The Dark Majesty of Awake: Dream Theater's Brooding Masterpiece

[@alexcartagena1983]

Kevin Moore is absolutely the secret sauce to this album. Incredible vibe.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

100%

[@killerdude35]

100%

[@seanhartel5362]

And then he quit

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

@@seanhartel5362 unfortunately yes. But given how talented Derek and Jordan are, I'd say things still turned out well for the band

[@danidelgado3015]

ABSOLUTELY

[@chiefluke210]

FINALLY someone acknowledges this masterpiece of an album. Such an underrated piece of their discography. The songwriting covers so many bases, it has great production, and is heavier than Images and Words.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Absolutely. Also, nice Heavener profile pic!

[@RexBarca]

In 94,i played this for my friend as we sat down in front of his stereo amd said to him, "your life is about to change from this point forward."

[@camiloorsini9674]

@@RexBarca did he puke from the corniness? 😂

[@raygundesigns]

Dream Theater peaked with Awake. Stunning album.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

I'm inclined to agree. SFaM and Six Degrees are amazing too, but they still don't quite compare in my opinion

[@chegevara8896]

Sfam was their peak, not Awake

[@whatisanamelol]

Sfam has some amazing tunes but is super cringey too.

[@chegevara8896]

@@whatisanamelol Sfam one of the best conceptual albums, its like 90' Dark Side of the Moon

[@whatisanamelol]

Listened to Home and DoE on my drive home from work. Amazing songs

[@robertfalconer5054]

AWAKE is my Alltime Favourite DT Album..

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Good choice for sure 🔥

[@partthethird]

I sort of wrote Awake off for so many years, possibly because I joined the band during the Rudess era and had a strange loyalty. Then I bought it on a whim to finish the collection, and I think it's made it hard to listen to any of their other stuff Even if it only had Voices on it, it would be worth the money

[@GeoffBarone]

Awake is how I was first introduced to DT. I still vividly remember sitting in my friend’s car and him blasting Caught In A Web. That was 29 years ago

[@joshdieckmann595]

Same! I was introduced to DT through hearing "Caught In A Web" on a regional rock station. I bought my copy of Awake on the morning of Christmas Eve unwittingly and was greeted by Portnoy's awesome drum intro. It's still my favorite album from the band 30 years later.

[@JaimeSilva-j1l]

This is a monster of an album. I always loved it. It was love at the first sight. It's one of the main reasons why I like prog metal. Actually, Dream Theater was my baptism in this style with "Images And Words". I particularly appreciate your mention about the work of Moore on the album. I think it was the quiet force behind it. He was abble to balance the technicality, the emotion and the atmosphere on the all album. And particularly the last track is absolutely amazing. Somehow it's his final testament in the band.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Yeah, Space-Dye Vest was such a fitting sendoff for Moore. He'd already added all those rich textures and emotional beats to the band's sound, and with that final song, he was able to take those elements to their logical conclusion

[@jamieperdue8663]

Awake is still my favorite DT album!!! 6deg disk 1 is my 2nd fave. Voices and scared are my favorite DT songs.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Glad to see some love for Six Degrees, that's actually my 3rd favorite DT album these days. And just like Awake, it's another album that doesn't feel nearly as long as it actually is. Misunderstood and Disappear are such underrated songs in the band's discog

[@perfektspace]

We are in lock step on the 1st disc of 6 degrees and I don't hear that very often. That is one of DT's best. The songwriting is fantastic. Most people say the 2nd disc is the masterpiece but I don't care for it at all. Too much Rudess circus music. I couldn't get into it.

[@mrporter2u]

Agreed on Awake and Voices.

[@killerdude35]

Six Degrees is so under appreciated! I adore that album! It had the unfortunate job of following the sublime Metropolis Part 2 but I think it's just as good!

