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Yes, the japanese have quite the music scene. Asians are weird as all hell, we're into the insane type of music. Crimson is more popular there than in any other country.
I'll give Koenjihyakkei a shot. Magma can be "vibrant and playful," too. I don't care what kind of mood or tone the music has, any emotion can be conveyed through music and I like to embrace all of them. As long as its done in an innovative and effective fashion.
I think that Dream Theater's style is overdone, even if theirs is a bit distinct its got this powerfully angsty quality that's universal in metal and it just doesn't appeal to me. The emotion all seems shortsighted and trivial. With bands like Pink Floyd, Magma, Yes, King Crimson and Miles, it'd be hard to find two albums that effect you in the same way, not to mention the rollercoaster ride(for lack of a better cliche) within each song. While they've got different movements, DT has different progressions. With Floyd, I regard their entire albums as one whole song, because otherwise they're repetitive in a similar way.
With most prog metal, its powerful, but its the same kind of power over and over and over again and eventually the intended effect starts to bore me.(
And yet, I like Tool, so eh.) Musically its good, and I'd definitely see them live. Maybe I haven't heard enough of them, but in songs like "Seasons" that are epic in length, the musical ideas change and the emotional ideas remain stationary. Both are necessary for a true work of art, I believe.
Not that I'm trying to bash anyone's taste or connection to the music, or present my opinion as fact, but it seems what I've been saying hasn't been too clear.
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I am really into Dream Theater's album "Train of Thought" right now. I can listen to it straight through and there are no dull points. Right now it's my 2nd favorite album, behind I&W. I just ordered 14 more DT cd/dvds (from YtseJam Records) and I also ordered the new "Lifting Shadows" 2 book set ($85 but seemingly well worth it). I doubt the cds will come by Christmas but I'm hoping the books will so it will be a good day. (plus I'm getting another 7-string so I can shred out to DT)