Octavarium is not only the eighth studio album from progressive heavy rockers Dream Theater, but it also marks 20 years of existence for this majestic outfit. Not only has the five-piece resolutely defied both popular trends and fickle public tastes throughout its career, but Dream Theater’s sound and approach is more vibrant, powerful, and wide-ranging than ever. Octavarium, produced by the longtime tandem of Portnoy and guitarist John Petrucci, and mixed by Michael Brauer, encompasses the many varieties of heavy, epic, complex rock that has drawn legions of fans to the band’s monumental catalogue of releases and dynamic, marathon live shows.

Indeed, tunes such as “I Walk Beside You” and “The Answer Lies Within” clock in at five minutes or under -- largely unexplored territory for a band known for “double digit” masterpieces like “A Change Of Seasons” and “Metropolis.” But what’s even more surprising about those two new tracks -- both highlights of Octavarium -- is the diversity of material they represent.

Their catalogue extends back to 1989, when Dream Theater released its debut album, When Dream And Day Unite. The group had formed several years earlier, in September of 1985, when Berklee School of Music students Portnoy, John Myung, and John Petrucci decided to start a band together. Originally known as Majesty, the fledgling act recruited keyboardist Kevin Moore and singer Chris Collins into the fold. Collins eventually left, replaced by Charlie Dominici, while another band forced them to drop the Majesty moniker in favour of Dream Theater, named after a demolished California cinema.

And now that fan base has been rewarded once again with the June 2005 release of Octavarium. The last album to ever be recorded at New York’s legendary Hit Factory before it closed its doors for good in March of 2005, this record is sure to please every diehard Dream Theater fan, while drawing new ones to the band’s skilful medley of heavy metallic power, delicate melodicism, and brilliant, award-winning musicianship.