JOHN PETRUCCI Terminal Velocity Review
“Terminal Velocity” track listing:
01. “Terminal Velocity”
02. “The Oddfather”
03. “Happy Song”
04. “Gemini”
05. “Out Of The Blue”
06. “Glassy-Eyed Zombies”
07. “The Way Things Fall”
08. “Snake In My Boot”
09. “Temple Of Circadia”
John Petrucci has just launched his first album after 15 years since Suspended Animation. The bassist Dave LaRue (Dixie Dregs) and Mike Portnoy, who does not need to be presented, contributed to this remarkable album. Terminal velocity brings out nine phenomenal instrumental songs, where there is much more of John Petrucci.
Terminal Velocity track is not the best song of the new album, highlights to the Gemini, which has a part very well playing in flamenco style from 3:28 seconds. Out of The Blue, almost make me grab my electric guitar and play the song. The introduction remembers a little bit the introduction of Tender Surrender of Steve Vai being played like Andy Timmons and Gary Moore. Obviously, it is as I am expressing myself, explaining my feelings about the song, but it is definitely a John Petrucci’s song with all of the amazing characteristics from him. Glassy-Eyed Zombies looks like more with a Dream Theater song due to the markable riffs initially. Still, throughout the song is clearly perceptible that is only John Petrucci with the important old member of Dream Theater, Mike Portnoy. Snake in my Boot is an incredible song that John starts with an unexpected riff, which probably you will never see something similar in Dream Theater. The song is a big mix of greek modes, and it really reflects its name. Temple of Circadia is one of my favourites songs from this album, sounds like more Dream Theater, but it has much more John Petrucci playing striking riffs and many arpeggios at the main guitar line. All songs are fantastic, but those songs that I have described above are the best of Terminal Velocity.
What’s is different from Dream Theater songs? There is no Keyboards, or if there is, The album has just a few short lines almost imperceptible, which can also be John playing his guitar with effects more colourful in the background. There is no vocal, it is an instrumental album. Mike Portnoy is back working with John. Despite Mike Mangini being extremely technical and also being at the same level as DT other members, Portnoy is a genius and better composer than Mangini. Portnoy makes the Terminal Velocity album to be still better than it should be.
I have seen Terminal Velocity promotion everywhere on my social networks and the internet, hopefully, John to reach out the success that he expects, he deserves! Excellent album!
Listen to the full album on Terminal Velocity official YouTube channel.
