Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory by Dream Theater

Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory by Dream Theater, released in 1999, is one of the band's two absolute masterpieces along with Images and Words from 1992 and among the masterpieces of progressive in general.

It is a concept album that tells the story of the protagonist Nicholas as he discovers his past life, and deals with love, murder, and infidelity, addressing themes of death and reincarnation with an effective narrative that approaches a cinematic form. 

Even though I am not a metalhead, for me this is a first-rate progressive metal concept album and in my personal ranking it is on the same level as albums like "2112", "The Wall" and "Operation: Mindcrime" for its power and overall structure.

From a compositional point of view, all the tracks flow into each other, despite the complexity of the structure of several songs.

The individual performances of the band, particularly keyboardist Jordan Rudess, are exceptional, but it must be said that every member of the band gives their best, with beautiful guitar solos by John Petrucci and the voice of a great James LaBrie.

My favorite tracks are The Spirit Carries On, which helps make this a seminal work in the progressive metal genre, and The Dance of Eternity, a fantastic instrumental performed masterfully.

One of the best progressive metal albums of all time, defining a genre, it's great that they made this high-quality reissue. Essential album.

Tracklist

Act 1
1. Scene One: Regression (2:06)
2. Scene Two: i. Overture 1928 (3:37)
3. Scene Two: ii. Strange Deja Vu (5:13)
4. Scene Three: i. Through My Words (1:02)
5. Scene Three: ii. Fatal Tragedy (6:49)
6. Scene Four: Beyond This Life (11:22)
7. Scene Five: Through Her Eyes (5:29)

Act 2
8. Scene Six: Home (12:53)
9. Scene Seven: i. The Dance of Eternity (6:13)
10. Scene Seven: ii. One Last Time (3:47)
11. Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On (6:38)
12. Scene Nine: Finally Free (12:00)

Duration 77:09

LineUp

- James LaBrie - lead vocals
- John Petrucci - guitars, backing vocals, programming (7), co-producer
- Jordan Rudess - keyboards, choir arranger and director (11)
- John Myung - bass
- Mike Portnoy - drums, percussion, backing vocals, co-producer

With:
- Theresa Thomason - additional lead vocals (7,11)
- Theresa Thomason, Mary Canty, Shelia Slappy, Mary Smith, Jeanette Smith, Clarence Burke Jr, Carol Cyrus, Dale Scott - gospel choir (11)
- Terry Brown - voice of the Hypnotherapist (uncredited), vocal co-production
- David Bottrill - voice of Edward (uncredited)

Trivia: Characters: Nicholas, Victoria Page, Senator Edward Baynes (The Miracle), Julian Baynes (The Sleeper), and the Hypnotherapist.
 

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