Classical Composer Reacts to The Glass Prison (Dream Theater) | The Daily Doug (Episode 301)

TW: Themes of Alcoholism and Addiction are addressed in this video.
#DreamTheater #TheGlassPrison #DreamTheaterReaction
In this edition of #TheDailyDoug, I'm listening to The Glass Prison by Dream Theater. This is the first track from their Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence album, released in 2002. It starts their 12-Step Suite, which contains five songs from five different albums that focus on each of the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 steps. It's a heavy and intense piece, but it's also one that is timely for this new year, as we are re-evaluating, reprioritizing, and setting intentions. Thanks for watching.
Reference Video: • The Glass Prison
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[@alpardal]

Doug is finally starting to make peace with double bass drumming 😄

[@TrueVanguardhasterribletakes]

Made me happy to see 🙏

[@janbaca6075]

That's probably because of the new headphones 😄

[@m_dep7085]

Nice! I can start watching his reactions again now 😜. Honestly though hearing him constantly complain about it really got grating after a while, it became pretty hard to watch more of his stuff.

[@igornaimoli7321]

He needs to for A Nightmare Remember

[@roberto2568]

he cant hate on dreamtheater :) u need to be diplomatic

[@carlosnascimento9269]

The song that changed my life. Heard it by accident on the day this album released and was stunned, just utterly speechless, I had never heard anything like it. It opened the world of prog to me and 90% of the music I've listened to in the past 20 years was because of this song. After grabbing all their albums I began to check out their side-projects and discovered Transatlantic, Neal Morse, Liquid Tension Experiment, etc and my life was changed forever. For someone who had only heard the more mainstream stuff like Metallica, Maiden, Pantera, etc this sounded so fresh and the musicianship was beyond anything I thought was possible.

[@natehaviland3244]

Same here... this song suite changed my life in a few ways. Intro to prog and prog metal and also helped me later in life as addiction took hold, to recover. I listened to this song, listened to the whole album and my musical life took of for me personally, if never professionally. Love every part of this double album, the first half esp the great debates drum parts. Then the 2nd half being composed as more of a full classical suite in structure. Then Scenes live. I was hooked from the first drum fill transition. Anytime Doug or (ik he's the competition, but he does understand the movements of metal music more from playing it himself) Rick Beato doing DT with portnoy. My single biggest inspiration because pf this one song. The first time I made it thru a play through staying on time I damn near cried. Then saw him play this song at a clinic a few months later.

[@fredquevillon3727]

This is the song that got me into Dream Theater. It changed my musical journey forever also. And my guitar skills improved dramatically after playing Dream Theater for years. Even after listening to this song maybe more than 500 times, I have goosebump as soon as I ear that white noise and bell.

[@YanJeferson]

I listen when 12 years old, stream of consciousness was the second song I learned on guitar, I’m 29, and still coming back, this change music to us, since it means so much, you get to know each meaning for every part, god bless us

[@darrelsmith5851]

Same here. Was just texting my brother to tell him it released 20 years ago after hearing Doug mention it at the start of this video. This sparked my interest in prog rock/prog metal and lead me down a journey backwards (Rush, Genesis, Yes, King Crimson) and forward (Haken, Seventh Wonder, Symphony X, obviously more Dream Theater :p )

[@VoIcanoman]

Every Dream Theater fan has "that song" that draws them into the band. I was already into prog when I heard Dream Theater, but I was relatively new to the genre...more or less unaware of the early '70s British bands that essentially codified the genre (I mean, I was a huge Led Zeppelin fan, but bands like Genesis, Yes and King Crimson were basically unknown to me at that point)...Rush was my jam at the time, because their music was accessible enough that you'd hear it on the radio all the time. But then, the opening strains of the Overture of Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory took ahold of me, and made me realize that prog could be so much...more. Rush are amazing, one of the best bands ever, and certainly in the top 5 trios in rock history. But Dream Theater stood on the shoulders of giants (as Isaac Newton said: "if I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants") and just took everything Rush was, added +50% technical proficiency, and combined it with, like...'80s Metallica. I'd never heard such a thing before, and I was entranced. And then, after SFAM, I had the pleasure of hearing Images & Words, and I was hooked. Dream Theater is literally the only band I got on an airplane to travel halfway across the country to see live. Twice (once in late summer 2002 on the _World Tourbulence_ tour, once in early summer 2003 on the _Escape from the Studio_ tour). Unfortunately, even Dream Theater couldn't remain fresh and interesting forever...by the time Portnoy left the band, I had moved on, although I still attended the Progressive Nation tour that followed the release of "Black Clouds & Silver Linings." To me, their brilliance started to dim after "Octavarium" and I would have welcomed a pause of a few years (as Portnoy had requested) for the members to go their separate ways, seek new sounds and inspiration, and come back refreshed and "progressive" once more. Obviously this did not happen as, for all intents and purposes, the band ceased to be prog metal, rehashing their old sounds and ideas as if they figured that repeating the past was the key to their future. I no longer pay attention to their new music...but I do think that their impact on the prog metal genre is unparalleled by any other band (for better and for worse...the number of DT clones in the early 2000s was...unfortunate...still, a lot of bands took what DT were doing and put their own spin on it, creating new and exciting music themselves).

