What makes Terminal Velocity by John Petrucci notable?

Terminal Velocity received critical acclaim for its technical prowess and compositional depth, debuting on the Billboard charts and solidifying Petrucci's status as a leading figure in progressive metal. The album resonates particularly with fans of Dream Theater, reflecting both his solo artistry and contributions to the band. Released in August 2020, Terminal Velocity is John Petrucci's first solo studio album in over fifteen years, following Suspended Animation in 2005. This album showcases his growth as a guitarist and composer, highlighting his exploration of new musical territories while maintaining his signature style.

How many songs are on Terminal Velocity?

Terminal Velocity has 9 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Terminal Velocity

John Petrucci · 2020

55 min · 9 tracks · progressive metal

A virtuosic blend of intricate guitar work and progressive structures that push the boundaries of instrumental metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Terminal Velocity — The title track opens the album with explosive energy and showcases Petrucci's signature guitar techniques, setting the tone for the entire project.
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The Oddfather — This track features complex rhythms and melodic shifts, exemplifying Petrucci's ability to weave storytelling through instrumental music.
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Gemini — With its dynamic contrasts and engaging solos, this track highlights the duality of Petrucci's playing style, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album displays high technical skill and compositional depth, making it a strong entry in progressive metal.

What we noticed

Each track showcases extended guitar solos that often shift between melodic phrases and technical runs, emphasizing Petrucci's virtuosity.
The closing track, 'Temple of Circadia', incorporates a gradual build-up with layered instrumentation, culminating in a climactic finish.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Terminal Velocity 6:07
2 The Oddfather 6:25
3 Happy Song 6:01
4 Gemini 6:05
5 Out of the Blue 5:46
6 Glassy-Eyed Zombies 5:55
7 The Way Things Fall 7:33
8 Snake in My Boot 4:04
9 Temple of Circadia 7:10

What to play next

Go back to

Suspended Animation

2005

Full John Petrucci discography Artists like John Petrucci

progressive metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata