Dream Theater, like so many other hard-working rock bands at the edges of the mainstream, rely on a fanbase. The fans buy the studio albums and go to the gigs and so there seems to be an obligatory live album, almost one per tour for the fans to purchase. This makes every second album a live offering which is excessive. Dream Theater (along with Iron Maiden and Rush) seem particularly prone to releasing live albums.

On the plus side you can't fault most of the material on here (although I'm not a huge fan of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence) and the performance of the band is (as always) exemplary.

Here's where the negatives hit. I have no objection if a live album does something different to the studio rendition (except for overly long solo slots which are mostly cringeworthy) and this has the promise of an orchestra. Sadly, and unlike Metallica's excellent S&M, the orchestra seems to be lacking. Either they are low in the mix or underused on the two of the three discs where they appear. The whole effect is massively underwhelming. You would be better off listening to the studio albums.

If you are buying a Dream Theater live album get Live Scenes from New York, it a better track listing and a better performance.

Positives are the material, a good first disc, the sheer quantity of music you get for your money and another note perfect performance from the band. Negatives and minus two stars for the proliferation of live albums and the dodgy orchestra.

I love Dream Theater, and have had the pleasure of seeing them live a couple of times, most memorably at Manchester at the start of the Train of Thought World Tour, and they are amazing. Some of their songs are amongst my all-time favourites (Solitary Shell, Sacrificed Sons, In the Name of God, Just Let Me Breathe, etc). However, this is one live album too far. Dont get me wrong, it is very good, but is it really necessary to produce 7 official live albums in approximately 12 years? And, let's be honest, it is impossible to top Live Scenes From New York. Score is good, but just not required.