[@darrenjones5885]

Mike Portnoy is a genius. His work with Hello Kitty in the studio and live prove it.

[@GaryRaub74]

hahaha...the Hello Kitty kit. nice.

[@beanman2206]

I ASKED FOR THE FUCKING POKEMON KIT lol

[@malawigw]

@@beanman2206 orange star wtf I only play the purple star cymbals!

[@beanman2206]

@@malawigw i love portnoy so much lmao

[@u.v.s.5583]

Has Doug actually reacted to Mike playing 2112 on Hello Kitty?

[@Kylora2112]

This is my single favorite Dream Theater song. This is like Rush writing a Metallica song.

[@ephesians.6]

So well put!!!

[@emilymoses6150]

This is my favorite comment because it’s the most accurate thing I’ve ever heard. This is “One” (or honestly a majority of AJFA) but still classic dream theater. Metallica is one of my favorite bands, and even I don’t directly relate to this song, this is my favorite dream theater song too because me and my dad listen to it.

[@u.v.s.5583]

- What is Mike Portnoy? - Imagine Neil Peart trying to emulate Lars...

[@svenred6eard757]

Or Metallica writing a Rush song. 🤠

[@Ou8y2k2]

@@svenred6eard757 With all due respect, Hetfield is too stupid to write a Rush song. 🤣

[@Heiteinah]

Oddly enough, this and "The MIrror" were two of the songs that helped kickstart my recovery from alcoholism. Today I'm proud to say that I've been very much sober and without a hint of desire for drunken times for almost 4 years now. TYVM for the inspiration, Mike and thanks for the excellent review, per standard, Doug

[@ephesians.6]

Congrats to you! 4 years is huge!!!!

[@timfarrell6968]

Mike really captured the chaos of active alcoholism in this part. Just as he did in the recovery parts. When I discovered the Suite, I was amazed at how well he transmits his experience. 32 years myself. Congrats on 4 years!

[@ephesians.6]

@@timfarrell6968 congrats on 32 years!!!

[@Heiteinah]

@@timfarrell6968 Simply astonishing! Congratulations! I'll strive to get to 32 years myself, from your example. Lovely, simply lovely.

[@Heiteinah]

@@ephesians.6 Thank you very much! Its a struggle, its not easy, but it certainly is easier now than how it was back then when I decided to take this step.

[@kristianm.6946]

This was awesome. I'm glad you're starting to accept the double kick drums as part of the metal music experience. Dream Theater has always used them tastefully and in a way that adds more drive and energy to the songs.

[@ephesians.6]

Agreed 👍 and I've told Doug before (not sure if Doug saw lol)...DT is after all prog METAL and not prog rock. Big difference and lots more double kick. Glad he's developing a taste for it 😉

[@camilanebula1328]

Same here

[@voyageur0128]

"Disappear" from the same album is surely one of the most intense piece of music ever written about grief. Can't listen to it and not feeling stirred inside. Put this one on your list, Doug.

[@hector338]

When I listen to that song, and really listen to it, I always feel a bit broken at the end. It's so potent in it's lyric. To such an extent that I hesitate to listen to it because I know I will have a somewhat... gloomier outlook on life in a few minutes.

[@Justin.Danford]

@@hector338 SAME, the song is just wonderful but in a Schindler’s List kind of way. “Do I really want to subject myself to this right now?”

[@aelechko]

the keys at the beginning of it remind me of very emotional music from a final fantasy game. and then it just gets somber and beautiful.

[@V.F.D.DaleSalvador]

Please, you gotta do the entire 12 Step Suite (obviously in order)

[@Kylora2112]

Oh yes. It's awesome picking up the leitmotifs and callbacks as you progress over the hour.

[@NaanProphet]

And he can do The Mirror afterwards, which is a retroactive prequel, according to Portnoy.

[@kevinkuypers]

yes

[@scorpiusbalthazar4327]

@@NaanProphet The Mirror and Lie would kick the whole thing off I believe, not go last.

[@petermalik2536]

He already did on his Patreon site.

[@bobobear1977]

“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” ― Brad Meltzer

[@martingimenez339]

Yeah but there are many people who are real A-holes and they deserve a slap on the face.

