Well, its not taht being instrument prodigys destroys the soul. Its just a general trend.

Two of my favorite bands are primus and rush, both power trios with ridiculously talented instrumentalists.


Also, writing great music, generally speaking, has almost nothing to do with instrumental ability, and everything to do with composition. The ability to compose great music requires instrumental ability only to a certain point, and originality/passion/pain (soul) most of all.

Which is why instrumentally mediocre bands like Tool, SOAD, Nirvana, etc, will always blow the asshole out of Dream Theater.