Breaking Absolutes Ep. 43 - Dream Theater (A View from the Top of the World - Detailed Reaction)

[@joona33]

This was such a great podcast and you offered good insights into their music. Thank you and keep up the great work! Greetings form Finland!

[@peterorullian]

Very kind of you! Thanks!

[@sandyferati3044]

Why do I enjoy a reaction to Dream Theater? And I know Peter you don't do these really, but I like listening to you speak. And knowing you are a fellow fan. I like the reactions because it's like sharing that exciting emotion that only people who love DT can share. I have no one to do this with, (soccer moms and DT lol!) so this is a little of a human shared experience with my fave band.

[@peterorullian]

Well said! And thank you for watching!

[@swiftla]

A fantastic review and chat Peter, thanks for taking the time to do this. Also for fun.. a View from the top of the world, I count 23/8 - so sort of 12/8 ( 1+a 2+a 3+a 4+a), 6/8 ( 1+a 2+a), 5/8 (12345)

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, man! And nice counting there!

[@nikelodeon6852]

Dude I just stumbled onto this channel cause DT fan and its a real treasure trove...I scrolled through the rest and all the interviews 😱😵. Not just the bands but fantasy authors Sanderson and Martin...that is incredible especially 10 years ago. U should be popping off big time man.

[@peterorullian]

Thank you! Yeah, diverse tastes ... :)

[@erikrevier4053]

Really enjoyed this reaction/review/breakdown/whatever you've done here. It shed new light and appreciation on an album that I have already grown to love. A really dynamic album that keeps my attention all the way through and I fend that even when I just feel like listening to a single track off it, it turns into me listening to the whole album. All killer no filler. Really digging Awaken the Master right now because I recently picked up an 8 string Schecter guitar and I'm attempting to learn the whole song, that intro riff is so much fun to play. Really hope we see some more 8 string stuff in DT's future. On first listen Answering The Call was my favorite song from the record, but the more I listen the harder it has become to pick a single favorite. Can't wait to see some of this live!

[@peterorullian]

Thank you! And I’m also looking forward to seeing this live! Cool to hear you’re ripping some 8-string!

[@rushwasaband8842]

Thanks Peter. I love the different format. A new DT album does not drop every day. Your insights are very welcome.

[@peterorullian]

I appreciate that, thanks!

[@jamesderekeikeland9048]

Wow, didn't expect to use 2 1/2h listening to a "reaction" but this was great, i love the new record and your walkthrough made me appriciate it even more, great job😍

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, James! Glad you enjoyed it! Such a great record!

[@jamesderekeikeland9048]

@@peterorullian Yeah, it's been spinning nearly each day since the release and still i find new details to enjoy, good music always takes time to digest😃

[@sizzleby1]

This is a great reaction, man. I've only watched the answering the call breakdown so far but you've already verbalized many things I've thought about Dream Theater but never heard said.

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, Tristan!

[@BigIsk52]

I thoroughly enjoyed your knowledgeable and insightful review of this wonderful album. It continues to grow on me after a couple dozen spins. I am one of those loyal fans you refer to and the fact that they continue to put out such quality music after all these years is a testament to their effort. We all know about and love their virtuosity but no one works harder at their craft than these gentlemen. I freaking love it! Peace.

[@peterorullian]

Thank you! And nice to meet a DT fan!

[@KenBecker3]

Love how articulate, observant, and perceptive you are while also obviously being really educated on the band and their history. You totally get what these guys are going for and what makes them so special. I'd love to see you do other album listens like this!

[@peterorullian]

Thank you!

[@IcedEarthMinion]

This was really great, Peter. I have an even greater appreciation for this album hearing you talk it through. I’ll be honest, I really was liking this album, but The Alien I was not sold on. Somehow the mix sounded better to my ears on this stream and I finally “get it.” I thought James’ vocals were a little buried on that track but I think less so as I get more acquainted with it. Thanks for what you do. I’m a big fan of this channel.

[@peterorullian]

Thanks for the kind words! I really appreciate you checking out the channel!

[@fabiochristoforo]

Peter, you’re incredible buddy! Greetings from Brazil! DT all the way 🤘🏻

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, Fabio!

[@Retsea]

Amazing insight! Truly great video.

[@peterorullian]

Very kind of you! Thanks!

[@stoic61]

Fantastic video hitting on some of the main things I was hearing/feeling, Appreciate the thoughtful approach on this that will further my listening experience - listened at least a dozen times so far. At about 44:06 on your video time stamp, and especially at 44:50 when you pause, I hear elements of “Home” in the backing lick. Glad I came across your video as I was just thinking about how I never got The Astonishing book. I saw it performed live three times and grew to have a great appreciation for it…and my young son actually listens to it at bedtime. While not the most accessible album, I often find that I listen to random tracks from the album when I need something to break up the day. I need to get your book so I can revisit it with more perspective on the story narrative you and John passionately created.

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, Bryce! And I hear what you mean about “Home.” And thanks, too, on The Astonishing! I love that record!

[@justinhansford7952]

I really enjoyed your insights and observations, would love to hear you do the same with the rest of the discography.

[@peterorullian]

If I get time. I’ll do that! Thanks for watching!

[@klantic2]

Someone probably commented on this, but I'm pretty sure the cello was on GeoShred at 2:13:25

[@peterorullian]

I think you’re right.

