...and so begins the journey that in 1999 the progressive rock band Dream Theater set out to accomplish with one of the most aggressive musical releases in the past decade. It was the continuation of an epic 9 minute 30 second song appropriately titled, Metropolis-Part 1 "The Miracle and the Sleeper" that the band spawned in their 1992 compact disc titled, Images and Words. So why then, you may be asking yourself, is it being discussed in this magazine that tends to lean more towards the various forms of literate expression? That's just it. Metropolis-Part 2: Scenes From a Memory, is more than just an exceptional piece of musical composition. It is ultimately a story that is being told through the art and craft of James Labrie (Vocals), John Myung (Bass Guitar), John Petrucci (Guitars, Vocals), Mike Portnoy (Drums, Percussion, Vocals) and Jorden Rudess (Keyboards). Its 1 1/2 hour running time is played over two separate acts that flow seamlessly from one into the other. Its story encompasses past lives, hypnotherapy, regression and a tragic love story that ends in an act of utter brutality.
     The idea behind Scenes From a Memory is reminiscent of such previous endeavors as the Who's unforgettable rock opera, Tommy and, on a less dramatic score, Iron Maiden's "Rime of the Ancient Mariner". There is a story that needs to be told. Whether that story is fictional, factual or mythical in nature, it is a story that is expressed with the accompaniment of wonderfully written music. Some may argue that the musical score was written to accommodate the lyrics, while others insist that the lyrical story line was created afterwards to fit the tone and mood of the end result. Either way, it's the chicken or the egg. And to be honest, who really gives a shit. If the final product is something that can be played again and again, with the same satisfaction each time, that's really all that matters now isn't it?
     Although Scenes From a Memory doesn't come off as being anything new, a true lover of music has got to appreciate the thought and effort that was put into this haunting tale of love, betrayal and murder. As you page through the insert that comes with the CD you begin to understand the extreme care that went into this project. It reveals to the listener the individual characters that play vital roles in unfolding the mystery that began in 1928, which involved a young woman named Victoria Page. It also encompasses a chronological key that, through the clever use of italics and bold printing, breaks down the boundaries between a past that cannot exist without the present.
     The cast of characters revolves around the innocent and youthful Victoria Page. A girl struck down in the heat of passion and confusion of love's struggle. Throughout this tale Victoria is torn between her husband, the "wayward man," Julian Baynes, and Julian's brother, Senator Edward Baynes; referred to as "The Miracle," and "The Sleeper." The listener is provided a first person point of view through the unwilling eyes of Nicholas, the poor soul who must resort to the unique talents of "The Hypnotherapist" in order to unravel the haunting mysteries of the past (or more importantly, the past life of Victoria Page) before they become the madness of his future. It is through Nicholas' dreams and hypnotic remissions that the story unfolds ("Now it is time to see how you-Nicholas/Victoria Page-died. Remember that death is not the end, only a transition.") and eventually comes to fruition.
     Not wanting to say too much about the actual story, nor the tragic ending that ensues, I will say that its images will remain with me for years to come. Not because of the who, what, where or why of it, but because of the means in which this tale is told. I wish to God there were more bands out there with the inclination, or should I say daring, to tackle the methodology of creating a musical composition that is so epic in nature; an uninterrupted combination of riveting story telling and mood setting musical intricacy. Metropolis Part 2-Scenes From A Memory is everything that a good book and great film have to offer.
     Adding to the success of this endeavor is the companion DVD that was recorded live during the last show of Dream Theater's Scenes From A Memory tour. It's called Metropolis 2000: Scenes From New York and it becomes quite clear early on that the band spared no expense when it came to having the opportunity of relating the story of Victoria Page. Actors are incorporated to fill the roles of the key players, aged video footage is added to give a sense of the past and an astounding female choir is used to provide for the authenticity of its original recording. The style of this final concert leaves me with a sense of a more modernized version of the rather successful Operation: Mindcrime tour that the band Queensryche provided for audiences around the world in the late 80's.
     For those of you not sold on the idea, or those that are familiar with the concept but just aren't sold on the fact that a band like Dream Theater could pull it off, let the facts speak for themselves. Dream Theater isn't your typical fly by night, we've got a one hit single that's overplayed on the radio, kind of band. They've been creating music for over 15 years with no end in sight and have the talent to show for it. The creation of the band began in 1986 while John Petrucci and John Myung were attending the Berklee School of Music when they stumbled upon the raging talent of Mike Portnoy. From there, as they say, the rest is history.
     However, not unlike many of the bands in existence today, Dream Theater has had its share of transitional band members, most often in the area of the keyboard player. Yet the original trio of guitar, bass and drums has not shown any signs of weakening. Just the opposite. I feel that they have finally reached the status, strength and recognition that they have worked so hard to achieve. And working hard is what this band is all about. Take a chance the next time they come to your town on tour, swallow a thirty-dollar ticket and see if you don't get your money's worth from the moment they get on stage to the last chord played on John Petrucci's guitar. In the case of their last tour, promoting the CD Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, those "moments" add up to about three hours of playtime with, oh, let's say maybe a ten-minute break. Keep in mind that these are guys who spent their time fine-tuning their talents at one of the most reputable schools for musicians. They use their instruments, and they use them well.
     In closing, I will say that Dream Theater is a band that is highly talented, yet they display a form of music that, for many, may take some getting used to. That's not to say that it's not worth giving them a try. Really any of their CD's would be a good place to start, but if your interested in experiencing something that doesn't simply fit into the single category of musical entertainment, then by all means run out to your local music store and purchase Metropolis Part 2-Scenes From A Memory. Then, when you get back home, pop it into your CD player; lay down on your most comfortable couch, and