Octavarium - Final Cover

illusioninc, if you are reading, I haven't checked the DT board to see if you have given due credit for "your" new sig gif. If you have, then thank you for the courtesy. If you haven't, then no thanks for the lack of courtesy.

I think it's beautifull.

See how much better that got? There are way too much resentment towards critizism here. I still prefer a white DT font and I assume that the right ball is placed "wrong" on purpose. Will be interesting to see if this folds out to something big.

Slartibartfast

I am really happy with the changes and I can't wait to see the backprint. I judged too soon and now I love the cover, but the music is much more important to me and I have a good feeling about it.

Someone mentioned something about the album cover having a Transatlantic vibe? How's this?



Works pretty well as a TA cover IMO.

My Personal Site

REAL ULTIMATE DREAM THEATER

Works pretty well as a TA cover IMO.

Yes it does.
I didn't post in the previous thread because I only saw it after it was locked but I don't know what's wrong with some people. I think it's cool and even if you don't like it it's no big deal because it's just a cover Oh well, we should be used to this by now but I feel bad for MP. It must be hard reading some of this stuff.

Still think the cover looks great. Still can't wait for June 7th!!

It could be worse, I could be you...

Very nice cover. More interested in the music, but it is a very nice cover.

 

Very nice. I like the simplicity of it. Great job.

as i said in the fucked up thread .... i like it. and i'm very curious how the music and the artwork connect. you know, does each ball represent a song, does the cover describe the album vibe....
its very bright and colourfull for DT...nice nice nice...
2 month's and counting!!!!

(and it's great to 6 pages of decent reactions instead of 16 pages of bs!)

** Mr. rackman**
Check my site if you will.
http://www.freewebs.com/frust

ORIGINAL: Chzn8r

The message is clear. This cover contains balls, the next cover will contain ass (a donkey?) and the following one will feature an "eating" theme. Nice and subtle.

Platypus already shared a donkey with us. I never understood what was the purpouse of that donkey in the platypus art work... now it is finally revealed, 8 years afterwards, hence Octavarium.

I wonder if those birds are from the same flock as the ones on the TOT cover?

WELL, you know what They say, BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER.Ha, Ha, ... I couldn't resist. I know, A giant cornball. Seriously, I just want to hear the album, already. Come on, I'm dyin' here!

NeiloMac : Indeed, looks very good for a TA cover.

I hope OV will have this kind of vibe also, as we wont have a TA album for a while (thanks Neal Morse)....I effin LOVE TA.

This improved version is so much better. I think this is their best cover. And there's definately a digipack coming

But the thing that I don't like is Weymolith attitude. There's nothing wrong with negative comments. IF someone HATES this cover it's only a good thing. Hate is a strong emotion (same thing with LOVE) and if something gives you strong emotions it can't be a bad thing. Just a regular "nice" or "ok" would be like... "well i don't hate it".

http://www.tomhakala.net

ORIGINAL: Supersonique

This improved version is so much better. I think this is their best cover. And there's definately a digipack coming

But the thing that I don't like is Weymolith attitude. There's nothing wrong with negative comments. IF someone HATES this cover it's only a good thing. Hate is a strong emotion (same thing with LOVE) and if something gives you strong emotions it can't be a bad thing.

And what if someone says, "I really hate you and want you to die", cant be a bad thing either, I suppose.

lookin good guys, can't wait to hear the music. That's the important bit

PTBW

DT for ever, DT for life

www.obzidian.co.uk
www.myspace.com/obzidianband

ORIGINAL: Supersonique

But the thing that I don't like is Weymolith attitude. There's nothing wrong with negative comments. IF someone HATES this cover it's only a good thing. Hate is a strong emotion (same thing with LOVE) and if something gives you strong emotions it can't be a bad thing. Just a regular "nice" or "ok" would be like... "well i don't hate it".

13. Most importantly, The Forum is for Mike Portnoy / Dream Theater FANS. Critiquing the band *is* allowed, BUT will be watched carefully by the moderators, in case the posts turn into insults.

It had turned into insults and for one I felt sorry for Mike for the way some people acted. True, criticism can be good but flat out bashing has no place here.

yeah...im just pluggin my new avatar here....

no comment

LOL, that seems made for it!

Some great ´new´ Dutch melodic/symphonic metalbands:
 
http://www.anewdawnband.com
http://www.magionband.com
 
 

The covers got a very optimistic vibe to it, unlike the Train of Thought cover. The TOT cover was restrictive: black and white, looking out from inside a tunnel. This one's open and expansive. Free. Moving. Inspiring.

My only criticism, if you can even call it that, is that its a very pastoral and natural image that was produced unnaturally. This photo probably could have been done, albeit more expensively, for real, without the use of a computer to cut and paste pictures together.

I like the overall mood of the cover a lot and hope that its a sign of whats in the album.