[@Ou8y2k2]

"Kill everyone, all the time." ― Hydrogen chloride Seltzer

[@KhordLizardMage]

I've always interpreted "The Glass Prison" to metaphorically mean the glass drink of alcohol that entraps you. I was fortunate to see the band play pieces of it numerous times over the years in the many many times that I saw them live.

[@alexojeda9048]

It's a metaphor for the bottle itself. Something I'm familiar with.

[@sveticus]

It can also refer to the invisible prison of isolation that also often accompanies a life in addiction

[@alexojeda9048]

@@sveticus It could but that's something I can't really relate to. I was a binge drinker, not an alcoholic. I didn't NEED to drink like alcoholics do but I would lose control if I did. I've been in dry dock for the past 10 years when I got a job that required me to drive constantly.

[@andresmarin5328]

All the solo part and when James starts with "Way off in the distance I saw a door..."and until the end, is some of the most epic music ever... I´ll always thank DT for music like this.

[@betoney1]

I agree, I have listened to this song countless times and that still gives me chills.

[@Arkadius500]

Really cool that you picked up on the static. The last note of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (being the final song on the album), corresponds with the first note of As I Am (being the first song on the next album. Train of Thought). The last note of In The Name of God (final song on Train on Thought) corresponds with The Root of All Evil, begin the first song on the Octavarium album. The end of song Octavarium (last song on the album) is the same as the beginning, ending the cycle.

[@emayfrit]

🔥and this one picked up where Scenes From a Memory ended...!🔥! Thanks Doug!🔥!

[@theyescapedtheweightofdarkness]

Especially because octavarium is about being stuck in a circle

[@ctrlaltdelicate]

Another thing to add about Octavarium is that it wasn't originally supposed to end the cycle. The band had the flute section on the earlier version Doug reacted to but decided to change it to what you mentioned on the album version. A very welcome change.

[@casperolsen8951]

It also ends the cycle because its the eight album which represents an octave.

[@senditkevin]

They are compositional geniuses.

[@keysncoffee7733]

Dream Theater certainly has the most “visual” music ever! It’s almost like I can see the colors and images from the music they play. It’s insane!

[@BCapelas]

They put everything on this album. The experimental sounds and the way that is mixed still blows my mind.

[@shadesofgold24]

Alongside Falling Into Infinity, SDOIT is Dream Theater’s most well produced and mixed album. SFAM is well composed but felt like everything sat in the midrange too much, but the album before and after were done much more crisp from an audio standpoint.

[@BCapelas]

@@shadesofgold24 totally agree

[@hullan666]

Falling into infinity and six degrees were produced and mixed by Kevin Shirley

[@MetalheadNation]

@@shadesofgold24I agree, I also think Black Clouds had an incredible mix, the best of their later era so far in my opinion. I think that the two albums around it (Systematic Chaos and A Dramatic Turn) didn’t have the greatest mixes, but they knocked it out of the park with Black Clouds. Petrucci’s clean tone on that album might be the best since Images And Words and Awake.

[@pabloc1935]

Fun fact about this song is that John and Mike got the inspiration for the riffs after they went to see Pantera live.

[@EmreCanKorkmaz]

SDOIT is more than an album, it's a milestone for many people, especially for those who were in their late teens or were young adults at the time of its release. I, for example, had been led to find a new perspective upon my own struggles by the lyrics of Solitary Shell, which helped me to better understand and somehow start making peace with my mental issues and behavioral challenges. I feel blessed, in a way, by the fact that this album exists. 😊

[@Coconuthut1]

I just listened to six degrees a few days ago and it was an interesting listen. I prefer the first disk over the second, but it’s still a really good album overall.

[@bennikk]

Never clicked on a video this fast. This song has been one of my favorites since 2006. To be honest i never really dug into the lyrics, (english is my 2nd or 3rd language), i thank you for opening my eyes to them. I am struggling with alcohol problems and find it difficult to find any meaning to get better. Just finding out this song is about that subject makes me happy. For some strange reason it gives me slightly more will to be a better person. Thank you.

[@bradsteed6833]

I love the Harmonics that JM is throwing in during the bass intro.

[@Toddheenan802]

Endless Sacrifice would be awesome. The instrumental part and ending drum fill are mind boggling!

[@Aviatorj25]

As Hi-Fi audio enthusiast I just have to admit that I love to see you jumping to those Senns HD600. :) It was actually a bit painful to see you doing critical listening on those little, silver BOSE. Thank you for top quality content! Really love your analysis and breakdown.

[@axlrosea675]

Glad someone else noted😀

[@jz9513]

That whole first disc is a gem. I don't think you'll find a more eclectic album from them in their catalog

[@malawigw]

it is very underrated

[@alex_albyne]

It's pretty different to any other DT album and I find it one of their best

[@fractalaudio4956]

The second disc is perfection too

[@bludgerabled]

I find Labrie's highs incredibly cathartic in this song.

