Black Clouds & Silver Linings

After finally running out their 13-year, seven-plus album deal with a poisonously indifferent Atlantic Records via 2005's workmanlike Octavarium, progressive metal standard bearers Dream Theater took advantage of their well earned free agent status to enjoy a heated courtship from several interested labels, before eventually settling on the artistically simpatico Roadrunner.

Dream Theater seem to be out of new tricks, but at least they know how to play to their own strengths.

Dream Theater - Black Clouds and Silver Linings review: Dream Theater expand their metal influences and deliver a collection of actual songs in the process.