Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence

Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence is an ambitious epic on which Dream Theater draws the human inner self multifacetedly and deeply through heavy riffs, complex odd meters, lyrical, beautiful ballads and a long suite. Its grand two-CD construction is truly broad, yet each included song firmly has memorable melody and sure drama. The 42-minute title suite, occupying the whole of disc two, is overwhelming content themed on six mental illnesses. From the powerful opening epic “The Glass Prison” and the drama of “Blind Faith” to a cut like “Misunderstood,” every song is engaging, while “The Great Debate,” themed on politics, and the grand title suite “Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence” itself convey the work’s fullness. From the aggressive “The Glass Prison” to the grand title suite, the band digs into both outstanding technique and deep emotion. An epic that used the large canvas of two CDs to the fullest, powerfully showing the rich expression of progressive metal. Not only pure technique but the depth and weight of its themes are highly praised. A powerful, engaging record inscribing the band’s tireless ambition — a record where the band’s expression shines.