November 25th, 2020 - This Train Of Thought Has Been Derailed!

Good evening!  The Meista here tonight pairing Dream Theater's killer "Train Of Thought" with a Derailment IPA from the fine folks at Ogden River Brewing Company!

Album Info: 

• Artist: Dream Theater
• Title: "Train Of Thought"
• Recorded: March  through September 2003 in Cove City Sound Studios, Pie Studios, and Beat Street Studios in New York City, New York
  Release date: November 11th, 2003 (7th studio album by Dream Theater)
• Record company: Elektra Records
• Production: Mike Portnoy and John Petrucci
• Album cover art: Jerry Uelsmann
• Personnel: James LaBrie (lead vocals), John Myung (bass), John Petrucci (guitars and backing vocals), Mike Portnoy (drums and backing vocals), and Jordan Rudess (keyboards)
• Guest musician: Eugene Friesen (cello on "Vacant")
• Musical style: Progressive metal/rock, heavy metal
• Sound: Probably their heaviest and most metal album, the sound on "Train Of Thought" is aggressive, powerful, and dark!  There is heavy riffing, thunderous drumming, mind-blowing bass lines, a vast vocal range, interesting time signatures, crazy transitions, rich melodies, and amazing solos!
• Major themes: Being true to yourself, self knowledge, addiction, hate, aggression, fear, regrets in life, pain, loss, death, etc.
• Tracks:  

1. "As I Am"
2. "This Dying Soul"
3. "Endless Sacrifice"
4. "Honor Thy Father"
5. "Vacant"
6. "Stream Of Consciousness"
7. "In The Name Of God"

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Ogden River Brewing (Ogden, Utah)
• Website: https://ogdenriverbrewing.com/
• Brew: Derailment IPA
• Style: American India Pale Ale (IPA)
• Serving: 32 ounce crowler can
• ABV: 5.0%
• IBUs: 36
• Ingredients: Amarillo, Citra, and El Dorado hops
• Pour: The Derailment IPA pours a slightly hazy golden yellow with a 1+ finger, bright-white, frothy head with good retention and lots of soapy lacing.
• Nose: The nose is hoppy, dank, earthy, and malty.  There are aromas of grapefruit rind, tangerine, mango, pineapple, herbal tea, fresh herbs, pine resin, wild flowers, a hint of onion, hearty multi-grain bread, and soft caramel.
• Taste: The taste of the Derailment IPA follows the nose and is characterized by earthy, citrusy, fruity, and floral hops along with bready malts.  There are notes of grapefruit juice, tangerine, mango, pine, freshly chopped herbs, black tea, freshly baked bread, and soft caramel.
• Mouthfeel: Medium to full in body with moderate carbonation, the Derailment IPA's mouthfeel is crisp, slightly bitter, yet smooth with a dry finish.

Overall pairing: The bold, citrusy, complex, and delicious flavors and aromas of the Derailment IPA from the fine folks at Ogden River Brewing is perfect for the intense, aggressive, and profoundly powerful execution of musicianship on Dream Theater's perfect and heavy as hell "Train Of Thought"!!  Those bold hop flavors and that solid malt backbone work really well with the intensity, power, and brilliance of each and every track on this wonderful album!  'Nuff said!!

Cheers and hails!!