because they're bunch of boomers, imagine having a DT making music completely generated by AI in the future because they can't make music anymore, and the fans mad about it because there's no emotion.
@@MartyHarrison-cx4gu you've commented like 30 times here (do YOU even have a life?) so I'll just make it plain: people are allowed to make critiques of stuff that bands that they like make. fans can ask for their intelligence not to be insulted with poorly-made, thoughtless videos. I like DT. I hate the artwork they've put out with their music. It distracts from the music's messages when it's poorly done. If they are so hard-pressed on time/money/effort to have to put out videos with template "lorem ipsum" captions and 2021-era DALL-E slop left in, I'd rather them just put audio-only uploads on their YT channel like they've done in the past.
Funny that The Astonishing was a dystopia about Noise Machines AKA NOMACs and how Faythe discovered real passionate music created by human beings but then the very same band now uses AI art 8 years later.
I think Ruddess is most to blame here, he's had a very public fascination with generative AI for... more or less as long as generative AI has been popular in general. I don't like it either, but the guy's pushing 70. I don't expect him to be spending so much time online that he's going to be involved in the ethical discourse. It's also definitely clearly AI. The bedposts aren't consistent between the sides, and there's chunks missing where it clearly got confused with the bed sheets. The floor goes from concrete to wood planks (which are wonky in a way you'd never be able to make wood flooring). Even the logo in the window has that spider-webby ai mushiness. That said, there are clear indications that it is a collage of AI-generated elements rather than full AI. You can see around the window that parts of details fade out from how the window has been added. The girl and the bed are also likely seperate elements which would explain why they fail to sit in the image in a convincing way. There being five windows worth of lights being cast on the floor is surely all on Hugh though.
yeah, I do think it's a collage of AI elements, rather than a single-layer generated image. Which would make sense for Syme, he's used to copy-pasting a bunch of stuff together. The light on the right-side, most foward window light follows the curve of the wood which makes me think that part's genAI, not an actual layer. edit: like I said in my video, Jordan's participated in AI MIT experiments, etc. and has always been very tech-heavy. age has nothing to do with it and he knows what he's doing. if Mike who's pushing 60 can see the issue then Jordan should too.
Jordan definitely is. I don't really care to be honest, this type of ai isn't what I'm bothered by. It's people trying to make and sell art pieces posing it as it isn't. Same thing for music. If you're SELLING the product that's the problem. They aren't selling these things. You can have your opinion obviously but it seems like you're on the ai hate train.
@@kylesauter4519 they're selling physical vinyls of Parasomnia, therefore, that artwork is also being sold. huh? and more to the point, as I said, neither Syme nor Joyner have disclosed their AI usage and DT didn't say anything either. so how is this any different?
I’m a huge DT fan (seeing them on their current tour next year), but I feel like Jordan is the worst part of the band at this point, especially now with Portnoy back. He’s an absolutely incredible musician and I respect the hell out of him, but I don’t really like what’s he’s brought to the band for about the last 20 years or so. His fascination with AI generation reminds me of how much he got into things like digital instrument modeling. There’s nothing inherently wrong with modeling, but I feel it can quickly start to cheapen the feel of the music if it’s used too much and in the wrong musical context. When I see a guy playing a digital imitation of a cello or something by moving his finger around a screen on an ipad app instead of just hiring a cello player, it leaves a bit of a bad taste in my mouth, at least from a band that’s known for its musicianship like DT. And when he’s just playing regular synth patches on the keys, I feel like he’s really stagnated musically. Tbf you can say the same about the band as a whole, but Jordan’s parts are the most repetitive imo. I feel like every solo he plays sounds exactly the same as what he was playing 20 years ago, and even at his best I don’t think his playing was anywhere near as interesting and tasteful as Kevin Moore’s. And then there’s The Astonishing, an album with a lot of shortcomings that I’ve heard many people attribute primarily to Jordan.
So, As being a Dream Theater fan since "When Day and Dream Unite" (on Lp) when it debuted, and a HUGE Rush fan, hence the art of Rush since Caress of Steel; "Hugh Syme". DT has used Hugh since "Octavarium", and like Rush, he has used various mediums to create their artwork (Hugh has a HUGE roster of bands and musicians he's worked with, including 3 albums from my favorite Prog Metal band "Fates Warning". So be sure to checkout his wiki page for all the artwork and who he's played "Keyboards" for). I will agree that Hugh and his last few years have become a bit Lazy, and I'm not sure if the bands he's worked for these past few years notice. There is the "Man on Unicycle" image that _variants_ have made multiple appearances on various albums. And now, I believe that many artists are using/relying on Ai so-much, its like bad script writers in Hollywood that are like "Artists", that don't stop . . . take a breather (a break and come back hours later), step back, and actually LOOK at what they're painting. Then change certain things, or start all over, with NEW fresh eyes. Hugh doesn't just do album covers but all sorts of Advertisement. So this could be(coming) a chore to do all this. And why? Artists/Illustrators do NOT make the money that they used to up to the 1990's. The time it takes to do ALL that work pays very little now because NO ONE values it anymore. I just saw a comment here that basically said "Who Cares, no one buys Lp's anymore". Really? Tell that to Mike Portnoy, Mikeal Akerfeldt, Steven Wilson or the many of US that actually go to record stores that are still out there selling CD's and Vinyl (go watch the "What's in my Bag" videos for Amoeba Records music store in Hollywood, here at Yt). Or even order them online, as I do both (and directly from the musicians). We _still_ care about the "Package Deal"/Ritual of putting the CD or Lp on, listening to the music while reading the lyrics, the liner notes, credits and admiring the artwork. And we listen to the WHOLE album, maybe at times we make a mix-tape or have a list on whatever platform, but many of us listen to an entire album because THIS type of music writes Albums worth of material, not just "Hit Singles". That's why many of us have various "Favorite" tracks that are different from others' choices, because we do listen to the albums as a whole. Going back to the Artists that create Cover Art - A prime example of not making the money they used to is "Roger Dean", the ICONIC artist that created most of the "Yes" album covers (if not just the logos). He now has to sell "Preliminary Sketches" of his life's work to maintain his estate (and traditionally painted originals along with prints), while he creates art for various products and bands. And I'm sure it's not as thriving as it once was and he's not getting younger. So it could be that many (or the few) are taking too much advantage of Ai created Art to compensate for Time and Money, but haven't stepped back to LOOK at what they are creating, as many can (and can't) tell what Ai art looks like, and its imperfections (like human fingers and toes) and objects that need to look alike, or the duplication of faces instead of different people, etc. I'm sure Ai will figure that out sooner than later (which is a bit scary). An artist friend of mine was using Ai, after all these years of knowing his art style, and he'd write these long dissertations on his Fb page of "Style and Substance", while me and another artist friend confronted him and asked (more like, told him); "Are you using Ai???" And after a few minutes he came clean, and we suggested he go back to being the Illustrator he is, and use Ai to "Augment" certain things. But we also learned it was his 2 Sons that owned the business that pushed him to go into that direction (and a bit of his own curiosity). But they weren't artists, just "Salesmen" and with uninitiated eyes. Many of us still put value into the art (if it's music or visuals), but those they work for don't want them to spend too much time ("Time is Money"), or want the outrageously fantastic art, but are not willing to pay full price for them either (the life of a freelancer). Again, I make the example for those that don't care; Look around you, wherever you are reading this; EVERYTHING around you had to be designed by someone, even where it was put. So if the manufacturer had to be paid to MAKE those designs come to life, so does the Artist as well. Like a Plumber, a Welder, an Auto Repair worker, Interior painter, Woodworker, etc., so does the person that had to _draw and design_ those things being placed and maintained. But all that work to make little money also pushed me out of the Industry (and other reasons). *The Music . . .* We've only heard 2 tracks from the upcoming DT album, it's too early to judge the whole. And DT has always been the Whipping Post for Prog Metal, and I have too many faves in that subgenre alone. Even its Father of the genre never got the credit they deserved and I think the founder just thought it was much too hard to maintain, to keep writing and playing very small venues, and then ended it in 2023 (Fates Warning). But the genre still thrives and people do it for the love with less means, while others now have families to feed too, and pay bills. But with hope they still have some creativity left in them to put out something special. DT can also be like Iron Maiden, they have a sound and a formula that works, because they know their core audience . . . but I like it when both deviate a bit too. Saying all that, DT's albums after "Octavarium" for me are not _perfection,_ but I do have fave tracks on the albums I thought were lukewarm. But every band goes through their ups and downs. But I pre-ordered my special edition "Book"/CD. I'm happy that Portnoy is back and look forward seeing the tour next February. My views come from being an Audiophile since 1981, create "Themed" Playlists as a hobby, writing about the music I still follow, and as a Pro Artist/Illustrator (from 1995 to 2023) mainly using mechanical pencils and Photoshop (to paint); was a Conceptual Designer for 2 Video Game studios and multiple Indie-Films. Logo & Cover artists for underground bands, Display Artist for Tower Records in Santa Monica (and Stock Clerk for 2 other music stores in LA). And being a collector of niche International Comics/Graphic Novels, Book & Album cover Artists, Conceptual Design books, Making of High Concept Film Books, Sci-fi/Fantasy illustrators and (old school) Anime/Manga creators. Hopefully I can come back to the industry, but I unfortunately have 2 thumbs with nerve damage from doing Warehouse work for 25 years between all that art. - Sorry for the rant folks! But thank you to anyone that took the time to read. Much appreciated.