[@Zsuzsanna66]

I can't believe it's been 20 years... My fave DT album (beside Scenes from a Memory), maybe I'm biased, but this is a masterpiece, the whole album, both parts. Thank you for starting the new year with this!

[@frankswarbrick7562]

20 years?? I am old. I haven't really listened to any Dream Theater after the followup album to this one (Train of Thought), but I still love most of their stuff up to this point. Definitely this song, and in fact every song on disc one of this album. You definitely need to do "The Great Debate".

[@styleyriley]

The later albums def don't have the metal punch in them but most of the songs are solid. I suggest giving them a shot. I will say I don't care for "The Astonishing" though.

[@frankswarbrick7562]

@@styleyriley Interesting, because at the time I felt that ToT was leaning too much toward metal.

[@marinhrabric6162]

You're missing out

[@JavierMartinez-rz4vc]

Portnoy playing on this record it’s superb 👌🏼

[@Arrow2theACL]

After Portnoy left the band he wanted to perform the 12 step suite live and asked Haken with Ross Jennings on vocals and Eric Gillette of the Neil Morse band to perform the suite in its entirety.

[@emjem99]

Which my best friend of 50 years (we met when we were 13) and I had the privilege of seeing in Sydney and to say it was a stunning experience is an understatement. Haken were unbelievably good, Eric is a magnificent guitarist and Mike is, well, he's Mike Portnoy!

[@GODzil2a]

I saw them performing the 12 step suite in Luxembourg. It was truly a once in a lifetime-event. Ross Jennings was incredibly good on vocals.

[@segfault_000]

Ok how can I see this?

[@Arrow2theACL]

@@segfault_000 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmiVoaSdrJmmrLM

[@emjem99]

@@segfault_000 there was an agreement between Mike and Dream Theater (management?) that there'd be no official live show release of his Shattered Fortress shows. I'd pay good money if there was but KZbin will have to be enough...

[@eliashornwall8546]

If you ever wonder why a lot of these metal tracks that is in a lower tuning is in B, it’s because the standard tuning of a seven string guitar is B (B E A D G B E) and they are using the same principle as Iron Maiden does when they play every song in E minor (they of course play on six strings). It’s because they want to use the open string. Another example of this is the opening to a change of seasons that is played in an electric seven string, but with a very clean tone.

[@J-Allen19]

iirc JP used a baritone 7 string as well. So it's not just a 7 string, but it's a larger scale guitar.

[@nosir5596]

@@J-Allen19 Baritone 7 strings are still standard tuned to B tho, just tend to have a baritone scale length (~27"+) instead of a standard scale length (~25"). Longer scale length can just help with the intonation of the lower strings/allow for lighter string gauges without losing tuning stability.

[@VoIcanoman]

@@J-Allen19 Petrucci hadn't got into baritone guitars when 6DoiT was released though, so all of the songs with the low B from this era (and before) were played on a regular 7-string guitar (incidentally, he started his Music Man line of signature guitars around this time as well...before, he was using Ibanez...in fact, the main acoustic riff from "A Change of Seasons" was recorded on an ACOUSTIC Ibanez 7-string instrument, but in 1999, he began performing it with electric 7-string guitars with a piezo system). He started to used baritone 6-string instruments on _Systematic Chaos_ I believe, and I'm not sure what he uses now.

[@faroffgrace5490]

@@VoIcanoman Actually, Six Degrees was the first album with a baritone guitar on it. It's just, it was on Blind Faith tuned to A standard, not on The Glass Prison. Plus, the unison solo on Blind Faith is played on a standard six string, which made it impossible to perform live for a while. I can't remember how they did it on Chaos In Motion.

[@unclebasil3489]

I adore this piece, thanks for sticking with Dream Theater, will love to see your reaction to something like The Astonishing.

[@dsisk112]

The turning over is from an AA perspective is to turn over control over your life to a higher power. As a Christian, this higher power is Jesus. I get chills every time I hear the ended. Such a great song and important topic. Thanks for the video!

[@popgrubbs]

Massive fan of this album. The composition, the technical expertise, the story telling .... all are astounding. And by the way, this is an amazing album to work out to.

[@ThunorOdinson]

Perfect way to start the year with a little DT. Thanks Doug.

[@lxathu]

As the 6-string guitar predestined a lot of songs to have the pedal tone and main chord E, the 7th string forecast that there would be a lot of B's around.

[@qorisuwendo]

That's awesome Doug, but now it's time for you to hear In The Presence of Enemies Part 1&2 Full Parts.. You will not regret it...

[@u.v.s.5583]

Yes, Dark Master!

[@igornaimoli7321]

Hell yeah! Definitely!