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

@@killerdude35 Hot take, but I actually slightly prefer Six Degrees these days. But to be fair, that might also be because of overplay... I jammed SFaM almost nonstop when I was younger, so it's been nice to find the little details and nuances I've missed in *other* records in their discog. Six Degrees might just be the most emotionally-charged DT record alongside IAW and Awake, and that goes a long way for me

[@robinzuiderveld]

Much better!! The drum sound, the keyboards, the songs and the singing... Awake is probably their best album ever.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Images and Words has been my favorite of theirs for many years, but I think Awake might end up taking that crown very soon 🤘

[@randallleddy4822]

When I bought this album on CD, the marketing sticker's main focus was the 75 min. length being "the longest CD ever!" I still get a chuckle out of that. "Awake" and "Train of Thought" are my two favorite DT albums.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Heh, that reminds me of Time Does Not Heal by Dark Angel, which has a sticker that says "9 songs, 67 minutes, 246 riffs!" Sometimes you just need a good tagline, lol

[@alvarojflorez]

Awake goes toe-to-toe with Images and Words and Metropolis Pt. 2 as DT's best album, it's that good.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Yeah, it's easily up there with them 🔥

[@Axisjampa]

Those lyrics in Space-dye Vest: "And I have no more dreams to defend", as his goodbye from the band. What an epic. My favorite album of DT. What a perfect release. Moore's keeping the acrobatics in check, providing that dark ambience needed to balance the bombastic riffs.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

For sure. And to be honest, I think his atmospheric keyboard work also kept the *other* members' acrobatics in check at times. He was really good at taking Petrucci and Portnoy's more virtuosic moments and giving them a greater emotional weight

[@123lowp]

Awake is an incredible album

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Indeed it is ️‍🔥

[@666Havers]

the production sets it apart . it sounds like theyre jamming in a room. Sounds so real here and non computerized modern sound.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

True. Everything sounds really organic and natural on this one, especially in regards to the rhythm section of Myung and Portnoy. Their chemistry was incredible in this era, and the production/mix emphasized that connection really well

[@nelisezpasce]

I binged DT's discography very recently alongside Rush, so I feel like I still have to revisit it a few times to fully absorb the records. I hope I can watch this again and appreciate everything more. Who knows, sometimes you immediately find a new favorite artist, and sometimes it can take a few years before realizing how important they have been. I totally understand all those long overdue tattoos. Thank you for your work!

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

I appreciate the kind words! And it's funny that you mention the tattoo thing, because I have a tattoo of one of my other favorite bands - Opeth - and I got that one about a decade after I first listened to them. I totally agree that it takes a while to fully absorb and appreciate certain bands... in fact, that's currently happening with Nevermore for me right now 🤘

[@ericsimon-michel4928]

Thanks for this video ! This is my favourite DT Album and my favourite album period. Kevin Moore creates the most sad and beautiful and luminous athmospheres ! I bought this album in 1994 and hear it everyday since !

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

I appreciate it! Yeah, this was one of the first prog metal albums I listened to as a teenager, so it holds a lot of sentimental value for me (same goes for Images and Words). Kevin Moore brought such a fascinating atmosphere and vibe to the band 🎹

[@jw6588]

This was always my favorite DT album.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Great choice!

[@Happyal-qt3xs]

How can this album be seen as somewhat of a disappointment by the fans... every track on this album is stunningly impressive and all members of the band were performing brilliantly... instantly catchy hooks and virtuoso musicianship, I adore this album

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

I just meant that reception was more mixed when it came out. But yeah, it's grown significantly in stature since then... and given how incredible the album is, that's certainly a good thing

[@danielbolger9009]

Awake was the album that got me into Dream Theater. Absolute banger

[@koolbear]

I guess Moore is Moore... This is my favourite DT album. Especially the vocals of James here... incredible.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Yeah, James was definitely at his best here. Sad that his vocals have deteriorated so much in recent years, but I guess it was bound to happen eventually

[@_Only_Zuul]

I used to listen to DT "Awake" and Faith No More "Angel Dust" back to back on repeat forever.. To my ears there was in some way a slight similarity, even though the two bands are way different.. Still listening..