How much effort are they putting into their return? That is a very good question. Judging not only by not only their “art” but their music too, not a lot. So far, the whole thing is looking uninspired and Portnoy’s return has been more a marketing maneuver than a meaningful and purposeful reunion.
Tbh I just don't think the music is particularly inspiring, but because Portnoy is back everyone is losing their minds. I think history will look back on it as quite meh.
Who is everyone lol. People are talking about it because his drumming as amazing so far . You're obviously not even a fan so why even care either way . Is your life really that empty to comment on a band you don't even like now lol.
@@MartyHarrison-cx4gu the world is really flip over, in 2011 (until last year) we have people that against Mangini, bully him and his skills although they know nothing about drum, and people that defend him. Now we have people that got boring to Portnoy and people that defend him.
@@crusher0427 no it won't. MM being as good as his is, doesn't entertain non drummers. They don't care and it really doesn't add much to the DT style that was well established decades before. It's MP's band, simple stuff.
@@colinburroughs9871, it's his band? Funny, I didn't realize it was called Mike Portnoy's Dream Theater. If you want to say he started the band, that's fine, but it isn't his band. According to your reasoning, Kevin Moore could return anytime and boot Jordan to the street. Portnoy's drumming is quite inferior to Mangini's, and the band is suffering from it now. The two songs he picked to play from the Mangini era are two of the *easier* ones, and he's butchering them every night.
As an early DT fan, I’m saddened to say the band has become increasingly cringe and boomer over the years. The lyrics are cliche and doesn’t talk about human fragility like 6 degrees or SFAM, the music videos, and even if I could forgive that tacky AI style, the cliches, the video effects, the hairstyle and clothing. All leads to a cheap shallow band that used to be poetic and magnificent. Terrible
I totally agree with you. Especially if we think about a band that has absolutely no money problems. AI will be part of our life, but emotions should stay out of it
As much as I love the band there are absolutely valid points you make about the artwork. As for the music, the two singles also kind of sound like they were generated through a "make me a Dream Theater song" AI to be honest. It's sounding a bit too formulaic, I want them to be brave and take more risks and try new things, they have nothing to prove at this point in their career so why not just have fun? I'd personally like less metal seriousness and instead more prog quirk from DT.
I agree with you. They did try something very new and risky with The Astonishing and the band got demolished by its own fans. The same fans that call themselves progressive while clapping to the n-th iteration of As I Am.
It's a little off putting yeah, I don't mind the static images, but the last video with the AI war stuff felt wrong. Guess it's just growing pains from new tech
as a fan of dream theater im gonna point out that their album artwork has kind of infamously been a bit out of the ordinary, with probably the most known example being Awake with its album cover thats almost entirely made with stock images (which obviously are different than AI art but thats kind of what id imagine as an equally controversial and "lazy" thing to do in the 90s). so me personally i feel them doing this now isnt really that surprising, but its just kinda disappointing.
I love both the new songs. I didn't mind the album cover itself. I thought it was pretty cool, but that video for A Broken Man is unwatchable. I hated it so much that within like 30 seconds I just minimized the tab and only focused on the music. Similar to some more recent Queensryche videos where they used AI, I can't even look at it. So, I def agree with you 100% there. In fact, I don't know how you even watched that video. I haven't even bothered because something about it just repulses me, but I'm also used to music videos in general not being good & taking away from what the actual music is painting in your mind. So, for this album, I think the concept is really cool. I don't mind that album cover. For whatever reason the window shadows don't bother me.
long time DT fan here (not proud to say it coz they have one of the worst fanbases in metal history) and I agree 100% with what you said. and it actually does make sense that they're using AI generated art, as it reflects how ridiculously uninspired their music is and has been for the last 3 or 4 albums. Portnoy coming back doesn't really solve anything songwriting-wise.
Considering the artwork for Octovarium with its pendulum that won't work, I think Hugh Syme low-effort art predates AI. Edit: And after the single was released, he posted a version of the artwork to his Instagram with the door fixed.
Take these notes-comments from a musician./producer/video director-editor/designer who is also a (broken) man with a DT tattoo in his arm: 1) The moment i saw the album artwork I recognized it's entirely made of AI. I ran it through the SightEngnine AI detector and proved me 94% right. Only the logo and the Majesty emblem are not AI, hence the -6% 2) Same goes for the artwork of the Broken Man. It scored a 99% on Dall-E. 3) Their videos are often just "visualizers" using 100% stock footage off Pond5/StoryBlocks etc. Been there, saw all of the footage already. 4) The Broken Man video needs A LOT OF WORK. You do not just throw a prompt and you get a 9 minute long video like this. I didn't find it hideous, nor I was annoyed by it, since I have done AI-assisted videos as well (been somewhat of a pioneer in this field in my country,Greece). What annoys me is that they give a wrong example to the scene: if a band of their caliber and budget gives their fan this kind of content, what does this say for the whole new generation of kids they follow them? In any case, if you feel you are nit-picking wait until you hear these vocals live 😞
This might absurd to people but the way I see It is like what If the girl in the actual album cover is the same one from Images And Words, as we all know Wait For Sleep is about the album cover (Sort of, to me) and It seems like the "Sleep" didn't came to her and she has turned into this lifeless body posessed by modern artifical intelligence? And what If that old man is the same old man from Awake or The Silent Man MV?
Did you heard the enemy inside??? Thats song based on ptsd which featured true story vets. Right away i knew don’t know all of dt songs when you commented, give it a shot.
Just a thought. Considering the album is all about mental and sleep issues, maybe these are all supposed to be coming from the mind of someone suffering from said issues and it's all somehow correlated to that. I can see a nightmarish ghost like referral to the Images And Words cover art. Kinda like if the girl in the Images cover was now an adult and suffering from Parasomnia issues and night terrors.
Yeah ever since the astonishing I knew DT could no longer be fucked to care about the art. I cope with it by just listening to the music and not caring about anything else but that broken man visualizer was a slap in the face.
That's why you LISTEN to music, not WATCH music, regardless of the bad artwork, the music stills amazing, so it's time to stop watching visualizers and just closing your eyes and listening to the song, imagine stuff by yourself.
I have a similar issue with the video for opethj's track Paragraph 4. It's clearly AI generated aside from the lyrics on the screen and it just looks bad. I do give Opeth a bit more benefit of the doubt when it comes to it because they haven't really mentioned anything AI related as far as I know and it was made by their record label so maybe they just didn't notice, but it still bugs me. The album it's off of, The Last WIll and Testament, is really good as well and the album cover I don't think is AI generated as there is a where's waldo for all the band members on it (as well as other tiny details,) but the video bugs me a lot.
