A Dream Theater album is always an intense and interesting experience and their latest, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, is no exception. Arguably one of the most innovative contemporary rock bands, Dream Theater play complicated, multi-layered songs which generally appeal to two drastically contrasting groups: old-school lovers of heavy metal and professional musicians who cannot help but appreciate the band’s technical skills and advanced musicality.

Three out of five members of the band are graduates of the Berklee School of Music, explaining their amazing technical proficiency. The three of them are widely heralded as some of the most talented rock musicians of their time and the remainder of the band are nearly, if not as, talented as the other members. The band’s only noticeable flaw is the lead singer’s voice. Classically trained to sing opera, his voice lacks the timbre and character of a heavy metal singer. This does, of course, give Theater a unique sound, making it more than just a metal band.

Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, a two-disc album, is in many ways a step forward for the band. Known primarily for their musical pyrotechnics, the band takes a very experimental approach to the first disc following the lead of Radiohead and Tool. Although their incredible musicianship still shines through, the effect is far more subtle than their previous albums. Arguably the best song on this disc is the multi-hooked “Misunderstood,” which deals with the topic of loneliness and isolation in a crowded world.

The second disc hearkens back to their previous effort, the masterwork concept album Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory. The second disc contains the title track of the album, and that’s it. Over 40 minutes long and divided into eight sections, it includes an overture with a full orchestra. “Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence” is an intense musical experience of the typical Dream Theater variety that deals with the phenomenon of inner anguish and turmoil in today’s seemingly content youth.

Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence is a mature, complex and impressive album. Although the band may not appeal to everyone, their talent and the quality of their music cannot be denied. If you fancy yourself a true fan of innovative and progressive rock, this album is a must.

––Steven N. Jacobs