Dream Theater Week! Metropolis Pt2. REACTION - Home

[@iulia.bianca.b]

The Sleeper (Julian): a struggling addict and a gambler who just wants to go back home to his girlfriend, Victoria. The Miracle (Edward, The Sleeper's brother): has Victoria coming to him, venting about his brother's (or her boyfriend's) problems, and they end up sleeping together. He can't keep up with it (betraying his own brother by being with Victoria), but also wants Victoria for himself and thinks she deserves better than his addict brother. I know, it's a full blown soap opera, but so damn good!

[@VoIcanoman]

I like how you tried to figure this all out as you went through it. And I can see how it's confusing. But yeah, The Miracle was the shoulder to cry on when his brother, The Sleeper was away, getting high. He fell in love with Victoria (to the point where he says "I'll make her my wife"), but she was always in love with his brother. And he agonizes about it: "Her ecstasy means so much to me, even deceiving my own blood" and "he's my brother...but I love her..." etc. So he tries to justify his cheating, by saying it's all about her ecstasy...but he's a narcissist, and you can tell from the lyrics that all he _truly_ cares about is himself. This song is really the one that ties the whole album together. You've gotten to know Nicholas and Victoria, and gotten a (correct) sense for how they are connected (Victoria was Nicholas in a former life). And you've learned that she died a violent death, and that the police thought it was a murder-suicide. But now you learn that there were two brothers involved with this lady...and the idea that one could be jealous of the other, of the fact that Victoria never stopped loving The Sleeper, becomes a possibility. The other thing that you couldn't really appreciate is that there are quite a few musical call-backs on this album to the song _Metropolis Pt 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper._ Obviously (aside from the title of that song referring to the two new characters we learn about in _Home_ ) there are lyrical call-backs too (the Miracle says: "I remember I was told there's a new love that's born, for each one that has died" comes directly from Metropolis Pt. 1; also the opening lyric "Shine...lake of fire..." refers back to that original song, where the lake of fire is hell, and at this point in the album, The Sleeper is kind of embracing his hellish circumstance, while also longing for his home, and the love of his life (Victoria). But the musical call-backs are in _Home_ as well as in _Overture 1928_ and in the next song _The Dance of Eternity_ ...predominantly. So if you do end up listening to _Metropolis Pt 1_ maybe do so after listening to these 3 songs at least, so you can see where the music connects.

[@michaelsmart683]

The tension and mystery being stretched out over a week is killing me!

[@ThomasJ_Music]

In a good way I hope though!

[@michaelsmart683]

@@ThomasJ_Music most definitely! You’ve got some great tracks ahead of you.

[@Yufri]

Hi Tommy. I really enjoy your reactions and especially these ones. I remember buying this album on it's release day back in 1999. Me and a friend of mine seperately listened to this album and checked back at each other by phone while we had our first listen. We were absolutely taken by the story line. The clever thing about this concept is that you always have the same level of knowledge that Nicholas has. So he will lead you through the story and his big revelations will also be yours.

[@iulia.bianca.b]

21:21 Smart man! You basically deciphered the whole album right there! Nicely done ❤️

[@gregorykenfield3134]

Great review...you're getting both warmer AND colder! Now you know why I pointed out the full name of Part One is "Metropolis Part One: The Miracle and The Sleeper." We now have a total of four main characters (five, counting the hypnotherapist). You also know why Part Two is subtitled "Scenes From A Memory," since that phrase appears in the lyrics of this song. The relationship between the four main characters will begin to be fleshed out in the next few songs. I'm so glad you're enjoying the ride!! God bless!

[@magnumopus5406]

Fun Fact: This song in particular is a massive callback to Metropolis Part 1 (a song off their second album, Images and Words). I won't give away too much, but if you listen to Part 1, then listen to Home, you'll here a lot of similarities.