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Angel Dust is fantastic! Such an experimental record by the standards of 90s alternative metal

[@camiloorsini9674]

I always liked Awake the best. It was my first DT purchase. It was awesome, and it continues to be one of my favorites.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Pretty sure it was one of my first DT purchases as well, alongside I&W and Octavarium. All three of them carry a lot of sentimental value for me, even though Octavarium isn't *quite* as high as it used to be in my ranking

[@camiloorsini9674]

@@CocoonMasterBrendan i think sometimes the timing in which you become a fan is important. I started listening in the mid 90’s, so I’m more of an old school listener. Anything after six degrees and Scenes was less attractive to me. Oh, and falling into infinity is a dud… 😂

[@Javisebas26]

My 3rd favorite album, but actually it feels like Awake has no enemy and it should be ranked at the top of their incredible catalog. Kevin Moore gave shape to the entire album, I always imagine how DT would have continued with Moore..... Awesome video!!!!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Thank you! I've often wondered the same thing, as I wouldn't imagine him co-signing a lot of the creative choices DT made on later records. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing, as I do enjoy plenty of the Rudess records as well

[@arunb3713]

Just came across your channel today. Big fan of DT. Great analysis of Awake. Great job! I'm now subscribing and also check out your other videos.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Thanks, I appreciate it! I've been pretty inconsistent with my upload schedule, but I'm planning on putting videos out more frequently from here on out 🤘

[@sjsphotog]

Awake is the album my friend told me about and that's how I first got into DT and never looked back. Lie, the Mirro, Voices are my faves. One of the best prog / metal bands of all time. So happy MP is back in the band again

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Yeah, I was really excited that MP rejoined as well. I'm a pretty ardent Mangini defender, but still... there's just no beating Portnoy's presence in the band

[@purplegoose22]

Drum intro to 6:00 had me hooked instantly. Awake is my favorite and imo their best

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

It’s such a brilliant way to start a record, that’s for sure 🔥

[@joetexas4407]

This is the most sonically perfect Dream Theater album. So evenly balanced sonically. Everyone is heard and heard well. Before keyboard, bass and guitar were all fighting for and muddying up the same sonic spectrum. Lyrically it’s and amazing album. Scarred and Space Dye Vest are some of the best lyrics ever. With the departure of KM they lost the dark brooding contemplative aspect of the band. I’ll always miss KM even as I love his Chroma Key material. His OSI work. He was atmospheric without being gaudy. Simplicity for the advancement of the song as a whole…

[@crispydingman]

Awake is indeed a masterpiece. I don’t really understand fans that love Images but consider this one a slump. Scarred and A Mind Beside Itself are magnificent, Lifting Shadows is gorgeous and that Lie solo is still one of JP’s best.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Yeah, I've never quite understood the slump argument either. I still see it at a lower average than IaW and SFaM on a lot of music sites to this day

[@porcupinecraig]

I got into DT at this time because of the Rush newsgroup. A lot of people on there were getting into DT. I saw the posts and bought I&W. I liked it a lot, but everyone on the Rush newsgroup told me to get Awake. I did and was completely blown away. Surprising later on to hear fans not be too into Awake. Back then, it was obvious that Awake was superior. For me, it is still the all time best DT ever.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

To be fair, I was mostly referring to the critical consensus for the album's initial reception. Then again, that's probably the wrong way to go about it... critics have always been way too hard on prog 😂😂😂

[@O-Bricius]

Scenes From A Memory may be my favorite from them, but Awake is peak "DT song-writing" to me. As you mentioned this is a very dense album, almost too dense when I discovered the band 20+ years ago. Took me a while to digest it and now every spin just flies by. Very good video 👍

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Oh yeah, Scenes From a Memory is up there for me too. Such a strong first showing for Rudess, and it's cool that DT were able to create a record that holds its own against the best 70s prog concept albums

[@ThePoorBoy]

Probably my favorite DT album overall.

[@will-cf4ee]

First dream theater record I listened to and always has been my favorite. Great video!

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Thanks, I appreciate it! 🔥

[@SteveFrank111]

I would listen to it every day for weeks when it came out. Not their best, but absolutely my favorite. The lyrics to Space Dye Vest are crushing.

