Progressive metal, with its technical brilliance and emotional depth, has drawn listeners for decades. For many, the gateway to this genre came in the form of Dream Theater’s Train of Thought. Released in 2003, this groundbreaking album marked a darker, heavier direction for the band, captivating both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
For those who hadn’t explored progressive music before, Train of Thought offered a perfect balance of complexity and accessibility. Tracks like “As I Am” and “Endless Sacrifice” delivered the iconic virtuosity Dream Theater is known for, while maintaining an edge that resonated with fans of heavier rock.