Dream Theater: Score—20th Anniversary World Tour

The progressive rock/metal band Dream Theater is captured in this 14-song concert recorded at New York City's Radio City Music Hall on April 1, 2006 (in fact, most will agree with the band's drummer and cofounder, Mike Portnoy, when he ends the nearly three-hour show by saying "this was one of the best nights of our career"). This 20th anniversary performance, also promoting their 2005 CD release Octavarium, represents years of bold perseverance against the fickle forces of a music industry that repeatedly tried, and failed, to compromise Dream Theater's unique creative vision. For longtime fans, Score offers an abundance of material with minimal crossover from previous Dream Theater DVD releases. "The Spirit Carries On" is a natural highlight, with James LaBrie's vocals characteristically pristine, but this gig will be best remembered for the flawless performances of the DT epics "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" (40 minutes!), "Octavarium" (30 minutes), and a jaw-dropping encore rendition of "Metropolis," all spectacularly accompanied by the Octavarium Orchestra under the baton of arranger and conductor Jamshied Sharifi, and beautifully mixed in Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo. Each band member is given ample opportunity to demonstrate his virtuoso skills, including several transcendent solos by guitarist John Petrucci and keyboardist Jordan Rudess (the latter proving his mastery of the lap steel guitar, vintage Moog synthesizer, and the amazing Continuum Fingerboard), while the priceless contribution of bassist John Myung is sonically ever-present. Directed by Portnoy, Score remains focused on the music, while still gracefully and unobtrusively presenting the concert from a variety of angles. DVD extras on this double-disc set include an hour-long documentary on the band, and three additional live songs. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Shannon)