[@fredlunjevich]

Awake is still their reigning champion best album. To think they could top Images like that! The 7 string songs, truly original songs like 6:00, Lifting Shadows and the greatest song they've ever written imo: Scarred. This is as good as it gets.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

And what's crazy is that they could top Images with a substantially longer album. As I said in the video, it's wild that a 75-minute record can fly by so quickly. But I guess that's a testament to just how good the songwriting is

[@Bangyourbirdnumb]

Watching this now. One of my absolute favourite albums from these guys, absolutely incredible stuff here. Thanks for the coverage. I feel like I&W gets all the praise, I feel Awake is every bit as amazing. Bummed we never saw them in Australia on this tour, they were on top of the world.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Sadly, I've never been able to see them live. I'm still holding out hope that I can catch a show during the upcoming 40th anniversary tour, but I know I also need to keep my expectations in check... especially when it comes to LaBrie's current vocal abilites

[@Bangyourbirdnumb]

@@CocoonMasterBrendan surprised to hear that considering where you live. Dude they've been here twice the whole time they have been a band. I made sure I got to see both shows. Yeah La Brie is horrible now. Always liked everyone else more than him so he's quite the albatross around their necks now.

[@hellsing1983]

As you see on some of the comments below, many DT fans see this as their favourite. Awake is the first album I heared from them. The Mirror the first track even and when I started listening to the rest of the album, after I bought it, I really was blowen away. Images and Words they defined them selves, but Awake in my opion, perfected it. In my top ten albums of all time.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Yeah, having either album in the #1 spot is perfectly understandable. Both absolute masterpieces, although I think Awake is starting to surpass Images and Words for me these days

[@rolis618]

Yes ! Awake is a MASTERPIECE !!

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Agreed! 🎹🎹🎹

[@Cantstandtherock]

After being addicted to IAW the release of Awake was a welcomed addition to my DT addiction! The only album using Mapex drums, and the best drum sound Mike ever had. Awake was a ten!

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Oh for sure, the drum sound on this thing is absolutely incredible. The intro of 6:00 alone is worth the price of admission

[@crusher0427]

That's Dr. Kevin Moore to you! His leaving left a hole in the band that was never fully replaced. Even though he only wrote the lyrics to a few songs per album, they tended to be great songs. Unfortunately, when he left, his lyric writing duties were taken up by Portnoy, who was never, and still isn't, up to the task.

[@mr198221]

When i first heard 'Lie' coming right after 'The Mirror,' i was floored!! Mainly because Lie was played as a single on radio.

[@virtueorvice]

Kevin Moore knew classical music and his most contributions in Awake are great counterparts, providing that dark contrast in the album. Kevin Moore is a genius and I wish he could do just one more album with Dream Theater.

[@Cantstandtherock]

Seeing them at Radio City was unreal, then they played “Innocence Faded” and it blew me away!

[@CharlesHepburn2]

I’ve been listening to this album since the day it was released. It is a masterpiece of prog metal. I wouldn’t say it’s the heaviest metal, but it has some heavy parts and overall great musical compositions. I had no idea this album was considered a letdown at the time. I never felt that way once.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Yeah, I would say Train of Thought is probably their heaviest. But I do think Awake primed the pump for a lot of the band's future releases in terms of upping the heaviness - especially in regards to albums like ToT and Systematic Chaos. Still, there's just something about Awake that many of their modern records don't manage to capture (Moore being a big part of that, of course)

[@CharlesHepburn2]

@@CocoonMasterBrendan I haven’t listened to a lot beyond I&W and Awake… I normally listen to a lot heavier stuff…. Maybe I’ll check out Train of Thought. I did try listening to The Astonishing about a year ago… it was a bit much… a bit too much like musical theatre metal…. Dare I say TOO Prog for me.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

@@CharlesHepburn2 The Astonishing is definitely my least favorite DT album, and an example of them (or more specifically, Petrucci and Rudess) being given a bit too much control over the band's sound. Crazy how Six Degrees is only a half hour shorter, yet feels an entire *hour* shorter

[@drej1714]

I got to see DT in Baltimore at the famous Hammerjacks, in 1992. I was literally 1' in front of John Petrucci and was in awe the entire time!! That was before Images ... blew up. Great memories!

