Classical Composer Reacts to DREAM THEATER: IN THE NAME OF GOD | The Daily Doug (Episode 688) 

Rule of thumb with DT: usually when you hear a double lead guitar track during an instrumental section is actually a guitar/keyboard unison.

Fun fact: Jordan plays the last note of this song with his nose.

"I love it when they play in octaves and- HOLY SHIT" Same.

Mike Portnoy's drum sound on this album changed my life.

Fun fact 8:35. If you listen closely you can hear morse code being tapped. The translation is "eat my ass and balls" a reference to an in-joke from the Live Scenes From a Memory DVD commentary. When releasing ToT they told fans there was a secret. Someone jokingly said "something is probably in morse code". The discovery wasn't made until MONTHS after the release of the album.

I know everyone loves Scenes From a Memory and rightfully so, but this song is 100% peak Dream Theater in my book. The absolute pinnacle.

There isn't a topic in this world that makes me click a video faster than Doug and Dream Theater. Brilliant brilliant stuff!

I'm really sad to see that many people who don't like DT usually have the idea that "it's just a band of virtuoso musicians who play complicated music". Man, it's much more than that, the lyrics are fantastic, the emotion that these guys manage to convey in their sound is unparalleled, it's not just about technique. That's why it's one of my favorite bands.

"If we allow ourselves to invent reasoning for belief's that are irrational then we open ourselves to being manipulated" -Doug Helvering Well said.

That song man... Dream Theater, a gift to humanity.

"Doing things in the name of god should ony be reserved for breaking cycles of violence, not starting them". I've never been religious but that was some powerful and moving stuff. I've felt the same way but never heard it put quite so elgantly and poingantly as that. Religion has always had the capacity for beatiful acts of kindness, generosity and humanity. It is just a shame that it is so rarely seen throughout history and in the modern day.

Last note leads into “The Root of All evil” which starts Octavarium. This is one of my favorite DT songs. Glad you are checking it out.

For me, Train of Thought is thier best album. The lyrics of this song are most appropriate for the world we live in today.

James' Screaming at 10:15 is pretty unique to this song as well.

The end 6/8 section where The Battle Hymn of the Republic comes in never fails to give me goosebumps. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever heard on my life. The juxtaposition of the Hymn against a song questioning people’s actions in the name of their faith is just *chefs kiss*

love watching someone with a trained ear properly take these things apart and understanding what they're doing musically/theoretically. love your videos!

That was the DT we all loved. Firing on all cylinders at full speed. Damn, I'm so happy MP is back.

Honor Thy Father is one of my personal Favs in general from Dream Theater.

When this masterpiece (all album) was written in 3 weeks still blows my mind.

11:25 literally everyone's reaction listening to this part for the first time lol

Besides how you react to DT, I love the way you interpret the lyrics by adding your own perception. I'm from Syria, and I can relate a lot to the meaning behind the lyrics. As a Muslim, when I first listened to this song almost 18 years ago, it made me think and question my beliefs, ultimately leading me to stop believing in religion.

It took me YEARS to me (and a good pair of headphones) to discover that on 10:05 there's James SCREAMING in the background of those lyrics. Since then, I didn't even know he was able to scream :D And of course, since then I'm obiged to sing along with the backing vocals instead of the lead one :D Here, and "there's a girl in the mirror" one octave above part in Strange Déjà vu :D

I love that ending chord on the piano. It feels uncertain and fits the theme of asking the question “does following faith lead us to violence?” Feels like a question mark of a chord.

Really love that reaction at 11:25 😅

One of my all time favourite Dream Theater songs, especially the live version from Budokan!!

Please do "the best of times" without fail, it's probably most super intense emotional song from them, with a solo to remember for ages.

I think it's about time you react to Spastic Ink, trust me, you won't regret it

See the live version “Live at Budokan” from show in Japan. It’s amazing.

The first time I heard this, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" really caught me off guard. So amazing.

Portnoy's drum sound is back and thats beautiful.

Looking forward to this one! Absolutely an underrated classic from DT.

Oh boy……here we go Can’t wait to see Doug’s reaction

Full album pleeaaasseee

Violence is horrible. Violence on another's behalf is even worse. I love the use of Battle Hymn at the end to remind us how we can sanction violence not just at the behest of the relious leaders, but of the state as well. Adherence to any hierarchy, religious or otherwise, to the point of murder, is terrifying.

My second favorite Dream Theater song. It’s brilliant, and the Battle Hymn of the Republic in the outro is goosebumps every time.