[@shellderp]

In the Presence of Enemies has the same kind of back and forth from Mike and James and I love it

[@wm-nu1yf]

Excellent start to the new year. This was the song that finally made me get a 7 string guitar. Glad to see it featured on your channel.

[@olicorrivo3289]

Saying that I was waiting for this song to come up is quite the understatement. Keep up the good work Doug 🤘

[@melvinmiddleton1458]

One of the best reactions I've seen from Doug yet. It's a killer song, one of the best of the whole Dream Theater library not just the Portnoy Era. When Mike started up I was expecting Doug to say he didn't care for the double bass but he actually enjoyed it. Welcome to the fold Doug!!!

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

16:00 Pretty sure that's a reference to King Crimson. Sounds extremely like some of their material on Discipline.

[@gamesandguitars354]

I hope we get to see you react to the rest of the album! This one is probably my all time favorite from Dream Theater (The whole album)

[@Djcimofficial]

My favorite DT song! This and Panic attack were the first two songs that forever hooked me into the DT and prog Metal world..

[@tazyou11]

I can't believe you listened to the whole second disc of six degrees of inner turbulence on Patreon Doug. I wonder what you thought of that music and especially the song Solitary Shell, that song has special meaning for me as I have Asperger's Syndrome and that song basically is talking about that. I have always wanted to thank Dream Theater for writing that song. It really touches me and of course resonates with me. It was actually written before I was diagnosed and yet I didn't put those words to who I was until later after I was diagnosed. That whole disc is amazing really. I would just love to know what you said about the music, but I know if I join Patreon I could, just can't afford anything right now. Anyway, love your channel and all the knowledge you have about music. Great to hear all your wisdom. Keep it going. Take Care.

[@alanbrown7412]

Happy New Year Doug. Thank you so much for starting 2022 with the 12 Step Suite from one of my favourite bands. You will be amazed at the following tracks. The Glass Prison is a song that can help you through dark times ... not just linked to alcohol. I was going through a bad time relationship wise with my wife...but it sure helped me. The first time I heard the track was in concert for the Six Degrees Tour...the album was released in the UK after the gig. The band opened the gig with the track and it blew me away. I really enjoy all your reactions Doug. Looking forward to your next offering. Take care, stay safe dude. Peace from Alan. Liverpool UK 👍✌️🤘☮️

[@scottlaughlin9897]

Have you done “ In the name of God “ yet? One of my absolute favs Doug. Please do this one! 🙏

[@igornaimoli7321]

Among the best vocal lines by DT are in that song

[@fluffpuckot]

Yes, please! It is an amazing song.

[@antoniocarlin5026]

The first time I saw DT here on Monterrey, México was on this tour...and opened with this song!! :D

[@carloscarrasquel6216]

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR, DOUG

[@u.v.s.5583]

Step 13: Mike, you are out of the band.

[@metalmark1214]

Glad this one had lots of metal elements in it. John Petrucci kicks ass on guitar. Doug tolerated the double kick, lol.

[@memelordmark7532]

Mark, I'm glad you enjoyed this. Progmetal might be something you can enjoy. With the prog contingency growing larger in the channels evolution I really don't want to see the metal fans get marginalized. After all, the Maiden fans have played such a large part in the sub growth. If you've the time and inclination there are progmetal playlists available here on KZbin that may spark something in you. This week Doug is also doing a Queensryche track. If you're not familiar with them. You may really enjoy it. In all honesty progmetal is not my favorite subgenre. I have a fair amount of it in my collection due to my desire to check out as much prog as I can. Dream Theater has always been a problem for me. Everyone in the band past and present are exceptionally talented but the sum of the compositional style detracts from the overall effect in my ear. I generally don't listen to metal anymore. I cut my teeth on it as a youth and was passionate about it for years. I've seen Maiden several times including what I am to understand was their first performance in the U.S. opening for Priest in my hometown of Las Vegas. I still love the Dianno years very much. Anyway, as I mentioned I'm glad you found something in this band for you to enjoy. I've recommended D.T. to a handful of Maiden fans and have been pleased to find they have all discovered a new band and musical horizons were broadened. Up the Irons! Cheers! 😎👍

[@GaryRaub74]

@@memelordmark7532 I'm one of the subs that have loved Maiden from early on, and then gravitated toward the prog metal genre. I love them both. I think that most Maidenheads can dig the progressive side of music, as Maiden has always had that element to their music, and have only increased upon it as the years go on.

