i think this thread doesn't make any sense. correct me if im wrong but phrasing and technique-wise, petrucci tops hide many times over. no chance man. in terms of showmanship, yes hide will get my pick. imo it's music we're listening to, so its the music that brings out the groove or feel in me. showmanship is only a value-added service.
P.S: dun get me wrong, i listen to xjapan too but i think this kind of comparison is blasphemous