I don't see Circus Maximus as a ripoff band at all. Sure, they sound a little bit like a cross between Symphony X and Dream Theater, but they have their own unique sound. I personally like The 1st Chapter more than most of the stuff Dream Theater has written in the past decade or so.
Sin - Awesome song. Heavy, melodic, great riffs.
Alive - Like a mix of 80's Rush and early DT, only heavier and better. Love the riff at about 3:00.
Glory of the Empire - It's so much like the Accolades, but in a great, non ripoff way. One of the best.
Biosfear - A little too much DT-style wanking for me, but still good.
Silence From Angels Above - Not my thing, but a great ballad.
Why Am I Here? - Good, but probably my least favorite. Nothing really stands out to me.
The Prophecy - Reminds me of Awakenings (structurally), and the intro is very DT. Great song, love the riffs.
The 1st Chapter - Kind of like old-school long Rush songs, but with a newer, heavier feel. Love the chugging riffs.
Imperial Destruction - Bluesy and somewhat Megadethy. Catchy and heavy and great.
Haunted Dreams - Don't much care for this one. The vocals seem too loud in the mix, too.