Charlie Dominici, former lead singer with Dream Theater, completes his impressive O3 trilogy with this, the release of the final installment in the series. The concept behind the three albums sees the fact that “the chemical makeup of O3 (Ozone) can be significantly altered so as to become a rapidly growing chemical reaction changing all Oxygen and Oxygen containing compounds into a deadly poisonous gas that would ultimately destroy all life and living things on the earth” Now with Episode 3 the story is brought to a predictable conclusion, (or perhaps I’ve just read to many books)

Given that the album opens with a news report of a nuclear explosion in the Middle East things don't look too promising and this opening sets the scene for an album that is a collection of heavy songs in more than just a musical sense, as it deals with death of civilization and the massacre of mankind, who causes it and why....

One of the difficulties in reviewing a concept album is the fact that you don't want to discuss the lyrical content too much as there is always the potential of spoiling any surprises for those who go out and buy the record. With that in mind I think it's safe to say that Part 3 is an album very much in the vein of the classic Operation Mindcrime opus with of course liberal Dream Theater references throughout. In fairness, as an album, this will certainly appeal to all Dream Theater fans and it may be that is how it was designed given the fact that the band behind Dominici comprises of former members of an Italian Dream Theater tribute act. In all likelihood this is probably how Portnoy et al would have developed had they stuck with Dominici instead of bringing James LaBrie into the fold.

As for the songs, well closing track Genesis stands out head shoulders above the rest of the album, but this doesn't mean that the other tracks are bad, far from it.  Actually it would be fairer to say that Genesis is the first among equals and, with plenty of light and shade and variety on offer, from typical “prog metal” fare to the ballad So Help Me God the album, as a body of work, holds together incredibly well. Indeed it gets better with repeated listens as it reveals more of itself with each play. This is intelligent, thought provoking rock/metal and although at times it does a little bit of work on the part of the listener, the effort is repaid in spades and come year end could easily warrant a place in my top ten.

Let us know your views on 03: A Trilogy Part 3

Track Listing

King of Terror
March into Hell
So Help Me God
Liquid Lightning
Enemies of God
Revelation
Hell on Earth
Genesis

Line Up

Charlie Dominici - Vocals
Brian Maillard - Guitars
Americo Rigoldi - Keyboards
Erik Atzeni - Bass
Yan Maillard - Drums