[@nexuslang]

"Home" was the first DT song I ever heard. I didn't even start to pay attention to the lyrics until like the 5th or 6th time listening to it... which leads me to what other people have already told you: I understand that you're trying to get to the bottom of the story, but don't disregard the music itself!! It's absolutely epic and outstanding. "Fatal Tragedy" is still one of my DT all-time favorites, and I've been listening to them for close to 2 decades now and I know all their discography like the back of my hand. That said, it's pretty fun watching you try to unravel the story, hehe.

[@Proghead88]

Tbh I think the fact that he's able to focus on the story so much shows that he's subconsciously enjoying the entire experience including the music, even more than the average listener. Not less enjoyment of the instrumentals, but more enjoyment overall. I've noticed he's more than experienced and aware enough with music in general to see him "feel" and truly appreciate the music on a technical level as well. I see him moving and responding emotionally to even the craziest sections, in an almost speechless way but not in a clueless way. Seems aware enough of odd times, different scales, arrangement, styles and influence to appreciate the crazy stuff on an even deeper level. I couldn't ask for more from a listener to be honest.

[@iulia.bianca.b]

Such a funny coincidence, it was also my first Dream Theater song! I felt head over heels in love with them right there and then, and the song still holds a special place in my heart. Amazing, a true masterpiece

[@jhawkkw87]

Great reactions so far. Something to clear up though is that the sleeper was actually mentioned in Strange Deja Vu with Victoria's lyric: "I'm not the one the sleeper thought he knew". That specific lyric also might help paint a better picture about what is taking place in this song.

[@andreascala2663]

DT are out of this world and this song is out of their world! imo best DT song

[@patrick1234]

This is fun Tommy.... I'm following ur thoughts on story, and excited for u to relisten to album after u clear up the full story line!!!

[@the.basaurio]

You should really make a reaction to the album in its entirety in one go, after you finish your first reaction of course. Revisiting the story really makes you understand it better.

[@ThomasJ_Music]

Yeah imagine you get a whole new appreciation for what’s going on listening to it back-to-back

[@worthykev]

@@ThomasJ_Music you should react or just watch in your own time the "live scenes from new york" (its on youtube)where the album is played live in its entirity, theres also visuals on a big screen that make the story easier to follow. it also really shows what incredible musicians they all are to play this live

[@amarok9097]

My favourite song from the album - Nicely Done

[@gregorykenfield3134]

Mine too!

[@michaelcrowley2071]

Another great (and underrated) concept album is Dio’s Magica

[@tarkus1056]

I always thought home=victoria. It makes sense with the lyrics.

[@orphydianmusic9529]

Their most accomplished song

[@dmstewart66]

You've pretty much got it. I'd like to help you out to clear some confusion for you if I could though. This is all info already given to you throughout the album but that you may have missed. This does not contain any spoilers or anything you have not already covered. Just a couple notes. Haha as you suspect. you are over-thinking the meaning of "home"... all they mean is that this all seems very familiar to them. Remember Nicholas kept saying things like seeing Victoria's grave was like losing someone close... he continuously has said that this story feels very familiar, and so do the other characters... That's all they mean by Home. You also seem confused about the murder/suicide. it's stated that it was a murder/suicide... not one or the other, but both.. there are two dead bodies. Here's some lyrics from Beyond This LIfe: Headline: "Murder, young girl killed Desperate shooting at Echo's Hill Dreadful ending, killer died Evidently suicide" As to Home, it's so damn confusing because the lyrics change perspective so much. What's going on is that one brother is a wheel dealing drug taking gambler who has become too much for Victoria, so she turns to the gamblers brother.... and then they fall in love. So now Victoria is in love with them both. "Help - he's my brother, but I love her I can't keep away from her touch Deception, dishonor It's calling me back to my home" There are 2 brothers, both in love with Victoria. And then Nicholas witnessing what's happening to them all... So the song switches perspective between 4 different characters. What unites them all is that this story all feels very familiar to them. All too familiar. Remember the hypnotherapist says to Nicholas at the end of Fatal Tragedy :"Now it is time to see how you died. Remember that death is not the end, but only a transition." I want to say so much more, but I'm sure you will be able to piece it together much easier from here. Lyrically it's definitely the most confusing in the entire album... It gets much for straight forward from here :) You're also about to hit the highlight of the album with these next 3 songs. Enjoy! Look forward to see your reactions.

