Forcibly ejected from DREAM THEATRE following their début album "When Dreams and Day Unite" due to making them sound "like having BILLY JOEL singing QUEENSRYCHE" according to MIKE PORTNOY, CHARLIE DOMINICI, has returned to music recently with no less than 3 albums since 2005. Each a concept piece forming part of a trilogy chronicling the life of a terrorist, "O3" marks the end of the story.

For the main its all distinctly DREAM THEATRE flavoured progressive metal but unfortunately its the occasional occurrences of those pop metal vocals that slightly let things down once more. Unfamiliar with the first two instalments of the story I have to admit that amongst the first thoughts to enter my head upon listening to opening track "King Of Terror" were that this sounds something like I'd imagine MOTLEY CRUE to sound if attempting a bit of prog metal. I did note that there are times on "Liquid Lightening" too where the requirements seem just a little beyond DOMINICI's range.

That said, and somewhat surprisingly given the negatives I found, it's not at all bad when viewed as a whole work. Indeed its even quite impressive in places, especially when the guitars are allowed an extended foray into the spotlight. Possibly the highlight "Enemies Of God" being the best case in point. All told though the whole prog metal scene is a little over subscribed currently and I honestly can't see this challenging it's high fliers.

DOMINICI has gone on record as saying this is it for him as far as concept albums are concerned. A song lead, more mainstream metal album might well be more appropriate for his talents.

- Leslie

OFFICIAL SITE: www.dominici.com

RELATED ITEMS: No related articles at this time.