[@metalmark1214]

@@memelordmark7532 Wow, what a write up. It may surprise you to know that I've known about Dream Theater for a couple decades, through an awesome 8 min John Petrucci guitar solo. Later the G3 concert when Petrucci played. I don't hate prog metal but some aspects I don't like, namely liberal use of synth. If you have a great guitarist like Petrucci you highlight his talents and make his playing larger parts of the song. Also prog likes to drag songs on too long, like they're having a jam section. I do like some bands that are considered "prog" like Rush and Fates Warning. As for Queensryche, I like albums Operation Mindcrime and Empire, have not explored beyond that, I know the song Take Hold of the Flame. There are many 70's bands I like also, like Styx, Kansas, Boston, REO Speedwagon to name a few. I have over 3500 songs on my computer as well as a couple hundred more YT songs saved. Don't like black metal or NU metal. I also like guitar virtuosos like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Tony MacAlpine, Jason Becker, Greg Howe, Blues Saraceno, Joey Tafolla, Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, George Lynch, and a few others. Appreciate your concern, but you like what you like. I like many metal, rock, pop bands too many to list here. I even like the Carpenters. Happy New Year to you Mark.

[@memelordmark7532]

Mark, thanks! Happy New Year! Paul Gilbert is a favorite of mine. Vai, Malmsteen,etc. are fantastic. You may want to check out Allan Holdsworth. Jazz fusion guy, but a helluva guitar player. 😎👍

[@senditkevin]

@@metalmark1214 Your going to want to check out Ayreon and Star One. He is a bunch of info from Wikipedia: Each Ayreon album tells a different story, but all, with the exceptions of Actual Fantasy, The Theory of Everything, and Transitus, take place in the same fictional, science fiction universe; additionally, Lucassen's solo album Lost in the New Real is also set in the Ayreon universe. Ayreon's music is characterized by the use of traditional instruments in rock music (guitars, bass guitar, drums, analogue synthesizers, electric organs) mixed with instruments more native to folk and classical music (e.g. mandolins, violins, violas, celli, flutes, sitars and didgeridoos). Lucassen writes the music and the lyrics, sings and plays most of the instruments on all of the Ayreon albums, alongside many guest musicians. His most regular collaborator is drummer Ed Warby. Due to the project's particular nature, Ayreon live performances are rare, and no official Ayreon live show took place until 2017. Several Ayreon songs were first included in two live albums by other Lucassen bands: Live on Earth by Star One (2003) and Live in the Real World by Stream of Passion (2006). Star One (also referred to as Arjen Anthony Lucassen's Star One) is a Dutch progressive metal supergroup/side-project of Arjen Anthony Lucassen The band released two albums in 2002 and in 2010 respectively, plus a live album in 2003, and features four different singers: Russell Allen (Symphony X), Damian Wilson (Threshold, Headspace), Dan Swanö (Edge of Sanity, Nightingale), and Floor Jansen (After Forever, ReVamp, Nightwish). Unlike Ayreon, albums do not follow one storyline; instead, each song is a different story with a sci-fi concept, most of the tracks based on existing movies and series. The band takes its name from the second season finale of Blake's 7. The band includes four singers alternating in all the songs, not including Lucassen, who sings occasionally, plays all guitars and keyboards and is writing and composing all the songs. Star One was born out of the remnants of an abandoned collaboration between Lucassen and Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson. Dickinson proposed the idea and the two exchanged ideas and put together four songs, Lucassen writing the music and Dickinson writing the lyrics. The project was abandoned however after Lucassen mentioned the project on the internet and Dickinson's manager called off negotiations. Instead of completely abandoning the material that had already been produced, Lucassen decided to put his own lyrics to the music and created Star One. Arjen has worked with a couple hundred singers and instrumentalists. There is a list on Wikipedia. Enjoy. Two songs to start: Ayreon - The Day That The World Breaks Down Star One - The Fate Of Man

[@ninethstringvc2003]

I think Blind Faith, from the same album, it's more interesting in terms of composition and musicality! You should do that one. Greetings from Portugal!!!

[@T1hitsTheHighestNote]

Yes! And the album version!

[@ninethstringvc2003]

@@T1hitsTheHighestNote Definitely!!!

[@PhantomAxxaxxin]

I love this song so much. SOOO excited for the 12 Step Suite. Happy New Year, sir!

[@bon7572]

My father has been a member of AA for 44 years this year, one day at a time. Great word's at the end Doug

[@GaryRaub74]

Cool reaction, Doug! Looking forward to the rest of the suite reactions.

[@kartoflanystefan4937]

Wow, i didn't expect Dream Theater at all... nice surprise, thanks Doug!

[@emjem99]

Brilliant choice to kick off the year Doug. I look forward to your analysis and reactions for the rest of 2022.

[@LordSpongy]

Oh my god! Are you really doing all 5 songs?! I'm so hyped and I just started this first video! The 12 Step Suite an incredible set of songs, I'm super looking forward to them!