This is the darkest Dream theater album. My favorite song from this band is In the name of God. It makes me feel powerful after i listen to it. Amazing compositions ,riffs , vocals, you name it. 🤘🏼🔥

The pinch harmonic near the end (you know the one) is one of my favorite musical moments ever. That drop is crazy on a first tine listen.

This is my personal favorite song from Dream Theater. It was this song that got me into the band.back in the day.

As a recommendation, there's this Japanese band that covered Dream Theatre's Dance of Eternity, except they replaced Jordan's keyboard with a violin, and it works so well, they're called Unlucky Morpheus. The violin really gives a different vibe to the sound, the way she can produce different sounds on the violin is really something else. Never quite seen anything like it.

Fantastic goosebump song, even if I have heard it maybe literally 500 times

Love this song, and I know it was voted on, but it'd be cool to still see The Best of Times. Mike's most personal track from his time with DT for sure.

This song live is insane

This is a powerful song, ala 'Outcry.'

I remember when I first heard this song, the theme was intellectual and philosophical in nature, because I lived in a peaceful country. Now, the unthinkable has happened : it's become real... now we have beheadings, car attacks, throat slit, knife attacks, murders, and massacres like the Bataclan attack, all in the name of their god. These people hate us, and there's no fixing it. It's tragic. If you can kill in the name of a peaceful book like the Bible, imagine what you can do in the name of a hate filled book... I also think that faith is part of the human experience, and if you take away traditional religions, people will create new beliefs to be militant about. New religions. Like ecology for example, some people are peaceful about it, some people become part of a death cult that wants the destruction of mankind, just like with the old religions. Some people always find a reason to hate humanity and to be violent.

Since Mike returned to Dream, what better than receiving it listening to which, for me, is the best album with his best performances, Awake... the sound of the drums, the compositions, its production, I love them

From the 11:23 mark... "I love it when they play in octaves. Holy Shit!" May be the best line ever!

Listening to Doug’s words at the end of the song made me appreciate this piece even more! Amazing job!

Great reaction, and I really like your sentiment about religion and what it does to people and society when it goes wrong.

Thank you for your very knowledgeable, compassionate and nuanced take on the middle east.

As a religious man, that line does following faith lead us to violence also hit me hard. I often ponder the philosophical questions and it all spirals down to subjective doctrines vs objective personal god and vice versa, subjective personal god vs objective doctrines. I love the way DT uses octave in the first song “as I am” and last song of the album, hinting that full circle? It’s good to hear the song especially hearing so many warfares now days.

The 'live-at-budokan-version' has, IMO, of the coolest Petrucci solo's up-to-date. An amazing ending to such an amazing concert. I highly recommend to take a look at this as they played it to perfection.

"Holy shit" during the bumblebee part 😂😂😂 My same reaction too

Love it, Doug. You make me wish I researched songs more, because it really does add so much appreciation for a piece, to know the context for it's creation. Especially DT, who time and time again prove to be my favorite band. I've got goose bumps now, haha.

I love your knowledge of DTs lore and I love listening to this song while you deconstruct it 😃

Amazing song! Enjoyed this one very much! You should make a spotify playlist with all of your reviewed songs 🤩

Watching Daily Doug's reaction is like going back to those younger days when I was listening to DT songs with some old friends. That amazed feeling at the end of every song, just like what you did, is so nostalgic! Thanks Doug, I’ve never skipped a bit watching your videos

Loved the song analisys and specially the words after it.

Great job Doug! I highly recommend watching the live version of this at Budokon.

insightful stuff doug. cheers!

Been waiting for this reaction for many months, and it finally happened. Thanks, Doug! I guess you already watched the live version at the Budokan. It's perfect and watching them ply it is mesmerizing. Best!

Always nice and entertaining to see how this man with great expertise deals with this type of music. Great channel! Warm greetings from Germany and all the best.

Definitely my favorite song on this album. Thank you for your post!

My favorite Album by Dream Theater

I have been waiting for you to break this one down! Did not disappoint. And you're absoutely right - this song is more relevant than ever with the current events

Epic track -- thanks for this! Truly wise words of yours too Doug.. that's what I love about music. We need these messages man! Thanks again.

This if one of my favorite DT songs, great to have your take on it. Very important message. There are some songs from Epica and After Forever on the same topic.

Another brilliant review Doug. I love to watch you do a little bit of Monday headbanging.. these guys are just amazing musicians. And that is always Jordan Rudess and John Petrucci playing simultaneously and some of those runs.