Both videos for TLWAT singles are AI crap (and I still can't stop laughing that on Paragraph 4 video, when lyrics line "her eye on him" comes out , you can see AI generated woman with strabismus eyes, it looks like an unintentional trolling). The thing with Opeth is that Mikael said many time he doesn't care for videos, I guess their new label just did it on its own. Album cover tho is made by Travis Smith, who's been doing covers for Opeth since Still Life I think, and I like his work a lot, The last will art is 10/10. Not to mention, once again Akerfeldt brought us something controversial, I've been listening to it almost every day since the album came out and it keep growing on me even tho I already liked it at first listents. Can't say the same about Dream Theater, both new songs are dull and boring, not a single second of it didn't give me goosebumps, and on top of it you see that AI generated crappy ALBUM cover. I expect the whole album to be as mediocre and dull as its cover.
If I'm not mistaken Mikael criticised using AI to write music in an interview before The Last Will And Testmanet dropped. And I was also very dissappointed when I saw the visualiser for paragraph 4. But I kinda wonder how much can the band be blamed for this. Cause very well it can be just a case of an artist who did an half-ass job. Either way I still give them a benefit of the doubt but it still left a bad taste in my mouth
I even found the quote from Mikael On the topic of using artificial intelligence (A.I.) during the songwriting process, Mikael said: "I don't like it. Of course, I would say that. I haven't tried [it]. I haven't even sent one question to ChatGPT or whatever it's called, or used A.I. for anything. I don't really know how it works, to be honest. But I heard A.I.-constructed music. My girlfriend, she was working as a journalist and she was interviewing Swedish folk musicians who were playing A.I.-generated folk songs. And I was, like, 'Oh my god. It sounds good. Sounds great.' But for me, I don't want to know about it, because that's one of my favorite aspects of being in this band, is to write music. So a writer's block, I welcome writer's blocks. You go through those hard times, you come out at the end and you have something. It's very rewarding. Besides, A.I., I mean, no matter how you fucking turn it, it's cheating. It's shit. It's not music. It's just someone picking, like a computer picking sounds. So a real musician would not be interested in A.I. Only if you're interested in making money, and if you're a complete idiot."
I love Dream Theater from 'Images & Words' to 'Octavarium'. From that point forward IMO they became more of a progressive metal band (I'm sure Portnoy had a lot of influence here) and less of a progressive metal band with that melodic thrown in over each album. Their recent albums to me just started sounding the same from the last one. For me LaBrie shines when he is singing more melodic and not trying to strain or destroy his voice as has been evidenced on their current tour. Music is subjective so everyone hears the songs differently and every person likes what they like. I can listen to Dream Theater from Systematic Chaos' and forward but I never really go back to listening to those albums once I listen to them like I go back to 'Images & Words', Awake, Falling into Infinity' and 'Six Degrees'. 'Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence' is probably still my favorite Dream Theater album. The 2 new songs from the new album sound much like what they just did on their last album, so for me it's just rinse and repeat. But, if you like them then that's fine too. As far as the artwork no comment especially not to get into a huge debate about that appears below in the comments. Totally silly!
All the points you make are good and valid, but Dream Theater has always been more about the audio than the visuals. When it comes to AI anything, the genie is already out of the bottle. People losing money from AI is one of the symptoms of late stage capitalism.
Yeah the artwork sucks, it has kinda always sucked, except for a few exceptions. No one who likes Dream Theater really cares much about that though. New music so far has been great, the visualizer for a broken man however, is trash and should be scrubbed from the internet. Terrible decision for them to release this, would have been much better if they just did a lyric video or no video at all.
I wish and beg that this wasn't the case. I love the new singles they're released recently, and I've been a big time fan of all their music, but as an artist, I hate AI art and wish that they wouldn't use it. The band is literally the pinnacle of creativity, why use AI art when you've clearly protested against it in the music world (the plot of The Astonishing)? Sadly, nothing me or any of us say is probably going to change it.
Most of their budget goes toward audio stuff - instruments, studio recording, the live setup. The live visuals are also not lame. I think artwork is simply veeeeeeery low on their list of priorities. If I was in their shoes, and had the choice of either having cheap artwork or no artwork, I would choose the latter. They chose the former. Their "marketing" presentation was always a little lame. But no one cared, because it's always been more about the music, and they did not pretend otherwise. To me, using generated images as artwork is pretending. I am not mortally offended. I just don't get why they would make a choice like this. The outcome is so predictable - it looks lame and people question their judgement.
Well they obviously still gave money to someone to make the visual art. The visual art was just absolute trash (or if you want to be a pedant about it, more trash than it normally is).
I saw this video and at the end I was like "why am I doing this to myself?" Just throwing sht to the album cover and art. Ok.... I don't know if many of the real DT fans care that much about that. I don't specifically like the art either. From many previous albums either. But I couldn't care less about it. I am a fan of DT because of the amazing and beautiful music and because through the years they have shown to be great to their fans. Not because of the album covers. Anyway.... Thank God for freedom of speech. This girl has the right to express her views. It's ok. But if you people are DT fans and watch this video hoping to consume some good quality DT related media, you're not in the right place
I mean yeah maybe they slacked off a bit in their art but a normal viewer would never even notice, true fans are here for the music and the musicians and something as stupid and small as ai art is not gonna change that
I stopped listening to them after mike left. Dipped in and out every album after to see if it was decent. Changed them. I'm glad mike is back to have that classic dt sound again. I think that's the thing though. No one will be happy. Mike said it best. "We have the best worst fans ever"
@@Peter_Joshua They're old, they make money on a style that's decidedly mid 90's and JLB can't sing at all at this point. They need a time machine, maybe? It happens to most bands. Ah well.
Just pure marketing. I like Portnoy, and I went to see them live recently and I must say I prefer the band playing live without a click (unlike what they were doing with Mabgini, and BTW that had nothing to do with Mangini, as it was entirely an artistic decision by Petrucci). I feel the band sounds more organic, more connected to the people, rather than just producing a perfect but somewhat distant show. But in terms of the new music they have released so far with MO back? It is lame, uninspired, and doesn’t seem to be driven by an honest inspirational reunion.
Jesus, I read every opinion you can possibly have. People are getting way to picky. The music is great, if you have that many negative comments and issues with the video.... Think about it.... Is it coming to you yet.... Don't you have ANYTHING else to do.... Don't listen or watch any of their videos. There are music with AI videos and some without that you might really like. And I might not like it. But, I wouldn't spend all this amount of time expressing my opinion so negatively. DT is not a major label band, go spend your life on the bands and companies that are truly costing people money and jobs.
Do people even care about album artwork anymore? Sure I remember the cd booklets and the LP covers, but why would anyone spend lots of money on a unique cover, when almost everyone streams the music?
the problem is that their music became this way as well. Whereas Night Terror grew on me somehow after multiple listens, but this one - it just feels off somehow. I'd rather listen to War Inside My Head and The Enemy Inside multiple times on a loop rather than this. OK, they mean different wars, but "war never changes" in the words of Fallout. I think this one doesn't capture the topic of war. Maybe it's just me and my humble opinion; but this song doesn't move anything inside me, but the two mentioned above are genius, especially War Inside My Head. How do you feel about it, bro?
And yes, I think people care for the complete package, audio-visual. CDs, vinyls, even MP3 player that can show the covers. Covers are just as important. Because they make the picture complete.
You have no idea what music is. You'd better listen to the music itself instead of comlaining about the artwork and design. The song "A Brocken Man" is a great and emotional song for those people who lived a real life especially for those who went throgh their difficult life cycles, even without being a veteran or suffering of PTSB. The artwork of this video you will never understand, until you went through all asapects of a real life. You should listen to Britney Spears instead.
I'm not too concerned about all this. I actually do think people are being picky with all this. AI might have been a reasonable choice for most of these things because they knew how not perfect the tech is and it distorts things, which act like messed up memories or mental disorders. Even dreams have unreasonable things that can happen in them. It actually works out really well.
