Progressive metal kings DREAM THEATER have returned just two years after the excellent "Distance Over Time."  Their 15th (!) studio album is called "A View From The Top Of The World," and it is such a fitting title because the album piles on more reasons as to why DT still reside at the top of the prog mountain. As I mentioned in my review of "Distance Over Time", I prefer the heavier side of the band so I hold a lot of their modern works in higher regard than their often hailed earlier albums. And "A View From The Top Of The World," is indeed heavy on the riffs. As much as a DT album can be, this album is a burner.

I don't think it blows "Distance..." out of the water as much as that one blew away the previous few but it is just as good in its own way. Several songs are already among their most intense. The first track, "The Alien" is immediately rifftastic and backed by a flurry of drums and bass. The keys hold just the right amount of atmosphere to keep the song's edge from being too sharp—-there is often a delicate balance between light and heavy elements for prog and this song explores both.  The early guitar solos recall the band's more classic period. James takes what could have easily been a corny chorus into serous heights with his vocals that reach for the skies. Still, that unmistakable, melodic magic they inject in their compositions is ever present across the hour and ten minute run time.

"Transcending Time,"  takes that idea and runs with it. This song is, hands down, one of the best songs they have ever written. The vocal melodies are smooth and memorable. Petrucci's guitar holds back the intensity it held from the previous half of the album but he still pulls off a string of riffs that will get stuck in your head for days. The bass is melodic, a perfect pairing partner for the light hearted, almost playful keys.  This song gives me the butterflies I feel within when band I love writes a perfect composition of music. Twenty minutes of the previously mentioned run time is dedicated to the massive title track.  First, it is impressive they could fit the title track phrase into the song's chorus and it not come off clunky or cumbersome. Secondly, this is a sprawling track that is a riveting example of what modern day Dream Theater sound like. The song slowly fades in with precision drumming, tight guitar and lush, multi layered keys. Jordan is one of the best keyboardist in the game and his performance gives no indication he will lose his throne anytime soon.

John Myung's bass makes the song larger and more full—few bass and guitar players compliment each other like Myung and Petrucci. As for Petrucci, he brings a sizable, chunky style and a melodic guitar solo to the song's early moments. Mike Mangini's playing just gets better and better. I have always wanted the best from Mangini from the very beginning. With that being said, his playing came off as technical but robotic.  With "Distance.." I feel like he even more comfortable with the band now and each of them grew into each other further

This album? He is vibrant, exciting, adventurous and brings the full emotional impact with him that I always knew he was capable of. The mid portion of the title track is a slow, introspective section where he shines bright, keeping my interests high. James LaBrie's vocals accompany that part and bring it new heights. I'm such a fan of him that I really shouldn't even be reviewing any album from this band. Ever since I bought "Six Degree's Of Inner Turbulence," on a whim when it came out (without having ever heard the band before), he has been one of my very favorite singers. I have always found him to have a damn consistent performance from album to album but he seems extra engaging here

As far as their epics go, this track might not have some of the most mind blowing moments we have heard from them but it is very thoughtful in its approach and focused on its execution. "A View From The Top Of The World," may not be albums like "Train of Thought," "Black Clouds And Silver Linings" for me but that doesn't mean it isn't another masterfully executed piece of music.