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

That sounds amazing! I've met Petrucci once, and that was during the 2016 NAMM Show when he was promoting The Astonishing. Easily one of the nicest, most down-to-earth musicians I've ever met

[@Neshaneck]

Awake is the best! This album is real diamond for me discovering prog world back in late 90's! Still find enjoyment in listening whole album!

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

It really is a masterpiece 🤘

[@DanielSantosAnalysis]

One of my favorite DT albums and just favorite albums in general. While I love and respect Images & Words a ton, I always preferred Awake, it has this sense of atmosphere to it that no other album has.

[@julianortiz4151]

Awake is and has been my favorite Dream Theater album since I first heard it way back in 1994. They’ve had some great follow ups and I am a fan of everything up to and including Systematic Chaos, but they’ve never outdone Awake, though Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory sure came close. Happy to see others agree.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Yeah, SFaM definitely comes close at times. I would argue Six Degrees does as well

[@julianortiz4151]

@@CocoonMasterBrendan yes, agreed. 👍🏼

[@biorythmicshifter]

I remember being initially disappointed but after spending some time with it I grew to really love it. Images was more immediate, this was a grower. Ultimately I find Metropolis part 2 to be my favorite.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Yeah, Metropolis is amazing too. I do think I&W and Awake beat it out for me now though 🤘

[@Brog1976]

I love the Awake album. The songs are great. And i really like kevins contributions. The emotional aspects on this album are intense.

[@vmaluly]

Great job. Keep putting them out! 👏👏

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Thank you! I plan to be much more consistent with my output from here on out. Next video should be out either this weekend or early next week 🤘

[@jamesderekeikeland9048]

After listening to DT for years and have Scenes from a Memory as a favorite for years and with Six Degrees and Train Of thought higher on the list the Awaken album has slowly been crawling to the top of the list, it is an amazing album and might be their best so far(my cup of tea)

[@fphlflash]

Awake is by far my fave from the DT discography

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Great choice 🔥

[@subterraneanguitartech]

This is the first prog record I ever listened to back in 2005 or so. I thought it was great and was really surprised to discover the critical consensus years later.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

I was honestly surprised too. But at least the album is getting all the praise it deserves these days

[@DRholmsey]

Best album. Was my intro to Dream Theater. The mood and tension throughout the album is unmatched in DT's catalogue. Closest to it in terms of that tense dark mood is Black clouds and silver linings (ironically also heralding the impending changing of the guard of a pivitol member of the band)

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Yeah, Black Clouds definitely delivers that dark vibe as well. Especially on A Nightmare to Remember and the heavier bits of Count of Tuscany

[@yurilucia2266]

To me Images and Words and Awake are two faces of the same medal. I love them both and both are my favourites albums.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

True. Despite having different vibes and moods, they're quite similar musically and even lyrically

[@SPVFilmsLtd]

AWAKE was my first introduction to Dream Theater ("Caught In A Web" specifically and then the whole album) and my first introduction to non-commercial metal (i.e not Metallica). And they were my gateway band to the entire metal genre as a whole. And to this day, I still rate AWAKE as one of the best; the production very much defined the 'sound' that I like the most from metal and there are some killer hooks and melodies on this thing. And, yes, one of the best pieces of album art; I love high concept heavy metal album art because of AWAKE and Paradise Lost's DRACONIAN TIMES.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Nice to see a Draconian Times mention! I believe that was my first Paradise Lost album, and it was one of the experiences that really got me into the more extreme side of doom metal (along with Katatonia's first few albums, as well as Corrupted and Agalloch). I believe Octavarium was my introduction to Dream Theater (and one of my first prog metal albums in general), and then I worked my way back to their earlier albums. In hindsight, it was a good entry point, seeing as it's one of their more accessible records. But yeah, once I finally got around to I&W and Awake, I was quite blown away 🔥