I only agree with the AI topic, can be a good tool as starting point, but never the final one. About the editing of the visualizer, I can't take seriously your opinion, judging by the edition of this video that sucks a bag of D. in comparison to the visualizer. The song is a master piece.
Look I’m a fan of the music. Let’s talk about that. I could give rats ass if dream theater uploaded John’s ai generated beard. As long as the music is organic and classic dream theater Prog. OH AND ALSO dream theater is supposed to be “corny” or “cringe” at times. It’s dream theater😂
Why everyone pooping on the new album cover!? I don’t care if it’s AI generated or not, if it looks good, I like the cover, and this album cover is good. Plus, I think that the subtle inaccuracies are good for the album, because LaBrie says that the album is going to be about Night Terrors, and most dreams, especially nightmares, have small things in them that are completely different from reality. This turns the inaccuracies into accuracies. 😁. In conclusion, it’s a good album cover, and I like it despite the fact that it most likely is AI generated.
although I have nothing against using ai (esp. in DREAM sequences the whole uncanny thing makes sense) - I definitely see your point of it seeming "low effort".
@@vitorcamargo6162 imagine being a toothpaste cap screwer and realizing there's a machine that completely replaces you. BAN those machines, they are evil stealing the job of thousdand of workers. We'll all DIE if we dont ban them!
@vitorcamargo6162 dude, much people loose their Jobs when new tech is alvailable, it's always been that way... In this case their job have become easier, they can now do more in less time, they can earn more if they adopt the new technology... Those who keep whining and refuse to use AI will loose their job, it's the natural way...
I would buy tickets if the band came to New Zealand. As such, they don't so I can't. Also I have a ToT shirt and have shown my physical copy of Distance Over Time in the video. Please make an actual argument that makes sense lol
The second song video is capturing PTSD and what it's like. Do you know anything about what you are critiquing?? Congrats on finally looking at the lyrics. I can imagine some of the tastes left in your mouth.
I don’t evaluate a work of art in an art gallery based on the sound track of the audience viewing in the same moment as me. Just in the same way I don’t judge a band on its artwork. The main mistake here is assuming people care about the same things, to the same level you do. Most music fans will only care about the music, and will only judge a band on that. Everything else is at most an added bonus. Give me an awesome album that I can close my eyes to and loose myself to any day over an average album with awesome artwork. A musician’s main goal to engage with their audience at an audio level, not a visual level. Your assumptions that they are lazy with their artwork is the same as them saying you’re lazy with this video.
That artist losing income stat is plain garbage. It actually takes people to make AI into what it is. They get paid and can be considered artists themselves. Most don't think of it in that perspective.
Look I’m a fan of the music. Let’s talk about that. I could give rats ass if dream theater uploaded of John’s ai generated beard. As long as the music is organic and classic dream theater prog
I'm on the side of this singsong/vocal-fry woman when it comes to the low-quality "AI" generated imagery being used by Dream Theater's long-time visual artists. Years ago, I pointed out major flaws in editing and composition during the CG music video for "The Gift of Music." Now, we have a new format for amateurish visuals with "AI" generation. Unfortunately, the band seem content to allow shoddy work from their visual artists.
This sounds most like "i hate AI" than anything... Im really sick of this AI police everywhere, DT hired artists to create the covers and videos, if the artists dont disclose if they use AI its not DT fault... Its not "lazy" to use AI, just like its not lazy to use computers to make an animated movie instead of drawing all frames... Get over it, AI is here to stay wheter you like it or not... Whining about it wont solve anything...
I mean, yes, I do hate AI, but I hate the lack of effort more. Maybe look up what's going on with Sora... it may be here for a lot shorter time than you realize.
@shannonspeaks1 your opinion is stupid, so we all should stop using computers because it makes all kind of work easier? Or we should stop using Cars because it makes US lazy? lol Gues what: it wont happen, You should start using AI and learning about it or You Will regret it in a couple of years, You Will be obsolete...
the team at DT would certainly realize if the video was AI. If they understood the controversy of AI art than they would’ve stepped in. So it can be seen as lazy. AI is not even comparable to computer art…AI takes no soul or effort compared to real art
Nah they completely aware the usage of AI, especially when Jordan's been using it for these past couple of years. The use of AI is fine for fun and giggles or maybe for a scene reference, but for the actual content itself? That's just lazy.
Is this guy really comparing making an animated film WITHOUT USING AI to making art USING AI to debunk the argument that using AI is lazy? That makes zero sense…
The fact that the only recognisable thing that you did in your life is to criticise DT is kinda long shot. I don't know why your video came up but sure blocking you
@@Edkeyz Saw them live like a month ago, the 3rd show of the tour with Portnoy, they've been awesome as always. Saw them like 20 times already, every time it's a life changing experience :) Also the setlist was almost perfect. I just hope the guys will keep putting soul into what they're doing, because otherwise there is little hope in our brave new world :D
I grew up listen to them in the end of MP era around 2009, i see a lot of weird haters grew when MM joining the band, so then every paths is right paths bcs haters always born?
CONTROVERSY about AI yada yada yada. I mean this is a free market I literally don't give a shit if they use AI instead of real artists. And this is a band, as long as I enjoy the music that's all I care about
I think the problem more than being AI, is that it's shitty AI instead of taking literally 5 mins longer to iterate something with better quality. It shows their hand in regards of what they're putting out into the world 🤷♂️
@gabrielalvarez970 why in the f would you even begin to care about something so mundane and unimportant lol. When you buy music do you stare at the record art and judge the music by it. Unbelievable lol
![[shannon speaks]](http://yt3.ggpht.com/MiLOv_HqEUQ3Q6JXU6Y13ytEm5blRZ_81DzkQQcSim8CSm_GN4L5oX3I58rqiG4ma69Nkktbuw=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
Wow, incredible that so much of the DT fanbase seems okay with being fed lazy, poorly made slop. You deserve whatever you receive going forward.
because they're bunch of boomers, imagine having a DT making music completely generated by AI in the future because they can't make music anymore, and the fans mad about it because there's no emotion.
@@tompramanaaccount8892 what are you talking about lol. All this because of the album cover do people like you even have a life
@@tompramanaaccount8892 Did the band like stand you up or something lol. If you're not a fan what do you care ? Why so negative just move on Jeez lol
@@MartyHarrison-cx4gu you've commented like 30 times here (do YOU even have a life?) so I'll just make it plain: people are allowed to make critiques of stuff that bands that they like make. fans can ask for their intelligence not to be insulted with poorly-made, thoughtless videos. I like DT. I hate the artwork they've put out with their music. It distracts from the music's messages when it's poorly done. If they are so hard-pressed on time/money/effort to have to put out videos with template "lorem ipsum" captions and 2021-era DALL-E slop left in, I'd rather them just put audio-only uploads on their YT channel like they've done in the past.
Sycophants who can't tolerate genuine criticism.
Funny that The Astonishing was a dystopia about Noise Machines AKA NOMACs and how Faythe discovered real passionate music created by human beings but then the very same band now uses AI art 8 years later.
the larger fanbase hated TA, so maybe they thought "so they like AI? let's give it to them" just kidding tho
@kennhern Seemed more polarizing than anything else. It was my personal DT gateway and I always liked it but I do prefer Metropolis Pt 2 over it.
I think Ruddess is most to blame here, he's had a very public fascination with generative AI for... more or less as long as generative AI has been popular in general. I don't like it either, but the guy's pushing 70. I don't expect him to be spending so much time online that he's going to be involved in the ethical discourse.
