Dream Theater - When Dream And Day Unite (1989)

There is few bands in the history of progresive metal that has influenced and been such a big inspiration to the genre than Dream Theater. Even though the canadian band Rush gave the genre a rolling start, DT was the band to take it at least three levels higher with their odd rhythms and fantastic musical qualities. Needless to say, Dream Theater brought a revolution to the progresive rock. But just as any great revolution, the story of Dream Theater had to start somewhere. That journey started 1985 when four students of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, John Myung, Mike Portnoy, John Petrucci and Kevin Moore, formed a band called Majesty. The name was later changed to Dream Theater. Later, singer Charlie Dominici also joined the band which led to this, the bands debut album "When Dream And Day Unite".

Just as todays Dream Theater, the 1989 version of the band brings us songs that are complex, smooth and just plain odd. But there is two things I really like with this album that few of the other DT albums have. First of, even though this is the only record with Charlie Dominici, I really like his voice. I am not sure though if he is stronger than current singer James LaBrie but he definetely fits in the band. The second thing I like with this album is that it has no meaningless ballads. That is one big flaw with current DT, most of their ballads is so useless and hollow that I just skip pass them when it is their turn on the CD-player.

One song on this album that is hard to skip by is the instrumental "Ytse Jam" A great instrumental that shows off the whole bands qualities. From Portnoys crazy ass drumming to Myungs smooth and cool bass rhythms. Otherwise, Dream Theater is known for making long and epic songs. There are some long songs on this album but nothing super long. Nothing over nine minutes. And when it comes to the epic part there is not so much of it either. Sure, songs like "The Killing Hand" and "The One Who Help To Set The Sun" got their share of epicness but it stands pretty clear that DT was a more straight forward band in their early years. Well as long as they make some good, odd tunes I will be satisfied.

All in all, this IS the debut for DT and it is really good one. You can without a doubt see that, just as many debuts from big bands, the sound is still some what in the making but it is coming on nicely. The members are doing their thing and making this an great start for the band. Not enough epicness to make it all the way but the songs contain a high standard. Cudos to early Dream Theater.

Songs worthy of recognition: Ytse Jam, A Fortune In Lies, The Killing Hand

Rating: 8,5/10 Afterlifes

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