Album Review // 2020-07-10

Dream Theater

Octavarium

Released: 2005-06-07

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I had a friend growing up that was very into Dream Theater. Weirdly enough, she didn’t listen to them around me. I have had very little experience hearing their songs. I have only heard a handful. I am very aware that they are considered one of the most technically sound progressive bands. 

Apparently they started off as Majesty, but had to change their name due to upsetting another band that already had this name. Apparently, the name change to Dream Theater, was inspired by a theater in California.

Regardless of their popularity, I want to hear more from them and get a sense of if they speak to me as an individual.

I had a hard time choosing an album to check out. The song “At Whit’s End” is one that I listen to quite often. I quite enjoy singing along with this song. At first, I thought I should do the album the song is from. Upon searching their albums it is their newest one. 

I scrolled though the album names and songs lists and have decided on Octavarium. I think the length of this album as well as the song titles got me wondering what it is all about. 

I couldn’t find an official definition for the word Octavarium. I know Oct is usually related to eight and varium refers to change in Latin. How these come together I am not sure. 

Album Art

This art contains pendulum balls hanging in front of a scenic view of the sky and some green lands. There are birds flying in the sky. To me it almost looks like it could be symbolizing freedom in the backdrop and the pendulum is a reminder of the confines of time.

Mood

This album seems reflective but keeps an optimistic energy.

Vocals

The vocals are soft even in songs when they are projected with more energy and ruggedness. I was quite surprised by some of the song’s vocals sounding like something I could hear on popular radio. Some songs were taken pretty high but seemed whinny and made me uncomfortable.

Music

The music itself has an 80’s feel a times even though it came out in 2005. Some songs felt almost pscifi like. The talent is obvious, not just anyone can come up with all of the dynamics and perform them.

The choruses stand out as often being catchy.

Lyrics

The lyrics on this album are mostly written by the guitarist John but the drummer, Mike, and the singer James have also taken part. The lyrics don’t hesitate to address hard subjects but don’t seem consumed by them. 

The Root Of All Evil

This song seems to be addressing the ways that we fail and act against what we wish. The title the root of all evil denotes there is one root. This song seems to be addressing many evils.

Take all of me
The desires that keep burning deep inside
Cast them all away
And help to give me strength to face another day

The Answer Lies Within

Life is short
And stand behind, the choices that you have made
Face each day with both eyes open wide
And try to give, don’t keep it all inside

These lines made me think about deciding to step forward and do things in life, as opposed to holding back, or repressing your desires. It could be taken a step further and be talking about letting go of specific pain and choosing to move forward, even if it isn’t easy.

These Walls

I like the idea of tearing down walls, which to me symbolize something that hinders. I find the idea of having to have someone else tear down walls for you to be putting a lot of weight on someone else. I suppose if you truly need help with something it is good if you have that person to rely on.

Tear down these walls for me 
Stop me from going understand
You are the only one that knows 
I’m holding back

I Walk Beside You

This song seems to be about being there for someone in their time of need.

Tell me once again
What’s beneath the pain you’re feeling
Don’t abandon me
Or think you can’t be saved
I walk beside you
Wherever you are
Whatever it takes
No matter how far

Panic Attack

Seems to literally be about a panic attack. This song describes one perfectly. 

Rapid heartbeat pounding through my chest
Agitated body in distress
I feel like I am in danger
Daily life is strangled by my stress

Never Enough

And then complain that 
You didn’t like the way 
I put the knife in wrong
You didn’t like the way
My blood spilled on your brand new floor

These lines make it clear that this is about a very painful one sided relationship. We often take people for granted or even take it further and abuse others.

Sacrificed Sons

This song seems to be about sending your sons off to fight a religious battle. I can't imagine sending anyone I love to any battle or harm. It also speaks to the fact that many times people seemed to use religion as a reason for something. Maybe somehow it made/makes them feel more justified.

Who would wish this on our people
And proclaim that His will be done?
Scriptures they heed have misled them
All praise their sacrificed sons
All praise their sacrificed sons

Octavarium

I have no idea what this song is supposed to be about. Nothing about this song connected with me. 

Playlist Pick

Overall this album is not for me. 

I did enjoy the pace and catchiness of the opening song, The Root of All Evil. This song will make it to my playlist.

I would consider a few other songs to be easy listening and they wouldn't completely annoy me if I was around someone else listening to them. I won't seek them out myself.