It's also definitely clearly AI. The bedposts aren't consistent between the sides, and there's chunks missing where it clearly got confused with the bed sheets. The floor goes from concrete to wood planks (which are wonky in a way you'd never be able to make wood flooring). Even the logo in the window has that spider-webby ai mushiness. That said, there are clear indications that it is a collage of AI-generated elements rather than full AI. You can see around the window that parts of details fade out from how the window has been added. The girl and the bed are also likely seperate elements which would explain why they fail to sit in the image in a convincing way. There being five windows worth of lights being cast on the floor is surely all on Hugh though.
yeah, I do think it's a collage of AI elements, rather than a single-layer generated image. Which would make sense for Syme, he's used to copy-pasting a bunch of stuff together. The light on the right-side, most foward window light follows the curve of the wood which makes me think that part's genAI, not an actual layer.
edit: like I said in my video, Jordan's participated in AI MIT experiments, etc. and has always been very tech-heavy. age has nothing to do with it and he knows what he's doing. if Mike who's pushing 60 can see the issue then Jordan should too.
Jordan definitely is. I don't really care to be honest, this type of ai isn't what I'm bothered by. It's people trying to make and sell art pieces posing it as it isn't. Same thing for music. If you're SELLING the product that's the problem. They aren't selling these things. You can have your opinion obviously but it seems like you're on the ai hate train.
@@kylesauter4519 they're selling physical vinyls of Parasomnia, therefore, that artwork is also being sold. huh?
and more to the point, as I said, neither Syme nor Joyner have disclosed their AI usage and DT didn't say anything either. so how is this any different?
I’m a huge DT fan (seeing them on their current tour next year), but I feel like Jordan is the worst part of the band at this point, especially now with Portnoy back. He’s an absolutely incredible musician and I respect the hell out of him, but I don’t really like what’s he’s brought to the band for about the last 20 years or so.
His fascination with AI generation reminds me of how much he got into things like digital instrument modeling. There’s nothing inherently wrong with modeling, but I feel it can quickly start to cheapen the feel of the music if it’s used too much and in the wrong musical context. When I see a guy playing a digital imitation of a cello or something by moving his finger around a screen on an ipad app instead of just hiring a cello player, it leaves a bit of a bad taste in my mouth, at least from a band that’s known for its musicianship like DT.
And when he’s just playing regular synth patches on the keys, I feel like he’s really stagnated musically. Tbf you can say the same about the band as a whole, but Jordan’s parts are the most repetitive imo. I feel like every solo he plays sounds exactly the same as what he was playing 20 years ago, and even at his best I don’t think his playing was anywhere near as interesting and tasteful as Kevin Moore’s.
And then there’s The Astonishing, an album with a lot of shortcomings that I’ve heard many people attribute primarily to Jordan.
So,
As being a Dream Theater fan since "When Day and Dream Unite" (on Lp) when it debuted, and a HUGE Rush fan, hence the art of Rush since Caress of Steel; "Hugh Syme". DT has used Hugh since "Octavarium", and like Rush, he has used various mediums to create their artwork (Hugh has a HUGE roster of bands and musicians he's worked with, including 3 albums from my favorite Prog Metal band "Fates Warning". So be sure to checkout his wiki page for all the artwork and who he's played "Keyboards" for).
I will agree that Hugh and his last few years have become a bit Lazy, and I'm not sure if the bands he's worked for these past few years notice. There is the "Man on Unicycle" image that _variants_ have made multiple appearances on various albums. And now, I believe that many artists are using/relying on Ai so-much, its like bad script writers in Hollywood that are like "Artists", that don't stop . . . take a breather (a break and come back hours later), step back, and actually LOOK at what they're painting. Then change certain things, or start all over, with NEW fresh eyes. Hugh doesn't just do album covers but all sorts of Advertisement.
So this could be(coming) a chore to do all this. And why? Artists/Illustrators do NOT make the money that they used to up to the 1990's. The time it takes to do ALL that work pays very little now because NO ONE values it anymore. I just saw a comment here that basically said "Who Cares, no one buys Lp's anymore". Really? Tell that to Mike Portnoy, Mikeal Akerfeldt, Steven Wilson or the many of US that actually go to record stores that are still out there selling CD's and Vinyl (go watch the "What's in my Bag" videos for Amoeba Records music store in Hollywood, here at Yt). Or even order them online, as I do both (and directly from the musicians).
We _still_ care about the "Package Deal"/Ritual of putting the CD or Lp on, listening to the music while reading the lyrics, the liner notes, credits and admiring the artwork. And we listen to the WHOLE album, maybe at times we make a mix-tape or have a list on whatever platform, but many of us listen to an entire album because THIS type of music writes Albums worth of material, not just "Hit Singles". That's why many of us have various "Favorite" tracks that are different from others' choices, because we do listen to the albums as a whole.
Going back to the Artists that create Cover Art - A prime example of not making the money they used to is "Roger Dean", the ICONIC artist that created most of the "Yes" album covers (if not just the logos). He now has to sell "Preliminary Sketches" of his life's work to maintain his estate (and traditionally painted originals along with prints), while he creates art for various products and bands. And I'm sure it's not as thriving as it once was and he's not getting younger.
So it could be that many (or the few) are taking too much advantage of Ai created Art to compensate for Time and Money, but haven't stepped back to LOOK at what they are creating, as many can (and can't) tell what Ai art looks like, and its imperfections (like human fingers and toes) and objects that need to look alike, or the duplication of faces instead of different people, etc. I'm sure Ai will figure that out sooner than later (which is a bit scary).
An artist friend of mine was using Ai, after all these years of knowing his art style, and he'd write these long dissertations on his Fb page of "Style and Substance", while me and another artist friend confronted him and asked (more like, told him); "Are you using Ai???" And after a few minutes he came clean, and we suggested he go back to being the Illustrator he is, and use Ai to "Augment" certain things. But we also learned it was his 2 Sons that owned the business that pushed him to go into that direction (and a bit of his own curiosity). But they weren't artists, just "Salesmen" and with uninitiated eyes.
Many of us still put value into the art (if it's music or visuals), but those they work for don't want them to spend too much time ("Time is Money"), or want the outrageously fantastic art, but are not willing to pay full price for them either (the life of a freelancer). Again, I make the example for those that don't care; Look around you, wherever you are reading this; EVERYTHING around you had to be designed by someone, even where it was put. So if the manufacturer had to be paid to MAKE those designs come to life, so does the Artist as well. Like a Plumber, a Welder, an Auto Repair worker, Interior painter, Woodworker, etc., so does the person that had to _draw and design_ those things being placed and maintained. But all that work to make little money also pushed me out of the Industry (and other reasons).
*The Music . . .*
We've only heard 2 tracks from the upcoming DT album, it's too early to judge the whole. And DT has always been the Whipping Post for Prog Metal, and I have too many faves in that subgenre alone. Even its Father of the genre never got the credit they deserved and I think the founder just thought it was much too hard to maintain, to keep writing and playing very small venues, and then ended it in 2023 (Fates Warning). But the genre still thrives and people do it for the love with less means, while others now have families to feed too, and pay bills. But with hope they still have some creativity left in them to put out something special. DT can also be like Iron Maiden, they have a sound and a formula that works, because they know their core audience . . . but I like it when both deviate a bit too.
Saying all that, DT's albums after "Octavarium" for me are not _perfection,_ but I do have fave tracks on the albums I thought were lukewarm. But every band goes through their ups and downs. But I pre-ordered my special edition "Book"/CD. I'm happy that Portnoy is back and look forward seeing the tour next February.
My views come from being an Audiophile since 1981, create "Themed" Playlists as a hobby, writing about the music I still follow, and as a Pro Artist/Illustrator (from 1995 to 2023) mainly using mechanical pencils and Photoshop (to paint); was a Conceptual Designer for 2 Video Game studios and multiple Indie-Films. Logo & Cover artists for underground bands, Display Artist for Tower Records in Santa Monica (and Stock Clerk for 2 other music stores in LA). And being a collector of niche International Comics/Graphic Novels, Book & Album cover Artists, Conceptual Design books, Making of High Concept Film Books, Sci-fi/Fantasy illustrators and (old school) Anime/Manga creators. Hopefully I can come back to the industry, but I unfortunately have 2 thumbs with nerve damage from doing Warehouse work for 25 years between all that art.