[@user-cn2wl4un9h]

im also stopped listening to DT after Kevin Moore left. Kevin is the Holly spirit of DT! For me, DT with Kevin made great Music (with capital M), and after he left they became kind of High-Tech company in a music field , making some corporative music

[@6stringfit187]

One of the best Prog- Metal albums of all-time, IMHO!🤘😎😀🔥🎸

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

It really is! 🔥🔥🔥

[@drej1714]

The story for S.D.V. was that Kevin Moore stayed late to work on the song while the rest of the band went out. When they went back the next day, all of the piano and vocals from Kevin were done and he rolled out after completing them.

[@mr198221]

Its crazy, hiw i didnt know the first single, 'Lie' was DT for awhile! Q-1043 in NYC was a modern rock station at the time. When i found out it was DT, i couldnt believe i didnt recognize them!!

[@lorisgiovenco5545]

The best metal Guitar tones period.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

It's up there for sure 🤘

[@SolaChristus]

That’s what you get when using Mesa Boogie Rectifiers and Mark amps at the same time…!

[@sailorc2033]

Image and Words will be forever its best.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Fair take; it was my favorite of theirs for about a decade or so

[@Frank-YYZ]

Images and Words, without a doubt.

[@puturro]

I love that weeeeeird AF sound that KM uses on many songs of this album. The "wailing guitar" patch. I used to hate it, now I love it!! Is the unreleased track "Eve" from these sessions? That is a very piano'd song too

[@NateBrotzman]

The first DT album I bought and one of my favorites

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

One of my first as well, alongside Images & Words and Octavarium

[@YoungDoug13]

I love Kevin's work. Rudess has unbelievable chops but his parts are often bloated and meandering. Kevin's stuff was always so tasteful and concise. He is a monster player when he wants to be.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Yeah, Rudess does have an unfortunate habit of going off the rails and showing off a bit too often. In fact, that's one of the reasons Six Degrees is my favorite Rudess DT album; he's actually somewhat reserved and nuanced on that one, especially on the first disc.

[@robertoiorio390]

Awake is immense! Kevin Moore is magical, labrie peaked in aggressive style and range, production is superb and much better than i&w. Sounds still modern, Petrucci heavy 7 strings riffs and awesome lyrics

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Agreed on all counts! 🔥🔥🔥

[@jaybreezy8937]

It's still my favorite DT album after all these years.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Great choice 🔥🔥🔥

[@toodiesel]

Scarred is DT’s best song. Love this record

[@bigbugger7660]

I put Awake and Images and Words on the same level. They are both amazing and honestly my favorite DT albums.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Yeah, they're practically tied for me. Still my favorite era of the band

[@perfektspace]

A few things come to mind that make Awake special and my all time favorite DT album: -It was the album that DT released after their huge breakout success with I&W. That probably earned them some freedom from the label and they clearly took advantage and did something more ambitious than most young bands would have attempted. -You mentioned Petrucci using 7 string guitars but Myung also moved exclusively to a 6 string bass which opened up the low end and also facilitated the type of tapping you hear on Scarred. -Myung's tone and position in the mix is the best of any DT album. Maybe it was the Tung basses? -6 o'clock is one of the best drum intros...ever. -They had an outside producer and the mixing and tone of the album is the best of any of their albums. They have self-produced ever since the subsequent FII which has provided mixed results and a rather stale sound over time. The band needs an outside voice to tell them when something isn't working. -You touched on Kevin Moore a lot but I will just reiterate that his songwriting is all over this album and his playing is perfect. He was the glue and color as you said that took the band to a higher level. I think one of the reasons they opened up to the idea of bringing in Desmond Child during FII is because they lost their most talented songwriter and lyricist and were uncertain how to continue. -Nice review of a great album.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Thank you! And yeah, I agree regarding them having an outside producer. I know they want to have a DIY approach to producing their records, but when there's no one to rein them in once in a while, the results can be quite inconsistent. Especially when it comes to something like The Astonishing, where the reins were basically handed to Petrucci and Rudess

[@sleepwalker2112]

Only metrics can be deamed better, highger, etc. Like album sales or demographics of the audience. Tastes can't be argued or demonstrated. It can be fun, we can sure feel it like it's a fact, but it's never true or false. Tastes.