[@ptos8262]

This is not an easy album to decipher. That said, this is entertaining watching you break each song down. Keep plugging away 🤘🏻

[@rnobreaks4579]

Thank you for letting us experience your digesting of the material. I've always loved this album and this journey is only adding to it's legacy. Thank you again and i'll see you on the next one👍

[@damianvc31]

If you think the tempo changes in the end of this are cool, wait for the Dance of Eternity ;)

[@BrotherNarbert]

You’re gonna get sick of me while I catch up real quick on the rest of this album reaction. At first I was wondering why this video was so long for just Home, but you pretty much played it twice...As I’m sure other people have already mentioned, this album is part two of a story started in a single track from Dream Theater’s (almost) first album, Images and Words. That song tells more of the story of these two brothers, The Miracle and The Sleeper, so you kind of have to have that under your belt to even get a clue, but it’s still all confusing as $#!T. I totally subscribed to you, by the way. I’m a musician, and I suck at listening to lyrics, I’m always locked into the instruments. The way you are breaking down the story of this album sold me on your channel.

[@Newguy-ej3gy]

This album tells a story of a murder between two brothers and a women. It took place in the 20s.

[@JimmyRJump]

I first thought that this was about split personalities: schizophrenia (or however you write it). That Victoria was the same person as Nicholas and that she needed to be 'killed' to cure him. Now, with "Home", I get more of a Vampire vibe. Dark, mysterious city with a 'home' to hide at. Then there's the hint that Nicholas and Victoria's lover were brothers. I need a glass of Jack Daniel's at this point. Music-wise, this is the song I like most so far. The earlier songs all sounded a bit uninspired, flat; let's go run-of-the-mill-prog. Giving off a heard-it-all-before-and-better vibe. In fact, the only DT album I really like start-to-finish is 2005's "Octavarium" release. Splendid recording that is. But "Home" makes-up for the so far unimpressedness I was going through. The only reason why I kept listening was to see those Northern ears go slightly blushing in gentle warmth from what they're picking up. You should one day do an album reaction to Queensryche's "Operation: Mindcrime" release. Top-shelf prog concept album with slight metal influences that tells a compelling story about a lost soul taken in by a shady figure who has a most intriguing agenda. Or at least, show some form of reaction to the album's masterpiece "Suite Sister Mary". You sadly won't see me on Patreon. Not because I don't want to, but because I'm following over two-hundred people on KZbin and since I'm living off of the Belgian Equivalent of wellfare, I'd need a patreon account to pay for my patreon contributions. Hey, if I support you, there's dozens of people/channels I should also support, but that's above my 'paygrade'. EDIT Added the missing 'C' to shitesophrenia. Sounds more like a form of diarrhoea. In fact, schizophrenia is a bit like the flying shitters for the mind, eh?

[@nikelodeon6852]

Its called the harmonic minor scale or phrygian mode.

[@ThomasJ_Music]

I always forget which one is which! 😂 so it’s easier to call it the Arabic minor...maybe that’s why it’s the only one I can point out. I should have concentrated more when we covered modes and scales. Shame really. Maybe one day I’ll go back and learn

[@nikelodeon6852]

@@ThomasJ_Music LOL no worries. Its cool seeing you getting into the story but you shouldn't ignore the music cause its so dense with layers even without the lyrics.

[@ThomasJ_Music]

@@nikelodeon6852 yeah I need to be careful of this, but honestly I think my head would explode if I tried to do both! I will have to give the whole thing another listen once I’ve finished to appreciate the other side of it

[@kennhern]

There is also the Phrygian dominant, which would immediately take you to the Middle East with its exotic tonality

[@LongandWeirdName]

Don't you hate it when people ruin the fun for others who are experiencing something for the first time? Don't pay attention to attempts at spoiling. Just keep exploring the story on your own and enjoy. Knowing your tastes from seeing your reactions for a while now, I know you will. Those last few songs are absolutely epic. Can't wait to see you experience them. Getting a secondary hype(kinda like a contact high) from re-experiencing it with you.

