / Universal Music
UPC:	4988005688835
Rank:	97792

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Dream Theater   Primary Artist
Kevin Moore   Keyboards
John Myung   Bass,Guitar (Bass)
Charlie Dominici   Vocals
John Petrucci   Guitar
Mike Portnoy   Percussion,Drums

Technical Credits

Joe Alexander   Audio Engineer,Mixing,Engineer
Dream Theater   Audio Production,Composer,Producer
Terry Date   Audio Engineer,Audio Production,Producer,Engineer,Mixing
Kevin Moore   Composer
John Myung   Composer
Charlie Dominici   Composer,Liner Notes
Jimmy Starr   Remastering
John Petrucci   Composer
Howie Weinberg   Mastering
Steve Sinclair   Executive Producer
Dennis Friel   Redesign,Package Design
Amy Guip   Concept,Cover Photo,Photography,Cover Design,Cover Art Concept
Derek Simon   Management
Joannis   Cover Art Direction
Eddie Wilner   Reissue Producer
Chris Carroll   Insert Photography
Brian Stover   Assistant Engineer
Mike Portnoy   Composer
Trish Finnegan   Assistant Engineer