[@joemartucci4786]

One of my favorites from any band. These guys are so far above a lot of the bands at that time.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

True, and they were influencing so many bands around that time. Even Chuck Schuldiner said the final few Death albums (which happened to be their most progressive material) were heavily influenced by Awake. So this album was even reaching extreme metal circles

[@ddbellov8198]

great video brother!!

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Thanks man, I appreciate it! 🤘

[@alexe3699]

lol, Dark Majesty. I see what you did there

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

I was waiting for someone to mention it 😂

[@necroplastful]

Oh I love this series! Huge DT fan here! Cant wait for you to talk about more recent stuff, because Id love to have your insight as a megafan.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Thanks, I appreciate the comment! I'm not sure what order I want to do their discog in yet, as I'm already skipping around a bit. I think I'll cover the heavy-hitters of their discog, and then work my way around to some of their less appreciated stuff. Also, I'm a Mangini era defender (with the exception of one album, admittedly), so that'll probably give you an idea of how I'll approach their recent work 😎

[@philipcroaton2072]

SDV is Kevin Moore's Requiem.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Absolutely 🎹🎹🎹

[@Lady.Luthien]

Still my favorite DT album!

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Great choice! 🔥

[@kevinschremmer2229]

Chroma Key and OSI pick up right where Space Dye Vest left off

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Yeah, those projects have a lot of the same vibe and atmosphere. I'm kinda sad that Moore isn't active in the music world anymore, but I'm glad that he gave us a few more strong projects before embarking on his medical career

[@jeffsadowski7759]

Is there anyone out there who thinks that Dramatic also fits into their 1st two as far as maturity? It's a very well written album.😊

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Funny you mention that, because I'm planning on doing a video on ADTOE at some point. People always look at me funny when I say it's in my top 5 DT albums, but it really is. Such an incredible balance of their older and newer sounds, and Breaking All Illusions and Outcry are among my all time favorite DT songs

[@mr198221]

My favorite album by them, folllowed by Metropolis 2, and Falling into infinity.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Glad to see some love for Falling into Infinity. That album is so overlooked and underrated

[@andyheuer2206]

Falling Into Infinity is great! And Awake is their best - a Top 10 all-time album for me.

[@pianistgonerogue]

Good one

[@asabovesobelow2299]

Short answer: Yes!

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

🤘🤘🤘

[@natedogg1777]

Images & Words is a 10/10 for me. Awake a solid 9.5/10. If Images & Words had the tones and production value of Awake then it would easily be an 11/10, ha.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Not gonna lie, I’d really love to hear a version of I&W with Awake’s production/mix. I’ll have to check if there’s some sort of remix out there…

[@nethbt]

Two different very good album, neither is better than the other imo... It's like, depending on your mood, one is clearly better that the other then vice versa.... AWAKE was less radio friendly and a lot more technical.. Images and Words was the opposite, much easier to digest, but still very very technical

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

That's a really good point. Images and Words is usually the first DT album I put on when I want something to lift my spirits and brighten my mood. Not exactly something I'd go to Awake for, as much as I adore it... both albums are stylistically similar, but it's the *way* they go about that style that sets them apart from each other

[@Treeworks211]

Awake is Dream Theater’s best album, yes even better than Images and Words.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

They're both insanely close in my ranking 🤘

[@bakerfrank98531]

They need to release a mix where Portnoy brings the keys up to where they should have been.

[@romankrhounek5974]

Space -Dye Vest is Kevin's Masterpiece

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Totally agree 🎹🎹🎹

[@davesiddons8921]

Images will always be my number one, but awake is so close, I could do without the silent man but other than that it’s a perfect record.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

They're extremely close for me at this point as well. Both are straight-up 5/5s as far as I'm concerned

[@davesiddons8921]

@@CocoonMasterBrendan agreed, easy 10/10 records for me. I enjoy most of there stuff up to black clouds but always come back to these two

[@marmo75]

Awake and ACOS are DT peaks, period. Moore is a genius, look at Fates Warning APSOG...