- Sorry for the rant folks! But thank you to anyone that took the time to read. Much appreciated.
Oh wow, I didn't even notice this lol. I hope they stop with the A.I. stuff. Good video! Subbed
How much effort are they putting into their return? That is a very good question. Judging not only by not only their “art” but their music too, not a lot. So far, the whole thing is looking uninspired and Portnoy’s return has been more a marketing maneuver than a meaningful and purposeful reunion.
I’m glad I came across this channel. I really appreciate this kind of in-depth analysis of things. There’s a lot to learn.
Tbh I just don't think the music is particularly inspiring, but because Portnoy is back everyone is losing their minds. I think history will look back on it as quite meh.
Who is everyone lol. People are talking about it because his drumming as amazing so far . You're obviously not even a fan so why even care either way . Is your life really that empty to comment on a band you don't even like now lol.
@@MartyHarrison-cx4gu the world is really flip over, in 2011 (until last year) we have people that against Mangini, bully him and his skills although they know nothing about drum, and people that defend him.
Now we have people that got boring to Portnoy and people that defend him.
Total fan service at the expense of the music. Dumping Mangini will go down as a huge mistake.
@@crusher0427 no it won't. MM being as good as his is, doesn't entertain non drummers. They don't care and it really doesn't add much to the DT style that was well established decades before. It's MP's band, simple stuff.
@@colinburroughs9871, it's his band? Funny, I didn't realize it was called Mike Portnoy's Dream Theater. If you want to say he started the band, that's fine, but it isn't his band. According to your reasoning, Kevin Moore could return anytime and boot Jordan to the street. Portnoy's drumming is quite inferior to Mangini's, and the band is suffering from it now. The two songs he picked to play from the Mangini era are two of the *easier* ones, and he's butchering them every night.
Thank You for this! More people need to call out musicians for using A.I. for videos and artwork. I know now I am not buying their next album.
As an early DT fan, I’m saddened to say the band has become increasingly cringe and boomer over the years. The lyrics are cliche and doesn’t talk about human fragility like 6 degrees or SFAM, the music videos, and even if I could forgive that tacky AI style, the cliches, the video effects, the hairstyle and clothing. All leads to a cheap shallow band that used to be poetic and magnificent. Terrible
I totally agree with you. Especially if we think about a band that has absolutely no money problems. AI will be part of our life, but emotions should stay out of it
As much as I love the band there are absolutely valid points you make about the artwork. As for the music, the two singles also kind of sound like they were generated through a "make me a Dream Theater song" AI to be honest. It's sounding a bit too formulaic, I want them to be brave and take more risks and try new things, they have nothing to prove at this point in their career so why not just have fun? I'd personally like less metal seriousness and instead more prog quirk from DT.
DT making Metallica it's main muse has been a big issue since about.. 2000 (especially if you think Metallica/thrash is meh)
I agree with you. They did try something very new and risky with The Astonishing and the band got demolished by its own fans. The same fans that call themselves progressive while clapping to the n-th iteration of As I Am.
Pitty, I unironically love The Astonishing and it’s far more better and interesting than their last two albums.
It's a little off putting yeah, I don't mind the static images, but the last video with the AI war stuff felt wrong. Guess it's just growing pains from new tech
as a fan of dream theater im gonna point out that their album artwork has kind of infamously been a bit out of the ordinary, with probably the most known example being Awake with its album cover thats almost entirely made with stock images (which obviously are different than AI art but thats kind of what id imagine as an equally controversial and "lazy" thing to do in the 90s).
so me personally i feel them doing this now isnt really that surprising, but its just kinda disappointing.
I love both the new songs. I didn't mind the album cover itself. I thought it was pretty cool, but that video for A Broken Man is unwatchable. I hated it so much that within like 30 seconds I just minimized the tab and only focused on the music. Similar to some more recent Queensryche videos where they used AI, I can't even look at it. So, I def agree with you 100% there. In fact, I don't know how you even watched that video. I haven't even bothered because something about it just repulses me, but I'm also used to music videos in general not being good & taking away from what the actual music is painting in your mind. So, for this album, I think the concept is really cool. I don't mind that album cover. For whatever reason the window shadows don't bother me.
I completely agree, they have so much money, why not give a contract to visual artists.
long time DT fan here (not proud to say it coz they have one of the worst fanbases in metal history) and I agree 100% with what you said. and it actually does make sense that they're using AI generated art, as it reflects how ridiculously uninspired their music is and has been for the last 3 or 4 albums. Portnoy coming back doesn't really solve anything songwriting-wise.
It's an homage to fake ghost photos.
Considering the artwork for Octovarium with its pendulum that won't work, I think Hugh Syme low-effort art predates AI.
Edit:
And after the single was released, he posted a version of the artwork to his Instagram with the door fixed.
that's in the video, yes
Take these notes-comments from a musician./producer/video director-editor/designer who is also a (broken) man with a DT tattoo in his arm:
1) The moment i saw the album artwork I recognized it's entirely made of AI. I ran it through the SightEngnine AI detector and proved me 94% right. Only the logo and the Majesty emblem are not AI, hence the -6%
2) Same goes for the artwork of the Broken Man. It scored a 99% on Dall-E.
3) Their videos are often just "visualizers" using 100% stock footage off Pond5/StoryBlocks etc. Been there, saw all of the footage already.
4) The Broken Man video needs A LOT OF WORK. You do not just throw a prompt and you get a 9 minute long video like this. I didn't find it hideous, nor I was annoyed by it, since I have done AI-assisted videos as well (been somewhat of a pioneer in this field in my country,Greece). What annoys me is that they give a wrong example to the scene: if a band of their caliber and budget gives their fan this kind of content, what does this say for the whole new generation of kids they follow them?
In any case, if you feel you are nit-picking wait until you hear these vocals live 😞
as you mentioned, it's jordan rudess. such a pity.
Got clickbated into looking at this post...the album's not even out yet and there's an art 'critique' about the cover. WTF?
This might absurd to people but the way I see It is like what If the girl in the actual album cover is the same one from Images And Words, as we all know Wait For Sleep is about the album cover (Sort of, to me) and It seems like the "Sleep" didn't came to her and she has turned into this lifeless body posessed by modern artifical intelligence?
And what If that old man is the same old man from Awake or The Silent Man MV?
i'm pretty sure DT could hire some artists to make their videos and make a decent album cover, at least.
YESSS, THAT'S THE CONTENT WE NEED. THANKS.
Did you heard the enemy inside??? Thats song based on ptsd which featured true story vets.
Right away i knew don’t know all of dt songs when you commented, give it a shot.
Just a thought. Considering the album is all about mental and sleep issues, maybe these are all supposed to be coming from the mind of someone suffering from said issues and it's all somehow correlated to that. I can see a nightmarish ghost like referral to the Images And Words cover art. Kinda like if the girl in the Images cover was now an adult and suffering from Parasomnia issues and night terrors.
Great vid
My take: The image is purposely intended to match a dream's inaccuracy in details that we take for granted in our waking life
The last album I listened from them was A Dramatic Turn of Events, did they make any good album aftar that one?
Yeah ever since the astonishing I knew DT could no longer be fucked to care about the art. I cope with it by just listening to the music and not caring about anything else but that broken man visualizer was a slap in the face.
That's why you LISTEN to music, not WATCH music, regardless of the bad artwork, the music stills amazing, so it's time to stop watching visualizers and just closing your eyes and listening to the song, imagine stuff by yourself.
I have a similar issue with the video for opethj's track Paragraph 4. It's clearly AI generated aside from the lyrics on the screen and it just looks bad. I do give Opeth a bit more benefit of the doubt when it comes to it because they haven't really mentioned anything AI related as far as I know and it was made by their record label so maybe they just didn't notice, but it still bugs me. The album it's off of, The Last WIll and Testament, is really good as well and the album cover I don't think is AI generated as there is a where's waldo for all the band members on it (as well as other tiny details,) but the video bugs me a lot.