[@thelizardprince8709]

first dream theater song I ever heard and still one of my absolute favorites

[@andrewbennett6089]

I have been following Dream Theater for 13 years now and this suite has been one of the most inspirational and life-affirming parts of their discography. I feel that I learned a great deal about responsibility and being open to letting others help you along the way, that didn't fully come out for many years. I was very thrilled when you finally got to react to this suite. I never saw DT with Mike, although I had a chance to when they opened for Iron Maiden on their 2010 tour. I didn't go to their 2011 tour either, the 2013 one didn't come near me, and so I flew out to Minnesota for The Astonishing's tour. Then they came to Houston again for the Distance Over Time tour playing all of SFAM, which was amazingly powerful. I still, however, will not forget seeing Mike play the entire suite as Shattered Fortress, as alluded to below. All in a row, no stopping for the most part, with visuals that enhanced the experience and the meaning behind the lyrical content. I have never forgotten that performance and it continues to make the story behind this suite relevant and real in my life today.

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

Great stuff Doug. Please do Kansas' The Pinnacle.

[@chrisdimis91]

Yes finally you listen to this masterpiece

[@caio509]

10:16 I think it's very interesting that the intro repeats at this point. The mellow synth notes played by Jordan Rudess sounds kinda romantic, but the heavy background creates that "devil in disguise" atmosphere, just like drugs are. When the "mellow section" is played for the first time, he's trying to fight the addiction, then he's giving himself up to the addiction (fast tempo section). At 10:16, the mellow section repeats: he's again fighting the addiction. But when he's just about to drink, he reminds all things that happened in the past and runs away from the glass prison (run - fast, from the wreckage of the past). Man, I love these guys.

[@karlazytzeen]

Thank you for starting the new year with this great reaction !

[@LanguagesWithJamie]

I got into dream theater around august 2019 and between august and December of that year I had listened to the glass prison over 200 times according to Spotify. It’s still up there as one of my favourites as well as endless sacrifice (please listen to endless sacrifice too!) and only now from your video have I learned about the songs meaning and also the 12 step suite. Thank you Doug for making really insightful videos, this information makes these songs almost new to listen to again. Have a good day!

[@Thi0209]

I am sitting patiently waiting for the bass triplets… and when it comes Doug’s goes: wow, listen at that! Mike Portnoy really followed the AA program and often once he arrived to a new city he would look for the AA program even if he didn’t speak the local language.

[@josephstahl7656]

Great way to start the new year with this awesome song

[@aizatms]

Crazy wild ride this one. Portnoy era delivers 95% of the time.

[@ephesians.6]

This is one of my favorite DT songs ever especially with my own addiction issues I feel Mike Portnoy is directly relating to me and through his lyrics I am doing the same with him. The third step is turning your will over to care of Higher Power or God of your own understanding. That's why the lyric "thy will be done" is shoved in towards the end. It is part of the AA third step prayer. There is a lot of AA-speak nestled into the lyrics of this song. Also Mike is definitely taking out the frustration of the disease on his drums for sure...a frustration I can relate to...being locked in a prison we had to the key to get out of all along...willingness was the key...and the "door was wide open..." Thank you Doug. This is a bold subject you entered into and very timely. God bless you. This was amazing and congrats on the new cans! 🎧 Happy New Year!

[@dapksp25]

Doug I saw them live in Grand Prairie Texas and they played Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence in it's entirety when Portnoy was with them..this was definitely them at their peak with him..it was incredible ..

[@gonlinares]

What a great way to kick off the year in your channel Doug. Great choice, cool review

[@KB06]

Doug's musical observations of DT never fails to please.

[@blessedned2304]

Mike was actually told that he wouldn’t live past 40 because of his addiction

[@ChrisSlaske]

The glass prison!!! Wow this is great to hear your take on it!

[@nicolao.dos.santos]

Pain of Salvation - New Year's Eve would have been a good one ;)

[@GradeWorthyTradingCards]

Excellent choice! This has to be my favorite album from Dream Theater.

[@theharddrug7566]

You are the only "Reactor", who I enjoy to watch, reacting to Dream Theater. Keep on awesome work!

[@daveyojets]

Song is mostly in B because JP is playing a 7 string. Think of it as 7string "Em"

[@erklarvideosmathe2416]

18:45 Dude's like: Y'all, is this thing over?

[@estefaniasucre6966]

I told you about the Twelve Step Suite long ago. I'm so delighted you started!!! Thanks Doug! For me the Glass Prison is both the bottle and the reflection in the mirror (the way the alcoholic person sees themselves while being an alcoholic). The Mirror (a previous song from DT) plays a role as some sort of introduction to the Suite.

[@mikemelisa1804]

Dude, I was JUST thinking that you NEED to react to this song!!! Yessssss!!! The first song they played live the first time I saw them live back in March of 2002. Sadly, the night after I saw them (two night stand in Chicago...) they played Master of Puppets, the entire FUCKING album!!! You're amazing, Doug. Keep it up!!!