[@ThomasJ_Music]

I deleted the comment that gave the spoiler. As soon as I knew it was a spoiler I stopped reading and deleted. I’m trying to find out in the discord as we speak if the little bit that I DID read is a big deal or not

[@ThomasJ_Music]

And glad you’re liking them! Reviving music is part of the magic of reactions, so I’m glad you’re experiencing it!

[@patrick1234]

@@ThomasJ_Music I "scolded" him for writing it... didn't know how else to mark it somehow .... Would note Tommy, the original CD liner with the album has some more info about the story as going thru the lyrics (like scene context, stage direction, as in a play) which helps when reading along with lyrics... I'm sure someone in the discord could link to them IF they thought worth it for u.....but no matter what, this is FUN!!! 🤘😁🤘

[@ThomasJ_Music]

@@patrick1234 thanks Patrick! Much appreciated. It’s not a big deal what I found out. I figured the miracle probably was the killer and was mad at his brother and that they both loved Victoria. I just didn’t know the other guy was the sleeper. I still don’t know who Nicholas is, or who actually died yet, so the two main mysteries are still just that!

[@patrick1234]

@@ThomasJ_Music Cool man, enjoying ur journey through this album. One of my favorites for over 20 years. This, Operation: Mindcrime and Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son are my favorite concept albums...heck, just favorite albums that NEVER get old, ever. Musically all incredible and the vocals the best, all 3 singers.

[@kenanparali1775]

Try to evaluate the music as well. I have been watching all of your videos and I feel like you are so into the story that you are not giving enough significance on the music. The music on this album is really epic even for their own standarts. Anyways, love your videos keep the good content coming!

[@lakejizzio7777]

Yes. I am in love with Beyond this Life and Finally Free. Musically.

[@JimmyRJump]

Blimey. Found out that "Metropolis Part II" is the only DT album I don't have. Found a legit specimen on eBay for a small handful of coins and ordered the bugger. Hopefully it gets sent in an envelope so the package fits in my letterbox as the outside doorbell doesn't work.

[@adrianm3092]

Again, a very interesting reaction. I highly recommend that next time you react to the Eurovision junior 2020 competition with Viki Gabor, winner of JESC 2019, Duncan Laurence winner of 2019 ESC and Roksana Węgiel, winner of JESC 2018. Together they sang the song „Acarde”. I am sure you will be delighted with their performance. Best wishes. Acarde-kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2KsnpaHp9qBhbM

[@lakejizzio7777]

4:46 Really?

[@ThomasJ_Music]

Are you saying really because I called it an Arabic minor? Are you saying really because it was obvious and I didn’t need to say it? Are genuinely asking me really because you didn’t know? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@lakejizzio7777]

@@ThomasJ_Music No. I am asking whether or not only minor scale you can recognize is Arabic Minor. No offense tho, just you can identify chords (like you did in the falling back to earth video) and often correct about time signatures. It felt weird... I love your channel and your unbiased opinions.

[@ThomasJ_Music]

I can tell major from minor easily enough, as it’s obvious, but I would struggle pick out harmonic minor and I know I said ‘minor scales’ but if you were to throw in modes etc, there’s not a chance. Modes were one of the things at college that simply went over my head

[@amitaiweil]

Hearing the song without nowing there is a metropolis part 1 should be frobedden :)

[@carlgibbons5777]

This is a love triangle between Victoria, The Sleeper, and The Miracle. Also Nicholas getting closer to the truth. Enjoy the rest of the journey my friend:)

[@carlgibbons5777]

@@omargonzalez4169 That's why I didn't go farther than what was introduced in this song.

[@altaycan389]

We told him about the love triangle after the video, but this comment makes things too obvious

[@omargonzalez4169]

He'll finish the album on saturday or sunday, just wait a couple days to give this info.

[@carlgibbons5777]

@@omargonzalez4169 Quick edit fixed it:)

[@carlgibbons5777]

@@altaycan389 Now delete your comment. I edited mine:)