Dream Theater - Systematic Chaos

[3-LockBox]

I like the prog-metal approach - not too much wankery and pretentiousness like, say, Pain of Salvation

What do you find pretencious about Pain Of Salvation that you don't find in Dream Theater? Yes, POS has delved into self-indulgence a time or two, especially the last two albums, but what prog-rock band hasn't?

[kexodusc]

What do you find pretencious about Pain Of Salvation that you don't find in Dream Theater? Yes, POS has delved into self-indulgence a time or two, especially the last two albums, but what prog-rock band hasn't?

I never criticize a band for a little self-indulgence, but when it comes at the expense of a good song, instead of complementing it that's when things start to deteriorate.

I really like 2 of POS's albums.

I was really into these guys for awhile after reading and hearing a lot about them. Loved The Perfect Element, thought Remedy Lane was the start of something big.

I always felt that even though they could match or exceed Dream Theater's wankery , and self-indulgence, POS never approached the same level of songwriting - the melodies, hooks, harmonies - kept thinking it would come. It never did. You'd take the bad DT because the good DT would leave a song or riff in your head for days. I never quite got there with POS, but that's okay, I'm a big Symphony X fan who I criticize for the same reason and I put POS right up there with them. Just don't like the direction POS is headed...

[3-LockBox]

I was really into these guys for awhile after reading and hearing a lot about them. Loved The Perfect Element, thought Remedy Lane was the start of something big.

Me too. Remedy Lane is a powerful album in writing, performance and production.

Just don't like the direction POS is headed...

Actually...now that you mention it...me either. I was fairly disappointed with both BE and Scarsick. Both have moments, but the focus is gone.