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Oh yeah, his work in Fates Warning is quite underrated. I don't think he was technically considered an official member, but honestly, he'd might as well *have* been

[@user-rax146]

Awake album is their best ever. Surely better than Images and words. I'm not a fan of DT since SDOIT. It's not dream theater. In addition, DT from Scenes from a memory is totally different band from before. 1st periods : When dream and day unite, Images and words, Awake 2nd periods : A change of seasons, Failling into infinity 3rd periods : Scenes from a memory Garbage periods : Train of thoughts and the latter albums They came back to descent band with self title album for a short periods and they'd gone away again. And they came back to nice band with Distance over time album again but they'd gond away again. I'v thought John Petrucci and Jordan rudess had made bad things about the music. Train of thoughts, systematic ..... what the hell! what have they been doing?? It's just loose music which doesn't have anything to enjoy with delight, awe, hope, tears, fears and more. Now I'm listening to "A mind besides it self". Perfect !!! I really hope a song like that again before I die.

[@mremusic999]

Images And Words was an important album for DT, no doubt, but Awake features stronger (and less noodly - looking at you, Metropolis and Learning To Live) songwriting and vastly superior production.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

For sure, the production/mix was a MASSIVE upgrade. Still my favorite production job of any of DT's records

[@Vampier]

The album that got me out of speed metal and into the more intelligent streams of rock and metal

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

I think The Sound of Perseverance by Death was the album that did it for me, but Awake was among my earliest prog metal records as well

[@AriestheLegendRVA]

They lost a few steps losing Kevin. I saw the og line up in 1992

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

I do still like Derek and Jordan quite a bit. But yeah, Kevin is definitely my favorite of the three

[@AriestheLegendRVA]

@@CocoonMasterBrendan Jordan is incredibly talented. On keys and guitar. Kevin had a little darker tone to his parts. I dig that

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Yeah, Jordan's been posting a lot of guitar practice videos over the last few years, and he's been learning insanely quickly. That guy really *is* the wizard he's often represented as

[@benjammin105123]

DT's technique improved on later albums but some of the uniqueness was lost as a result.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Yeah, I can definitely agree with that for the most part

[@robertkrajci1847]

Awake is briliant amazing album but not better than "Images And Words" album of Dream Theater.

[@Ebastine]

Moore is more

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Yes he is 🔥

[@juansecar2]

I stopped listening to DT seriously after Kevin Moore left. The change in musicianship, production, songwriting and the overall mood just switched (for worse), never to return. I did like them a little more with Derek than with Rudess, and When dream and Day Unite was the last record I bought, but then again...meeeh... not quite there either. Ofcourse the missing magical ingredient was... mr Kevin Moore, he had that unique quallity of being musical, dark, sad, powerful, but not CORNY nor selfindulgent.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

As much as I enjoy the Rudess albums, I completely understand this sentiment. Moore just had that rare ability to balance technicality, emotion, and atmosphere near-perfectly, and I don't think that's ever been replicated in the band's discog after his departure. With that said, I wish Derek got more of a chance with DT, especially since A Change of Seasons is my all-time favorite song of theirs (and I also think Falling Into Infinity is underrated). Thankfully he was able to kick some serious ass with Planet X and his other solo endeavors, so that's always good 🤘

[@juansecar2]

@@CocoonMasterBrendan A Change of seasons thats right dude, had a lapsus with that one.

[@ejRecording]

You listen to chroma key?

[@juansecar2]

@@ejRecording yeah dude, I dig it. 👍

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

@@ejRecording Chroma Key's awesome! I also enjoy OSI, which feels more like a continuation of what Moore brought to DT... very atmospheric and electronically-influenced take on prog metal

[@user-ih5jr8rt5q]

Images & Words is one of their lesser albums

[@nlmnx5763]

hello??? i'm a sandwich

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

Big if true 🥪🥪🥪