The second track from Dream Theater’s newest LP ‘A View from the Top of the World’, ‘Answering the Call’, is a true display of melody, rhythm and musicianship.

Dream Theater have always dabbled with heavy elements within their tunes, hence the ‘metal’ tag often associated with the band. While they have dominantly rock elements, all bathed in progressive beauty, ‘Answering the Call’ is where Dream Theater truly flexes their metal muscles. The opening groove has this beatdown attitude to it that is almost absent from their discography. James LaBrie’s melodies over the rhythmic verse travel the complex chord changes graciously. He shines brighter than a star on this song, especially in the breathtaking chorus. Speaking of which, ‘Answering the Call’ has one of the strongest choruses Dream Theater has ever composed, mixing a perfect blend of melody and groove, all in odd time signatures and soaring harmonies. The solo section that follows brings the listeners all the way back to the mid 2000’s in a section that sounds straight from their 2005 effort ‘Octavarium’. The song ends with an extended chorus that’ll melt you in your seat, with a revised version of the intro riff that feels so incredibly heavy, especially for Dream Theater’s standard. Everything about this song feels pristine and refined. The band consistently reinvents themselves, even thirty years into their career. Some of the musicality of the track has been done by the band before, but the blend of old and new makes this song not only a standout from the album, but a true masterpiece of a song.

Over thirty years into their careers and still Dream Theater find new ways to change the game. ‘Answering the Call’ is one of the greatest tunes the band has put out in their careers, with a perfect mix of the heavier elements that so many fans are drawn to and the beautiful, soaring passages that they’ve perfected over the years. ‘Answering the Call’ is yet another testament to the band’s talent.

Author: Nicholas Gaudet

Music producer and writer from Dieppe, Canada.