Charlie Dominici was the vocalist on Dream Theater's debut release 'When Dream & Day Unite' and this album as the title states is the second part of the O3 trilogy.

The lyrics deal with the darker side of life and it is a brave move to open the album with the eight minute instrumental 'The Monster'. Plenty of time changes and soloing in this one to delight Dream Theater fans!

In fact only this track and 'Nowhere To Hide' occasionally hark back to the Dream Theater debut album, the rest of the music on here is solid progressive metal/rock.

The piano led 'The Real Life' provides respite from the metal guitar riffs plus it allows Dominici to show the quieter side of his vocal range.

Closer 'A New Hope' adds a note of optimism to the proceedings and leaves it nicely open for the final album in this sequence.

Excellent guitar work throughout the album courtesy of Brian Maillard, a name to watch out for as he is a real find and top notch prog metal guitarist.

Fans of Charlie Dominici, Dream Theater and prog rock/metal would do well to get this album. Not quite the classic of say Ayreon's last album but still a damn fine album.

***½

Review by Jason Ritchie