[@martine3293]

Hi Peter. This was really nice, I enjoyed listening to what you had to say about this album. Even though I don't listen to Dream Theater very often, this album is quite good and I always love hearing James LaBrie's voice. In this video, I especially liked your comments on the compositional choices and lyrical content, I'm all about that. The background info you have make it even more interesting! I would love it if you did this for Nightwish's 'Human:ll:Nature' too. I know it's not particularly recent, but I have no doubt you'll have a lot to say about it. I'm also pretty sure the Nightwish fans would really appreciate hearing your views on this, in my opinion, great album.

[@peterorullian]

Hi Martine, thank you! And I think I will do Nightwish's 'Human:ll:Nature'!

[@martine3293]

@@peterorullian That would be just great, really something to look forward to!

[@sandyferati3044]

I was waiting for your smile when the Wah wah comes in Awaken the Master. I smile there everytime.

[@peterorullian]

Yeah, such a great song!

[@markverhagen9779]

You deserve more views dude

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, Mark! I keep hoping more folks will find and like my channel.

[@ardidio2201]

Used to think that Petrucci's solo not quite melodic in some part of the songs on the previous albums. But this album is different, I think every Petrucci's solo are so melodic that we can make a music lesson about how to arrange a guitar solo in odd time signature and weird chord progression, even in the skillful shredding part. And YES, the last song is a MASTERPIECE! What a way to end an epic album. Love your musical interpretation of this album, thank you.

[@peterorullian]

Thank you!!

[@vidopnir]

Greetings from Norway! Guess that many DT fans will visit the rock on the cover photo (Kjeragbolten, Norway) after listening to this great record - not sure if we should tag the majesty-logo on the mountain or not :-D I am hugely impressed by the Top of the World album, the mix / production is perfect! And I think that you were able to express what I think of the album itself - a HUGE thank you to DT. It also seems that Mangini has become really well integrated into the band and his creativity has materialized in really enjoyable drumming on this album.

[@peterorullian]

Thank you! And appreciate your comments!

[@nikatapi]

Cheers Peter. Love your content, cheers from Greece!

[@peterorullian]

Thank you! Cheers to you!

[@malawigw]

Great breakdown of this album! Myung is a god of bass

[@peterorullian]

Thank you!

[@omarguitar79]

I also like that lyrical twist at the end of The Alien. Reminds me a little bit of The Trees by Rush. You get to the last line of the song and realize it has a different meaning from what you initially thought. Also the artwork for the single led you to believe it was about a traditional alien from outer space.

[@peterorullian]

Yeah, cool twist indeed! And The Trees is also such a great song!

[@Verdant_Eternity]

Going through their new effort after listening to them is exactly how I like a dream theatre reaction (analysis/reflection/discussion) done.

[@peterorullian]

Me, too!

[@Ahov]

Answering the Call is the best of this album imo. Not my favorite album but I've learned that repeat listens can completely transform how one views songs, so I'll be giving it more chances. Great insight btw.

[@peterorullian]

Thank you!

[@WWROABM]

I think the different level of production and especially mixing and mastering has made a noticeable difference. That said, I feel DT records are always produced rather well overall. The bass is always up and down, some better mixes than others but overall the mixes are good. I do know based on interviews and the mini-documentary Jordan used a lot of different keyboard instruments - Moogs, a Hammond, etc. He also used exhaustive library to layer signature sounds and develop new sounds based on old patches. Really cool to hear him talk about and show how he programs the sounds. Insightful commentary.

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, Wayne. Jordan is such an innovator.

[@filipec.storck]

Amazing Album. Amazing Reaction. Thank you Peter!

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, Filipe!

[@CCNC-bz9gu]

Peter, curious to know your thoughts on this album after you have listened to it more and fully digested it. What new things did you pick up on? What initial thoughts were affirmed? Have you been able to explore and connect lyrical themes throughout the album like you initially suggested there may be? Have you been able to take the time to connect musical themes with “Scenes From A Memory” or other songs/album?.

[@peterorullian]

I plan to do a follow up as soon as work let’s up. :)

[@mitchsch.1]

Excellent!!!

[@peterorullian]

Thank you!

[@reactions4u438]

man that avfttotw outdo is absolutely perfect

[@peterorullian]

So cool, right?!

[@reactions4u438]

@@peterorullian when James singing I did not expect that outro. its weird because the song just completely changes but it is perfect in my opinion

[@reactions4u438]

@@peterorullian whats your favourite song on the album ?

[@peterorullian]

@@reactions4u438 For me, it's the title track. Answering the Call would be second, I think. At least right now ... :)

[@sandyferati3044]

What I love about Anwering the Call is that it is kind of political. But, either "side" can relate. So, totally relevant for our times without alien-ating (lol) any one. I love this about DT!

[@peterorullian]

Nicely said!

[@KBH27]

or alien eating 🙂

[@julieangle3988]

cool, like your remedy on this band, you can't fix what" s not Broke, what can we say, the word I like to say about them is authentic... an ecstasy... a wanted day, a promised night.... fight = flight.. ?freeze... fawn? I'm a victim... lol, I freeze and fawnnnn!

[@peterorullian]

Nice!

[@Heatwave9000]

My favourite tracks are the title track and sleeping giant. Transcending time and invisible monsters sound a bit lame to me but the rest of the songs are pretty good.

[@dapksp25]

Sleeping Giant is my favorite close second is the title track... I just think Sleeping Giant is epic Kick ASS DT

[@peterorullian]

Great track!

[@yeptoo1148]

The New album is just as good as "Images and words", "A change of season" and "metropolis part 2" its a masterpiece. "Alien" is an amazing track 😊👍🗽🇺🇸

[@peterorullian]

I'm really digging it!

[@KevinLuWX]

This knocks Images and Words out of the park. Fans just have a bias toward that album because it's a lot of their first DT album.