An austrian poet has once said: the world is a Dream Theater, which is spinning round and round and round, landing on a sparkling rainbow, which is changing constantly it's colours. But this with a perfection which is unique. Nothing is left to a coincident. 

But our Dream Theater here is not a planet and hasn't landed on a rainbow, but here in our good old Tonhalle. Only the perfection is there as well. On the other hand, it is this perfection, which could 'cause some monotony, when overdone. I presume, Dream Theater has been aware about this, because the once upon a time 3 1/2 hour show has been reduced to the usual 90 minutes, apart from the 45 min. supportslot.  In the shortness  lies the spice as we say so over here. At least, when it's happening in a sold out non seated venue, which is steaming like a high voltage radiator, although the band has asked the audiance not to smoke. I myself won't complain, when such a marathon happening happens in a sophisticated surrounding, where you can lean back in a comfi chair to listen to the individual sound. But under the given circumstances here 90 minutes are just enough for us, though some hardcore fans are complaining afterwards. But we get everything in each way. Not so good are the circumstances for us photographers  what's up to the supportband

...what's up to the local light conditions. To bring it to the point, these guys could have easily also appeared in a candle light atmosphere. It wouldn't have made much difference. My camera makes acrobatic turn overs to get at least some decent pictures, because of course flashlights are prohibited. My concentration is forced on a high degree for 15 minutes. That's how long we are allowed to take pictures for the outside world and later - also at the Headliners set later on. Not the usual odd three songs lenght, 'cause this would take one third of the complete show.

However... Symphony X are trying hard to give their best under the given circumstances including a rather weary soundmix. To be honest, I won't allow myself a straight critic, because I'm convinced, that the symphonic Progrockers come around much better by doing a headliner gig on their own.
www.myspace.com/officialsymphonyx   (the official Website is temporarelly not available)

... and whatever was missing too much at Symphony X 's gig, that's a bit too much at the slot of Dream Theater then - the light. Apart from that, there is not much to complain. The name stands for absolut perfection and talent, and the americans give us the prove once again. Everything else they couldn't afford anyway. The expectation of the audiance is astronomically high, and even the slightest mistake could be a disaster. They are playing their set very slick with the focus on the new album 'Systematic Chaos'. Dream Theater are the incarnation of modern progressive rock. Compared to bands like Queensryche or Spocks Beard, who already had their highpoints in the past and rather going down what's up to success. Not so Dream Theater, who after a deep point inbetween, are now on a steep and straight way up to the top again. This is a great team within a highly talented unit, big egos, perfectly dawn to each other. And the stage show is perfect. Just to mention it, the word perfect is the est description for Dream Theater anyway. 
Jordan Ruddess has got notes on a screen, situated on his keyboard, which is spinning round  including himself. John Myong seems to be in his own world on stage. The action on his bass is a milimeter work accompanied by deep concentration, and no muscel is moving in his face. (Maybe last aspect is due to his eastern mentallity, who knows)J

Guitarist Petrucci has changed a bit, at least what's up to the visual aspect. The long hair again suits him so much better, and he seems to do put some effort into physical work out. And yes, the guitar god is without any mistakes. Tonight almost too perfect, and I can feel a bit of a boring routine. Maybe I'm wrong.....dun' know. 
Or maybe it's just a bit of beeing tired of too much touring.. But he is a genius and technically perfect. James La Brie does better than ever on vocals. That's probably like old wine, which gets better the older he is. Within the interview before the show, he said: 'a Dreamtheater show is always depending on the individual daily mood.' His mood seems to be excellent today, that's for sure. And last but not least Mike Portnoy, who handles a overdimensional drumkit. Help me!!! This good man must have eight arms and legs to handle this monster. He still does, even with only 2 arms and legs, don't ask me how he does it. It is truly impressing. 

Personally I do like the slight jazzy touch, Dream Theater have put into the music on the new CD. It gives the usual bombastic-complicated progrock sound a well done break. There is not much talking inbetween the music, and James rather communicates by singing and moving around  with the audiance. The highpoint of the set is definately the well known medley within the encore.And the applause is overwhelming. 
Now how should I say in the end.....? The Dream Theater has been spinning around again and has landed on the rainbow and changed some of it's colours. But it has nothing lost of it's perfection and met everybodys expectation once again. Only the soul has been caught up somewhere in the middle..... slightly sterile, I'd call it....but..... just perfect.....
http://www.dreamtheater.net/

PS: .....and for the next 150 days or longer I can't hear the word  ‚perfect’ anymore....

                                                                                       Click  Diary for some Backstage Impressions