Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence by Dream Theater

This double album consists of eight tracks, with the title track extending for over 40 minutes, divided into eight sections.

The music is characterized by a fusion of progressive metal, ballads, classical elements, experimental elements, and electronic sounds, creating a unique and engaging atmosphere.

The lyrics deal with deep and complex themes such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, taking the listener on an emotional journey.

The band members, including virtuoso guitarist John Petrucci and keyboardist Jordan Rudess, deliver extraordinary performances that showcase their skill and creativity through complex arrangements and beautiful melodies, all highlighted by excellent production.

Some notes on the Tracks
- The album opens with The Glass Prison, about fourteen minutes long, a song divided into three parts (i. Reflection, ii. Restoration, iii. Revelation) that introduces the theme of inner struggle, musically powerful and fast, with aggressive guitar riffs and a great drum part, magnificent.

- Next is Blind Faith, a complex instrumental work, which includes intricate piano, synthesizer, and guitar solos. The keyboard work by Jordan Rudess and the guitar by John Petrucci are excellent, with a great drum part by Mike Portnoy.

- Misunderstood is a predominantly melodic and calm track, very atmospheric.
- The Great Debate, another track of about fourteen minutes, offers excellent electronic riffs, powerful guitars, and splendid tempo changes, with instrumental sections that highlight both Rudess and Petrucci.
- Disappear is a beautiful and fascinating track, with a slower rhythm, in a Floydian ballad style, with excellent piano and acoustic guitar.
- Then comes the Title Track, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, a 42-minute suite divided into eight movements, exploring the stories of six individuals affected by mental disorders. Beautiful suite with great melodic progressions and complex rhythms. Each section of the suite offers a different experience, moving from moments of intense introspection to bursts of energy. 
i. Overture, an instrumental with a dramatic tone and a progressive sound, with powerful sounds, an excellent transition to the second track, "About to Crash"
ii. About to Crash is a catchy and melodic track that reappears in a faster reprise later in the suite.
iii. War Inside My Head and  iv. The Test That Stumped Them All, the third and fourth acts, energetic and captivating, showcasing the band's great technique.
v. Goodnight Kiss is a relaxing track that transitions to the next song.
vi. Solitary Shell, a melodic and acoustic track, one of the songs I like most on this album.
vii. About to Crash (reprise) a faster reprise of the previous track.
viii. Losing Time / Grand Finale, a theatrical and orchestral closing with beautiful choirs.

In 1999 the band decided to replace Sherinian. Although Sherinian was a solid performer, Petrucci and Portnoy felt a greater musical affinity with Rudess after working with him on the Liquid Tension Experiment project. They fired Sherinian to hire Rudess for his superior technical fluidity.

This lineup lasted about 10 years and marked a leap in technical quality, a true revolution. Petrucci and Portnoy had a virtuoso partner capable of matching their extreme technical speed. The sound became denser with technicalities and more orchestral, the tracks longer and more complex, and the masterpiece Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory was born in 1999, a concept album that redefined the band's sound complexity.

Following is Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, an album instead made of total experimentation, with influences ranging from pop to classical orchestral, with a combination of technique and emotion, in my opinion one of the most significant works in Dream Theater's discography, in which they demonstrate their ability to blend progressive metal and profound lyrics.

It is an album that requires attention and reflection, but rewards those who are willing to immerse themselves in its complex and fascinating world. It is undoubtedly a masterpiece that marked an important milestone in Dream Theater's career, a highlight of their discography, worthy of repeated listens to fully appreciate its depth. Excellent!

Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page

LineUp

- James LaBrie - lead vocals
- John Petrucci - guitar, backing vocals, co-producer
- Jordan Rudess - keyboards
- John Myung - bass
- Mike Portnoy - drums and percussion, co-lead (1 and 6.iii) and backing vocals, co-producer
With:
- Howard Portnoy - gong drum (4)