This and Octavarium are my absolute favorites of Dream Theater's work. I absolutely love this

Wow that conclusion was spot on Doug. As usual I've enjoyed your reaction and intelligent perspective on things and I agree 100% with you on this one paroticular song, which is one of my all time DT favourites. Cheers!

Jordan Rudess ended that final part of the piano, the F key with his nose!... that's hilarious but true! 😂😂

Bravo, I love this and many other dream theater records Doug! Keep on reacting I love this! If I’m gonna go on record, this album is the most metal album they have other than awake! This record is metal with a true metal twist! Much love Doug I’m glad you loved it!

Can I like this video twice? Once for the stellar song choice, second for the great breakdown at the end discussing the themes and message of the song and how it carries over 20 years later.

One of my all time favorites from DT. Great freaking song!

One of my favorite DT songs, especially that outro; it’s haunting and beautiful.

Love your commentary at the end. Well said sir.

Excellent video, Sir. Thank you 🙂✌

Amazing words after the song. We ALL will change soon.

I always have goosebumps when listening to this song. Always. Great choice for your channel. Works for any religion; might be at different historical points, but any.

Shame it's not the live version but I'm glad you decided to check out this fantastic epic. Loving that copy of Terminal Velocity in the background.

Been listening to DT for close to 30 years. I love this album. Really heavy guitar. This song is an absolute masterpiece and probably my favorite DT song. The lyrics are very deep and the music is just spot on perfect.

Brilliant musical, intellectual, and emotional interpretation as always, Doug, I love your show , Especially the dream theater ones hehe 🎸🤘❤️

I’ve been waiting for this one!

It's cool, Doug. Tempo changes mess with everyone's air drumming. You still kick ass. Love the channel.

I agree with what you have said. It is a song I've been familiar with since the album released around 2003. Great review!

This was the first song i ever heard from the band it had me completely hooked. One of my favourite tracks of theirs still. Its astounding

Train of Thought was the first album by DT that i heard. It was just released and I was a 15 year old, just getting into heavy metal. It totally blew my mind and In the Name of God was actually my fav track on it. I always wondered what that outro insert was, but neither had the background knowledge to identify it, nor was able to make out the words enough to google them. Thank you very much for enlightening me!

I think this might be my all-time favorite song, along with Pull Me Under, Lifting Shadows Off A Dream, and Home.

This is one of my absolute favorite Dream Theater songs. It's powerful both musically and lyrically. Really glad you caught the Battle Hymn of the Republic. It's mixed pretty low but is such an awesome choice in that finale. When the transition to the main theme comes back at 13:10, it's like a mix of anguish of those who suffer from these acts (the lead melody line) and epic grandeur in the minds of the people doing these things (the powerful chords and open soundscape behind the melody). Thanks for listening to it.

Hey Doug. I love this song. The live version is done with absolute perfection. By the way it's Johns voice singing those high notes.

This album is a complete masterpiece. Best DT album and top 20 albums in Metal history in my opinion! It's even more incredible when you know that it was made in just 3 weeks, but these geniuses were in their prime!

Oh I've been waiting for this one in particular. Thanks for listening to this one Doug! Still waiting on the Visions album by Haken though. That should be a full album listen!

Great video!

That Petrucci solo still blows my mind to this day, what a cool solo, love the vibe of it with how breakneck and winding it is while the bass and drums are doing this fun sped up groove

I'm sure somebody has pointed this out but in the quiet breakdown section, the almost percussion like ticking is morse code for EATMYASSANDBALLSEATMYASSANDBALLS

When they do this live, they show video footage of Jim Jones as well.

One of the best collections of exclamations and facial expressions yet!

Still watching this, but wanted to confirm that John's guitar is tuned down to C standard for this track. In the interest of completion, for each track on the album: As I Am - C Standard This Dying Soul - Standard tuning, but on a 7-string Endless Sacrifice - D Standard Honor Thy Father - C Standard Vacant - N/A Stream of Consciousness - Eb Standard In the Name of God - C Standard Also, a fun fact on the making of the album is that that final F that Jordan plays in this track he plays with his nose, lol. You get to see that on the behind the scenes, making-of documentary.

DT fan here from all the way back with Images and Words. Train of Thought is my favorite album of theres. SOOO many incredible songs!!!!

The "Holy Shit" park was BOTH John and Jordan. Anything sounding double track is always John and Jordan. They're the best

Been waiting on this one!