[@GaryRaub74]

Mike...I assume you got the Official Bootleg of Master Of Puppets done by DT... such a great trip hearing one of your favorite bands covering the most iconic album of one of your other favorite bands.

[@lovelylindsey]

Masterpiece, enjoyed your analysis. I like that you comment on the lyrics as well! This is my fav DT song!!!

[@iamdodgepodge]

YESSS finally! Ok time to listen.

[@c-LAW]

10:47 to 11:13 - The meter doesn't change speed (120bpm?). John's guitar riff is 4/4 at stays contant at 120bpm and the drums come in with a 3/4 90bpm feel. Since Portnoy doesn't read music, it's all in head, but if John or Jordan charts it, I'd imagine the drums would look like a 3/4 or 12/4. You know darn well the've got clicks in their ear to do this live.

[@mv5737]

I think DT inspire you (as they inspire us all). Good to hear your reactions to their music! (and noce that double kick begins to make sense to you 😉). Please return to DT music soon...

[@hectoralfaro3145]

Please please please, 🙏 the best of the time!!!!! Dream theater........

[@NiceStrings]

So excited for this video! When you do listen to the full suite, it is worth doing so in one sitting.. the songs fit together very satsifyingly, I’d love to see your take on the suite as one cohesive piece! It’s remarkable that a saga crossing 5 albums could work so well!

[@Happyal-qt3xs]

I absolutely LOVE this era of Dream Theater. This song is an enormous ball of energy from start to finish.. I listen to this loud and on repeat during my CrossFit training sessions

[@Perpet777]

Another amzing reation! Thanks Doug - I would strongly recommend the live version of "Breaking All Illusions" Its another important epic piece. Always enjoy all that you do!

[@dvourthis]

This song changed my life, not only as an alcoholic but also as a bass player. This is a tough bass line to get through. Major muscle burn.

[@Lurch685]

Idk how Myung goes for hours and hours

[@mekelsaga]

Next doing the six degrees of inner turbulence live score featuring octavarium orchestra will be the great reaction,, we will wait for that

[@abrahamabimanyu16]

PLEASEEE REACTT TO THE FULL ALBUMM!!!! I'VE BEEN LOVING YOUR REACTION VIDEOS TO DREAM THEATERR!!!

[@FearlessSpinner]

The song is mostly in B because Myung and Petruccis instruments are 5/6 and 7 string respectively with the lowest string being tuned to B

[@malawigw]

Glad someone else picked it up! I thought Muyng played six string bass since Images and Words?

[@FearlessSpinner]

@@malawigw Well I wasn't sure, so I wanted to say "Atleast 5". Probably was 6, true.

[@u.v.s.5583]

They switch to B because it is easier to play there. They are used to the scales :P

[@FearlessSpinner]

@@u.v.s.5583 Uh no, because the lowest string is tuned to B, that's why. Other examples Lie and The mirror

[@fabioriato]

@@malawigw He picked up the 6-string during the IAW tour, but that album (as well as their debut) was entirely written and played on a 4-string. JP started toying with 7-string guitars at that time too, it was when he wrote the riff that would become the intro for "The Mirror".

[@WilmersondaSilva]

This was the first DT song that I heard and back at the time I didn't understand nothing. Today is one my favorite songs of my life and DT is my favorite metal band

[@ThrashFantasy]

One of my 5 favourite song ever. Thank you doug!

[@psionic6126]

Finally another great DT reaction. I am thankful for every single DT reaction.

[@nutella_drifter]

What I really love about DT is that I often can't tell for sure if it is a guitar or a keyboard solo. Jordan has such wicked tones and a playing style he tricks me all the time, especially on Train of Thought.

[@chanodomnakalagshana7458]

You're in for a good ride! These songs made a huge impact on my life musically and spiritually.

[@chriscampbell1342]

Loved it, Doug. Thanks!

[@Dogfish63]

It's really good to see you with a proper set of headphones!

[@Gamont]

I'm pretty sure that you can now appreciate the double bass drumming because of the better cans, I'm glad you got them

[@BigDVulturous]

12 Step Suite!!!!! Can't wait to see This Dying Soul and The Shattered Fortress! Also, Repentance is going to be really interesting to watch.

[@stetig1]

Best choice for new year!

[@tinkerwithstuff]

They started working on this after visiting a Pantera concert, at least according to legend.

[@ajplaysdrums]

Holy crap don’t think I’ve clicked one of your videos faster. This was my first experience with Dream Theater as a kid in high school. I read an interview with Mike Portnoy in Modern Drummer magazine, shortly after the album had come out. A life changing experience, affecting my musical tastes as a drummer and as a listener.