I think its definately one of their better covers, maybe only behind Change of Seasons and FII.

I really liked the other one, and this one betters it in most aspects. If it was in response to the complaints then we are truely spoilt fans. I think it is right up there with my favourite DT covers - I&W, Awake, ACOS, SFAM and TOT, despite how it is very different.

I think the concept of the balls could have many different meanings that have been touched upon (straying away?), and I'm sure we'll know more about what they mean in June. The vibe it gives is a complete contrast to TOT, it does remind me very much of Transatlantic.

The photoshop work is freaking hilarious, and I challenge someone to photoshop the group's heads as the balls.

You can make a fortune in pies, you can keep a giant's hunger needs satisfied.

ORIGINAL: thefunkygibbons

ORIGINAL: drumline

ORIGINAL: SilenceNOmorE

ATTN: Portnoy: n00bs demand digipack!

Don't let Big Suave read that. That man HATES digipacks with a passion.

So do I now, as it means having to buy 2 copies, one to keep selaed and the other that gets scratched every time you take the discs out

+ 1

I hope to God it isn't a Digipack, I hate getting my CD's scratched.

I make the devil laugh and angels wail.  Forever I will reside beyond the pale.

nothing fancy, but here's my current wp: [all 8 studio albums]

I like it Yoda...My new WP now!

ORIGINAL: SilenceNOmorE

what an odd thing to hate. digipacks are grrrrreat! any particular reason, maybe an allergy to cardboard?

Because they fall apart easily, that's why!

Also, I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I like this cover, especially compared to 6DoIT and ToT's cover art, which I personally didn't care much for. Nice work!

Yeah I like it too. Also liked the old one with the "mistakes".

You know whats funny?
I had a dream that I was walking along or something with my discman and I was listening to the new DT Album. Suddenly I realised that that songs were all remixes from the TOT album, just with little add ons (like new keys etc.). I began to like it and was walking outside trough a landscape that looked exactely like the damn cover!!!!!!!!! I swear this was before the cover was released!!!!
Just wanted to tell

Also, I just wanted to say that since I'm completely anal retentive, that last ball being out of position does bother me on some strange level. I know, ridiculous, but it does. :D

i firmly believe that last ball "is out of place" on purpose. given the ball was in "correct place" octavarium would have to be moved because it might COLLIDE!!!?!?!?!??!

i would've taken the first cover, this one is even better...

gj

Their best cover yet, IMO.

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I didn't get a chance to voice my utmost approval in the original thread, so to this one I'll say "sweet-ass"

Regarding the last thread, I don't know about ya'll, but I was ready to give a few people "the five fingers" if you know what I mean

All of us get lost in the darkness
Dreamers learn to steer by the stars
All of us do time in the gutter
Dreamers turn to look at the cars

ORIGINAL: xthesolox

ORIGINAL: SilenceNOmorE

what an odd thing to hate. digipacks are grrrrreat! any particular reason, maybe an allergy to cardboard?

Because they fall apart easily, that's why!

If my prediction is proven correct, it wouldn't be a digipack, but very similar to Lateralus - plastic sleeve on a jewel case.

I choose to block the posts of men.

That is, DrumRMan and Ultra Man.

It looks so nice ^^ !!!

like it

ORIGINAL: CarletonBComm

If my prediction is proven correct, it wouldn't be a digipack, but very similar to Lateralus - plastic sleeve on a jewel case.

ya know, i was thinking the same exact thing looking at the cover...it doesnt seem like a regular jewel case insert, it looks more like a full cover that holds either a jewel case inside it or is, in fact a digipak

i used to like digipaks then i really started to dislike them when i found how much they scratched the shit out of my Rush in Rio cds and really dont offer much in the way of protection...aesthetically, i think theyre awesome...whatever i dont care just get me new DT music and im happy

http://johnpetrucciisfuckinghuge.tumblr.com

A cd case just like Soilwork's "Stabbing The Drama" would be very cool, IMO.

Excellent album cover. I really like it now. Great Work Mike!

"Serious dreamers always can afford the dreamin'"

http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_CD.asp?cd_id=7515

even MORE fake ratings...

perhaps the last string not being long enough has something to do with the new song "Never Enough", hmmmm?

I am Canadian

ORIGINAL: xthesolox

Also, I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I like this cover, especially compared to 6DoIT and ToT's cover art, which I personally didn't care much for. Nice work!

I love 6DOIT graphical work. It's by far the best DT ever had. The only problems are the photos inside the booklet, but you can choose to look at them, so it's all good.

I've already requested the day off for June 7th. I'll have my own private DT listening party. I'm really looking forward to hearing the new album. I'm sure that I won't be disappointed.

I like the cover, personally. I'm curious as to what it represents and why it was chosen, but I like it.

