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On the Backs of Angels

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"On the Backs of Angels"
Song

"On the Backs of Angels" is a song by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, featured on their 11th studio album A Dramatic Turn of Events. The song was written by the band's guitarist and producer John Petrucci, keyboardist Jordan Rudess and bassist John Myung. The song's lyrics were written by Petrucci.

"On the Backs of Angels" was released as A Dramatic Turn of Events' lead single via YouTube on June 29, 2011.[1] A music video for the song was released on September 14, 2011.[2]

In composing "On the Backs of Angels", Dream Theater tried to illustrate their signature sound.[3] From the start, the band envisioned the song as an album opener that, according to Petrucci, would make their fans "feel at home".

"On the Backs of Angels" is 8:43 long with numerous time signature changes, although it is mostly played in 4/4 and 3/4 time. The song's introduction features a moody and foreboding arpeggiated guitar pattern that was written by Petrucci and inspired by Pink Floyd.[4] At 5:51, the song breaks down into a piano passage that was improvised by Rudess.[5]

On November 30, 2011 it was announced that "On the Backs of Angels" has been nominated for a Grammy Award in the "Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance" category, the first Dream Theater song ever to do so,[6] however, it lost to "White Limo" by Foo Fighters.[7]

References

  1. ^ YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oasnbzEMV08&ob=av3e. Published 06/28/11. Retrieved 07/29/11.
  2. ^ Warner, Brett. Watch This: “On The Backs Of Angels” By Dream Theater. Oology. http://www.ology.com/music/watch-“-backs-angels”-dream-theater. Published & Retrieved 09/14/11.
  3. ^ DREAM THEATER - A Dramatic Turn Of Events Track by Track Interview. YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuw-25y6GC4. Published 08/16/11. Retrieved 10/19/11.
  4. ^ Bosso, Joe. Dream Theater's A Dramatic Turn Of Events: full album preview. Music Radar. http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/dream-theaters-a-dramatic-turn-of-events-full-album-preview-488940/2. Published 08/17/11. Retrieved 10/19/11.
  5. ^ Bosso, Joe. Dream Theater's Jordan Rudess on A Dramatic Turn Of Events. Music Radar. http://www.musicradar.com/news/drums/dream-theaters-jordan-rudess-on-a-dramatic-turn-of-events-491674/3. Published 08/31/11. Retrieved 10/19/11.
  6. ^ "DREAM THEATER, MEGADETH, MASTODON Among GRAMMY AWARDS Nominees". Blabbermouth.net. November 30, 2011. Retrieved December 01, 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  7. ^ "54th Grammy Awards Winners". indiatoday.in. February 13, 2012. Retrieved March 03, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
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