Images and Words

Images and Words is a monumental masterpiece on which Dream Theater binds complex rhythm, a precise, virtuosic ensemble and big, singable melody at an extremely high level. The soaring, powerful voice of the new vocalist James LaBrie gives a vivid, sure outline to the precise playing by the members of the time, including Kevin Moore. A record that is the band’s substantial breakthrough and became a monument of progressive metal. The all-too-famous opening signature “Pull Me Under” became the band’s biggest hit with its immediate hook. And from “Another Day” and “Take the Time” to the virtuosic “Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper,” every song is engaging, while a cut like “Under a Glass Moon” conveys the work’s fullness. In particular, the presence of “Pull Me Under” made the band famous overnight. A record on which, from the immediacy of “Pull Me Under” to the precise, grand construction of the long songs, the outstanding technique always supports the songs’ sure emotion. It powerfully proved that progressive metal can splendidly unite high intelligence and memorable accessibility. An enduring, powerful, engaging great masterpiece representing the genre — an essential record for all metal fans.