You can find all you need in your mind if you take the time. [awesome] nar nar nar nar squeedily squeedily dee[/awesome]

The cover is great! I feel so peaceful looking at it

Thanks again MP & DT!

ORIGINAL: Lukes Wall

ORIGINAL: xthesolox

Also, I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I like this cover, especially compared to 6DoIT and ToT's cover art, which I personally didn't care much for. Nice work!

I love 6DOIT graphical work. It's by far the best DT ever had. The only problems are the photos inside the booklet, but you can choose to look at them, so it's all good.

did the same guy do the 6DOIT cover? that whole album was incredibly done and even the cd's.

edit: 69TH POST

I wonder what grows in yonder fields of green...

i just want to say (since i wasn't able to talk about this in the previous thread - it took a while to activate my profile) that it was a shame that ppl started to sketch or modify hugh syme's artwork. Maybe I lack of sense of humour but I find that way of acting a little offensive toward the designer.

I didn't like the cover that much (and still i don't -for example all the balls, except n°2, are the same ball mirrored - it looks to me like a work done in hurry) and I think criticism is good but not starting to modify the cover.
I'd like to ask MP if Syme agreed on showing the unfinished cover art to the public or if it was your (Mike's) decision. If it is so I can't agree with that decision since it exposed a well respected artist to criticisms that didn't mean to exist since it was not the final version of the cover.


P.S.: sorry for my English ;)

very nice

Progressive Rock is my religion...Dream Theater my God

ORIGINAL: xthesolox

ORIGINAL: SilenceNOmorE

what an odd thing to hate. digipacks are grrrrreat! any particular reason, maybe an allergy to cardboard?

Because they fall apart easily, that's why!

Also, I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I like this cover, especially compared to 6DoIT and ToT's cover art, which I personally didn't care much for. Nice work!

In addition, you can replace a scratched or broken jewel case, but with a digipack, you are stuck

Ebay listings http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/thefunkygibbons/
Silver bootleg and other sales www.thefunkygibbons.net

I like this cover
it smells good, it smells very good ;)

DOWNLOAD for free "origin(s)" from anasazi
http://www.anasazi-prog.com/
http://www.myspace.com/anasaziprog

I prefere this cover, the concept is great.

Wow actually, after looking at it quite a few times.. I love it. It's VERY different from normal DT covers, kick-ass.

R.I.P. KeithK

I think it was stated by Wey that this isn't a "photoshop this" thread.
Maybe this is a better thread for your work
http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=832243

oh and i didn't made that up, it's on page 3

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ORIGINAL: Lukes Wall
I love 6DOIT graphical work. It's by far the best DT ever had.

Says you! (Emphasis mine) 6 Degrees was one of my least favorites, in terms of artwork. I only dislike WDADU more.

Pardon me for being stupid, but what is a digipack?

That's one. It's mainly cardboard and has plastic inside the tray. Artwork looks great on them but they die quickly.

Ok. Thanks...I have a few of those, but I didn't know what they were called.



P.S....erm.....I don't know if I'd want to be showing that Hanson CD around.

ORIGINAL: metropolis2k



That's one. It's mainly cardboard and has plastic inside the tray. Artwork looks great on them but they die quickly.

Oh what an album you picked!? Or is it what i think it is, them kids singing?!

I don't like digipacks, i like my cd cases the same size (that's what ocd does, amongst other things ) and digipacks are always after awhile somehow thicker and wider and well just not 'compact' enough

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Hehe actually on a Google image search for 'digipak' that was the first decent example that came up. The band was just a bonus Funnily enough my housemate is a fan of theirs.

ORIGINAL: metropolis2k

Hehe actually on a Google image search for 'digipak' that was the first decent example that came up. The band was just a bonus Funnily enough my housemate is a fan of theirs.

OH DEAR!! You must sit down and listen to music a) very b) extremely or c) you have no idea -how often!!

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I know it's a little late but I haven't get the registration approved







LOL is in spanish also, I forgot. U get the message anyway

Z

wow, someone has a lot of time on their hands

EDIT: I've posted like 60 times in the previous 3 days. I really shouldn't criticise

Ya sabemos.

It's been discussed a lot already. Anyway, !Bienvenido al Forum!

"Budweiser is like pop music. Read through this thread and learn about some great PROG beers. Once you've been converted there's no looking back."
- dkepner

Zatan, had you read the whole thread,

1) This is not a Photoshop Class thread

2) It's been mentioned about 3 thousand times at this point.

3) Maybe it's like that for a REASON

Wotchareadindude

PROG ROCK HAS BEEN THE SOUNDTRACK TO MY LIFE

Yeah, once again... it comes down to design, not actual physics

As they say.. don't judge a bo..uhimean.. album by it's cover.