Both videos for TLWAT singles are AI crap (and I still can't stop laughing that on Paragraph 4 video, when lyrics line "her eye on him" comes out , you can see AI generated woman with strabismus eyes, it looks like an unintentional trolling). The thing with Opeth is that Mikael said many time he doesn't care for videos, I guess their new label just did it on its own. Album cover tho is made by Travis Smith, who's been doing covers for Opeth since Still Life I think, and I like his work a lot, The last will art is 10/10. Not to mention, once again Akerfeldt brought us something controversial, I've been listening to it almost every day since the album came out and it keep growing on me even tho I already liked it at first listents. Can't say the same about Dream Theater, both new songs are dull and boring, not a single second of it didn't give me goosebumps, and on top of it you see that AI generated crappy ALBUM cover. I expect the whole album to be as mediocre and dull as its cover.
If I'm not mistaken Mikael criticised using AI to write music in an interview before The Last Will And Testmanet dropped. And I was also very dissappointed when I saw the visualiser for paragraph 4. But I kinda wonder how much can the band be blamed for this. Cause very well it can be just a case of an artist who did an half-ass job. Either way I still give them a benefit of the doubt but it still left a bad taste in my mouth
I even found the quote from Mikael
On the topic of using artificial intelligence (A.I.) during the songwriting process, Mikael said: "I don't like it. Of course, I would say that. I haven't tried [it]. I haven't even sent one question to ChatGPT or whatever it's called, or used A.I. for anything. I don't really know how it works, to be honest. But I heard A.I.-constructed music. My girlfriend, she was working as a journalist and she was interviewing Swedish folk musicians who were playing A.I.-generated folk songs. And I was, like, 'Oh my god. It sounds good. Sounds great.' But for me, I don't want to know about it, because that's one of my favorite aspects of being in this band, is to write music. So a writer's block, I welcome writer's blocks. You go through those hard times, you come out at the end and you have something. It's very rewarding. Besides, A.I., I mean, no matter how you fucking turn it, it's cheating. It's shit. It's not music. It's just someone picking, like a computer picking sounds. So a real musician would not be interested in A.I. Only if you're interested in making money, and if you're a complete idiot."
I love Dream Theater from 'Images & Words' to 'Octavarium'. From that point forward IMO they became more of a progressive metal band (I'm sure Portnoy had a lot of influence here) and less of a progressive metal band with that melodic thrown in over each album. Their recent albums to me just started sounding the same from the last one. For me LaBrie shines when he is singing more melodic and not trying to strain or destroy his voice as has been evidenced on their current tour. Music is subjective so everyone hears the songs differently and every person likes what they like. I can listen to Dream Theater from Systematic Chaos' and forward but I never really go back to listening to those albums once I listen to them like I go back to 'Images & Words', Awake, Falling into Infinity' and 'Six Degrees'. 'Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence' is probably still my favorite Dream Theater album. The 2 new songs from the new album sound much like what they just did on their last album, so for me it's just rinse and repeat. But, if you like them then that's fine too. As far as the artwork no comment especially not to get into a huge debate about that appears below in the comments. Totally silly!
their record label Inside Out Music does put up DT's music videos on their TH-cam page
And by the way, most of the videos there (DT and other bands) are usually very low budget. Which makes the temptation to use AI even more pronounced.
All the points you make are good and valid, but Dream Theater has always been more about the audio than the visuals. When it comes to AI anything, the genie is already out of the bottle. People losing money from AI is one of the symptoms of late stage capitalism.
Yeah the artwork sucks, it has kinda always sucked, except for a few exceptions. No one who likes Dream Theater really cares much about that though.
New music so far has been great, the visualizer for a broken man however, is trash and should be scrubbed from the internet. Terrible decision for them to release this, would have been much better if they just did a lyric video or no video at all.
I wish and beg that this wasn't the case. I love the new singles they're released recently, and I've been a big time fan of all their music, but as an artist, I hate AI art and wish that they wouldn't use it. The band is literally the pinnacle of creativity, why use AI art when you've clearly protested against it in the music world (the plot of The Astonishing)? Sadly, nothing me or any of us say is probably going to change it.
Most of their budget goes toward audio stuff - instruments, studio recording, the live setup. The live visuals are also not lame. I think artwork is simply veeeeeeery low on their list of priorities. If I was in their shoes, and had the choice of either having cheap artwork or no artwork, I would choose the latter. They chose the former. Their "marketing" presentation was always a little lame. But no one cared, because it's always been more about the music, and they did not pretend otherwise. To me, using generated images as artwork is pretending. I am not mortally offended. I just don't get why they would make a choice like this. The outcome is so predictable - it looks lame and people question their judgement.
Well they obviously still gave money to someone to make the visual art. The visual art was just absolute trash (or if you want to be a pedant about it, more trash than it normally is).
Shannon, I agree with you 1000%! I SEE YOU'RE A PRETTY SHARP GIRL!
I saw this video and at the end I was like "why am I doing this to myself?" Just throwing sht to the album cover and art. Ok.... I don't know if many of the real DT fans care that much about that. I don't specifically like the art either. From many previous albums either. But I couldn't care less about it. I am a fan of DT because of the amazing and beautiful music and because through the years they have shown to be great to their fans. Not because of the album covers. Anyway.... Thank God for freedom of speech. This girl has the right to express her views. It's ok. But if you people are DT fans and watch this video hoping to consume some good quality DT related media, you're not in the right place
I mean yeah maybe they slacked off a bit in their art but a normal viewer would never even notice, true fans are here for the music and the musicians and something as stupid and small as ai art is not gonna change that
Dream Theater is legendary, but it's getting boring... Not the same. Not evolving.
dt has been devolving, sadly
I stopped listening to them after mike left. Dipped in and out every album after to see if it was decent. Changed them. I'm glad mike is back to have that classic dt sound again.
I think that's the thing though. No one will be happy. Mike said it best. "We have the best worst fans ever"
They should've been bringing Sherinian back and send Rudess on a holiday.
all for good 'ol nostalgia.. the boring portnoy is back
@@Peter_Joshua They're old, they make money on a style that's decidedly mid 90's and JLB can't sing at all at this point. They need a time machine, maybe? It happens to most bands. Ah well.
Last great song was illumination theory for me. everything after is was just good or generic metal
I'd worry more about the fact that they brought back their original drummer, which turned out to be a major failure...
Just pure marketing. I like Portnoy, and I went to see them live recently and I must say I prefer the band playing live without a click (unlike what they were doing with Mabgini, and BTW that had nothing to do with Mangini, as it was entirely an artistic decision by Petrucci). I feel the band sounds more organic, more connected to the people, rather than just producing a perfect but somewhat distant show.
But in terms of the new music they have released so far with MO back? It is lame, uninspired, and doesn’t seem to be driven by an honest inspirational reunion.
Jesus, I read every opinion you can possibly have. People are getting way to picky. The music is great, if you have that many negative comments and issues with the video.... Think about it.... Is it coming to you yet.... Don't you have ANYTHING else to do.... Don't listen or watch any of their videos. There are music with AI videos and some without that you might really like. And I might not like it. But, I wouldn't spend all this amount of time expressing my opinion so negatively. DT is not a major label band, go spend your life on the bands and companies that are truly costing people money and jobs.
The best band art is from Marillion with Fish. They are all amazing!
You said prog isn't your thing and then offer a review of prog 😂
She basically never talked about the music. She is apparently an artist and has criticized art. Does that seem reasonable to you?
Do people even care about album artwork anymore? Sure I remember the cd booklets and the LP covers, but why would anyone spend lots of money on a unique cover, when almost everyone streams the music?
the problem is that their music became this way as well. Whereas Night Terror grew on me somehow after multiple listens, but this one - it just feels off somehow. I'd rather listen to War Inside My Head and The Enemy Inside multiple times on a loop rather than this. OK, they mean different wars, but "war never changes" in the words of Fallout. I think this one doesn't capture the topic of war. Maybe it's just me and my humble opinion; but this song doesn't move anything inside me, but the two mentioned above are genius, especially War Inside My Head. How do you feel about it, bro?
