Ep. 51: Metropolis, Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory - Dream Theater

If there's a word that one would never attribute to Dream Theater, it's tame. Unfortunately, that's the kind of impression that Falling Into Infinity left on fans and critics alike in 1997 as the trailblazers of progressive metal succumbed to pressure from new management at their record label to write more commercial and accessible songs. Eager to get back to their progressive rock roots, they burst forth with a wave of creative energy and produced what many credit as the band's masterpiece: Metropolis, Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory (1999). In addition to sharing the history behind one of the most beloved albums in the Dream Theater catalogue, Destin and Drew identify several musical references to other notable progressive rock albums woven throughout this prog metal classic. As it is a concept album, the hosts of Prog Notes summarize the clever, albeit somewhat convoluted, story which presents themes of reincarnation, infidelity, hypnotherapy, and murder. Destin even reveals his own interpretation of the ending, which has repercussions on the rest of the plot. Does his theory hold water? That's for the listener to decide! Check us out HERE! **Prog Notes is a podcast dedicated to the genre of progressive rock. Each episode Destin and Drew tackle an album and delve into the different musical compositions, lyrics, and concepts that make it prog rock. They maintain that progressive rock is still very much alive and kicking, whether it be highlighting key moments from the early years or tracking the evolution of the genre to today's more modern groups. With each new episode, these two childhood friends encourage more people to investigate this unique, sometimes forgotten genre of music and find an album or band they can enjoy.