R.I.P. KeithK

ORIGINAL: Nasser

As they say.. don't judge a bo..uhimean.. album by it's cover.

LOL @ your Avatar!

Has anybody said anything about the meaning of 'octavarium' and the relation to the artwork itself??? I don't know the word meaning, so i'm clueless here...

ORIGINAL: DrumRman

ORIGINAL: Nasser

As they say.. don't judge a bo..uhimean.. album by it's cover.

LOL @ your Avatar!

Thanks!

R.I.P. KeithK

STOP HIM!! AVATAR THIEF!!!

no comment

omgwtfnooooooooooooooooo

R.I.P. KeithK

I can't believe people are being so fussy about this ball not being in line with the others. We don't know if it was intentional or not. Still, who gives a fuck?

You can make a fortune in pies, you can keep a giant's hunger needs satisfied.

3) Maybe it's like that for a REASON

The REASON is that it was done in a computer program and not a picture of the real thing.

Its apparent to me that the artist set the strings at equal distances and simply forgot to account for the shift.

Its not a big deal and isn't something people need to flame the artist for, but its funny to think that there is some deliberate meaning behind it.

There is certainly meaning behind the ball being on the down swing, ready to knock things in motion...but there is no meaning behind the misplaced string.

At least, there shouldn't be unless DT wants it to go unrealized. Because 90% of people who are going to buy this album wouldn't have recognized it to begin with. Its only because when things are posted to the sites, they become scrutinized under a microscope, that so many noticed this.

ORIGINAL: ProgMatinee

The REASON is that it was done in a computer program and not a picture of the real thing.

Its apparent to me that the artist set the strings at equal distances and simply forgot to account for the shift.

Its not a big deal and isn't something people need to flame the artist for, but its funny to think that there is some deliberate meaning behind it.

There is certainly meaning behind the ball being on the down swing, ready to knock things in motion...but there is no meaning behind the misplaced string.

At least, there shouldn't be unless DT wants it to go unrealized. Because 90% of people who are going to buy this album wouldn't have recognized it to begin with. Its only because when things are posted to the sites, they become scrutinized under a microscope, that so many noticed this.

And how do you know all of this? Are you friends with Hugh Syme? Do you chat with MP and the band on a regular basis?

I think not.

ORIGINAL: SteveJohnson

illusioninc, if you are reading, I haven't checked the DT board to see if you have given due credit for "your" new sig gif. If you have, then thank you for the courtesy. If you haven't, then no thanks for the lack of courtesy.

Just curious as to the difference between him "stealing" your sig and you "stealing" the base material for the sig? I mean, that is the background to the DT album, is it not?

ORIGINAL: drumline

ORIGINAL: ProgMatinee

The REASON is that it was done in a computer program and not a picture of the real thing.

Its apparent to me that the artist set the strings at equal distances and simply forgot to account for the shift.

Its not a big deal and isn't something people need to flame the artist for, but its funny to think that there is some deliberate meaning behind it.

There is certainly meaning behind the ball being on the down swing, ready to knock things in motion...but there is no meaning behind the misplaced string.

At least, there shouldn't be unless DT wants it to go unrealized. Because 90% of people who are going to buy this album wouldn't have recognized it to begin with. Its only because when things are posted to the sites, they become scrutinized under a microscope, that so many noticed this.

And how do you know all of this? Are you friends with Hugh Syme? Do you chat with MP and the band on a regular basis?

I think not.

And do you do the things above? You have as much base for authority than I have. The base for my theory is common sense and reality.

1. Its inaccurate realistically.
2. Its totally practical that an error can be made.
3. The distance of the strings are equally apart.
4. A person with a drawing program has grids and rulers.
5. Its easier to draw a symmetrical object when you use the grids.
6. Therefore he used the grids and forgot to account for the shift in the arc of the string.


Is your stance based on some belief that DT or the artist don't make mistakes? Are they not people too?

Please shut up.

ORIGINAL: fusbolfan

Please shut up.

You first.

ORIGINAL: ProgMatinee

ORIGINAL: fusbolfan

Please shut up.

You first.

Dude.. seriously, lets not make this topic go bye bye again..

R.I.P. KeithK

ORIGINAL: Nasser

ORIGINAL: ProgMatinee

ORIGINAL: fusbolfan

Please shut up.

You first.

Dude.. seriously, lets not make this topic go bye bye again..

Address that to the people trying to take this off topic. I'm discussing the cover. People don't like my opinion on it and they need to make childish shots at me.

Back to the point. I'm not critical of the artist for the error, I just don't think there's a hidden message behind it.

In fact, if someone here didn't point it out, I probably never would have even realized it.

But anyway, error or no, its a beautiful cover and gives this feeling of hope, freedom, openness, and also anticipation...

You see the ball on the cover with the DT logo about to hit and put things in motion...it just screams "wait til you hear what's inside".