Live Review: Dream Theater

Prog-metal maestros Dream Theater possess such a deep catalogue they can ensure each tour not only incorporates a vastly different set-list but is a unique event. A three-hour "evening with" (20-minute intermission included), sans support act, meant this wasn't a gig for the casual observer, if such a demographic exists for the American outfit.

The first set, while efficient in the band's truly virtuoso style, somewhat lacked in atmosphere. Perhaps this was attributable to several reasons — the sub-par turnout on a Tuesday night, stripped-back production values compared to their previous visit, or fans conserving energy and voices for what was to follow. Focusing largely on the past decade or so of their career, there were some quality selections; Breaking All Illusions closed the first hour in style. Injecting a little Enter Sandman into an otherwise stomping As I Am fell flat, though. Even bassist John Myung's tribute to Jaco Pastorius, while respectful, didn't muster as much audience interest as expected.

After the break, it was time for the main event — Images And Words, the melodic metallers' 1992 breakthrough record in its entirety. Anthemic, forward-thinking and profound, it's the album with arguably the greatest amount of cache among their devoted following, arguably rivalled only by Scenes From A Memory. The enhanced crowd response was further evidence of this sentiment. Likeable vocalist James LaBrie swiftly encouraged the seated venue to stand, and punters didn't need the request repeated. Additional touches, such as some stellar John Petrucci guitar soloing during an extended outro to Take The Time added another dimension to an already top-notch affair. The encore, the epic title track from 1995's A Change Of Seasons EP elevated this section of the evening to even grander heights.

Dream Theater aren't trendy, and they've had more impressive showings in Sydney previously, but for those loyalists who paid their hard-earned, the Images And Words set in particular will prove memorable.