And yes, I think people care for the complete package, audio-visual. CDs, vinyls, even MP3 player that can show the covers. Covers are just as important. Because they make the picture complete.
TBH, as a DT fan, I really just don't care if their artwork makes sense or not.
You have no idea what music is. You'd better listen to the music itself instead of comlaining about the artwork and design. The song "A Brocken Man" is a great and emotional song for those people who lived a real life especially for those who went throgh their difficult life cycles, even without being a veteran or suffering of PTSB. The artwork of this video you will never understand, until you went through all asapects of a real life. You should listen to Britney Spears instead.
You spent nearly a quarter of hour talking about the lame visualizers and the poor cover image of an instrumental-focused band.
I'm not too concerned about all this. I actually do think people are being picky with all this. AI might have been a reasonable choice for most of these things because they knew how not perfect the tech is and it distorts things, which act like messed up memories or mental disorders. Even dreams have unreasonable things that can happen in them. It actually works out really well.
Fans don't give a shit about the visualizers. It's always ALL about the music. They're not Coldplay
this is the answer. DT fans largely all play instruments and that's what they're gonna care about
I only agree with the AI topic, can be a good tool as starting point, but never the final one. About the editing of the visualizer, I can't take seriously your opinion, judging by the edition of this video that sucks a bag of D. in comparison to the visualizer. The song is a master piece.
Look I’m a fan of the music. Let’s talk about that. I could give rats ass if dream theater uploaded John’s ai generated beard. As long as the music is organic and classic dream theater Prog. OH AND ALSO dream theater is supposed to be “corny” or “cringe” at times. It’s dream theater😂
Why everyone pooping on the new album cover!? I don’t care if it’s AI generated or not, if it looks good, I like the cover, and this album cover is good. Plus, I think that the subtle inaccuracies are good for the album, because LaBrie says that the album is going to be about Night Terrors, and most dreams, especially nightmares, have small things in them that are completely different from reality. This turns the inaccuracies into accuracies. 😁. In conclusion, it’s a good album cover, and I like it despite the fact that it most likely is AI generated.
Both their new tracks are just BAD.
although I have nothing against using ai (esp. in DREAM sequences the whole uncanny thing makes sense) - I definitely see your point of it seeming "low effort".
This.
Imagine focusing 100% of your attention on the artwork and the visualizer.
@@androsida8704 Yep, thats stupid 😅😅
Imagine being the artist who works with artworks and visualizers, and realizing that your hardwork is becoming less valuable each day
@@vitorcamargo6162 imagine being a toothpaste cap screwer and realizing there's a machine that completely replaces you.
BAN those machines, they are evil stealing the job of thousdand of workers. We'll all DIE if we dont ban them!
@vitorcamargo6162 dude, much people loose their Jobs when new tech is alvailable, it's always been that way... In this case their job have become easier, they can now do more in less time, they can earn more if they adopt the new technology... Those who keep whining and refuse to use AI will loose their job, it's the natural way...
@@RafaelSequera very well said.
Dream Theater's paying fans dont care. Do any of these AI haters buy physical merch and/or tickets? Doubt it.
I would buy tickets if the band came to New Zealand. As such, they don't so I can't. Also I have a ToT shirt and have shown my physical copy of Distance Over Time in the video. Please make an actual argument that makes sense lol
The cover image is capturing a confusing nightmare, thus the light you "dissect" means something different. Great analysis 😂
The second song video is capturing PTSD and what it's like. Do you know anything about what you are critiquing?? Congrats on finally looking at the lyrics.
I can imagine some of the tastes left in your mouth.
I don’t evaluate a work of art in an art gallery based on the sound track of the audience viewing in the same moment as me. Just in the same way I don’t judge a band on its artwork.
The main mistake here is assuming people care about the same things, to the same level you do.
Most music fans will only care about the music, and will only judge a band on that. Everything else is at most an added bonus. Give me an awesome album that I can close my eyes to and loose myself to any day over an average album with awesome artwork.
A musician’s main goal to engage with their audience at an audio level, not a visual level.
Your assumptions that they are lazy with their artwork is the same as them saying you’re lazy with this video.
That artist losing income stat is plain garbage. It actually takes people to make AI into what it is. They get paid and can be considered artists themselves. Most don't think of it in that perspective.
Ah yes, the "prompt engineer" that has to completely rely on luck that the computer gives them what they want. Very much an artist. Definitely.
There is a difference between using an v-drum set and using a drum machine. There is a difference between using AI as a tool and just being lazy.
Look I’m a fan of the music. Let’s talk about that. I could give rats ass if dream theater uploaded of John’s ai generated beard. As long as the music is organic and classic dream theater prog
I'm on the side of this singsong/vocal-fry woman when it comes to the low-quality "AI" generated imagery being used by Dream Theater's long-time visual artists.
Years ago, I pointed out major flaws in editing and composition during the CG music video for "The Gift of Music."
Now, we have a new format for amateurish visuals with "AI" generation. Unfortunately, the band seem content to allow shoddy work from their visual artists.
"vocal-fry"? no need to insult me to agree with me :)
This sounds most like "i hate AI" than anything... Im really sick of this AI police everywhere, DT hired artists to create the covers and videos, if the artists dont disclose if they use AI its not DT fault... Its not "lazy" to use AI, just like its not lazy to use computers to make an animated movie instead of drawing all frames... Get over it, AI is here to stay wheter you like it or not... Whining about it wont solve anything...
I mean, yes, I do hate AI, but I hate the lack of effort more. Maybe look up what's going on with Sora... it may be here for a lot shorter time than you realize.
@shannonspeaks1 your opinion is stupid, so we all should stop using computers because it makes all kind of work easier? Or we should stop using Cars because it makes US lazy? lol Gues what: it wont happen, You should start using AI and learning about it or You Will regret it in a couple of years, You Will be obsolete...
the team at DT would certainly realize if the video was AI. If they understood the controversy of AI art than they would’ve stepped in. So it can be seen as lazy. AI is not even comparable to computer art…AI takes no soul or effort compared to real art
Nah they completely aware the usage of AI, especially when Jordan's been using it for these past couple of years. The use of AI is fine for fun and giggles or maybe for a scene reference, but for the actual content itself? That's just lazy.
Is this guy really comparing making an animated film WITHOUT USING AI to making art USING AI to debunk the argument that using AI is lazy? That makes zero sense…
The fact that the only recognisable thing that you did in your life is to criticise DT is kinda long shot. I don't know why your video came up but sure blocking you
It's not an airport. No need to announce your departure. :)
I guess if we get weird haters then DT is on the right path.
I don't hate DT lol
DT is one of the greatest, if not the greatest band ever. But the path they're taking is a bit worrying.
@@Hamsterdamnit They are old men, I think we should be thankful they still got energy.
@@Edkeyz Saw them live like a month ago, the 3rd show of the tour with Portnoy, they've been awesome as always. Saw them like 20 times already, every time it's a life changing experience :) Also the setlist was almost perfect. I just hope the guys will keep putting soul into what they're doing, because otherwise there is little hope in our brave new world :D
I grew up listen to them in the end of MP era around 2009, i see a lot of weird haters grew when MM joining the band, so then every paths is right paths bcs haters always born?
What are you talking about . To snap this hard to find something to complain about . Stop thinking so much lol
couldn't agree more.
CONTROVERSY about AI yada yada yada. I mean this is a free market I literally don't give a shit if they use AI instead of real artists.
And this is a band, as long as I enjoy the music that's all I care about
I think the problem more than being AI, is that it's shitty AI instead of taking literally 5 mins longer to iterate something with better quality. It shows their hand in regards of what they're putting out into the world 🤷♂️
@gabrielalvarez970 why in the f would you even begin to care about something so mundane and unimportant lol. When you buy music do you stare at the record art and judge the music by it. Unbelievable lol
@@androsida8704 Yeah let's see when they decide to replace JP's guitar solo with AI too, because it's a free market.