Train of Thought - Dream Theater

Recently, I've tried to avoid choosing albums by artists whose work I've already discussed. However, I found it necessary to remind myself of the purpose of this blog: to pick the albums that were "my favorite for the week." So, if you're not a Dream Theater fan, I'm sorry, but I couldn't possibly pick an album that I've listened to more this week.
That being said, on to the album:
Dream Theater has always been at the front of modern progressive metal. However, their albums each have a different personality. Their fifth, Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory was a concept album, and very much to the "progressive" side of prog. metal. Their sixth, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, was a double album, with the first disc being more metal and the second more progressive. When it came to their seventh, though, Dream Theater must have said something along the lines of "You want a metal band? Here we are!" In short, Train of Thought will destroy you with its darkness.
Kicking off with the final chord from Six Degrees, the album sets its mood with "As I Am". With an opening lick that sounds a lot like "Black Sabbath" (only 40x heavier), this song is a great way to show the listeners that they aren't messing around. This song is a balls-to-the-wall heavy metal showcase with some really great lyrics. My personal favorite is, "I've been trying to justify you/ in the end I will just defy you."
Next, you get the continuation of the AA suite with "This Dying Soul." This is the same suite I've pointed out in Six Degrees and Octavarium, and that will be concluded in their new album, Black Clouds and Silver Linings. If you were worried that there would be no prog in this heavy metal album, this song will make you happy. Although it continues to grab you by the cohones, it's got a lot of complicated passages that are very true to the Dream Theater style.
The best part of the album is that it doesn't let up there. A lot of artists would choose to have a slower ballad after 1 or 2 tracks, but not here. Although "Endless Sacrifice" has a lighter verse, to begin, it has one of the heaviest choruses. Also, it evolves into an 11-minute progressive epic, which is always nice!
"Honor Thy Father" is the star of this album in my opinion. The time signature changes keep you guessing while the crushing guitar and technically-masterful drum parts make this a shining achievement for the band. Another thing I really dig about this track is the anger in James LaBrie's voice. It doesn't come out often in Dream Theater's work, but it works beautifully with this song.
"Stream of Consciousness" and "In the Name of God" are an instrumental epic and a great closer, respectively. The last track has a piano hook that adds a great sense of majesty to the whole piece. Overall, it is a very appropriate ending to this great album.
I won't sugar coat it: If you don't like metal, you'll probably hate this album. It's heavy, it's loud and it's dark. However, if you like prog metal, and are looking for something to really sink your teeth into, this is one of my highest recommendations. This is my favorite album to turn the volume WAY up on my headphones. If' you've got high-quality speakers or headphones, I suggest it. Even if they're low-quality, you should still crank it. Happy listening!

Free link to the album on Napster:
http://free.napster.com/view/album/index.html?id=10844303