I have been a Dream Theater fan since 2015. I’ve grown up in the Mangini era, constantly hearing fans say, “I wish Portnoy would come back,” for as long as I’ve been listening. Sure, I’ve joined the odd “Mike is better than Mike” debate, and I got a kick out of seeing Mike Portnoy and his family attending a few shows on the later Mangini-era tours. Yet even while enjoying the third Liquid Tension Experiment album and John Petrucci’s solo project and tour, it never crossed my mind what kind of surprise might be in store.
2023 was already a massive year for me in terms of favorite bands. Metallica released 72 Seasons, and I got to see fantastic shows by heavy-hitting acts like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ed Sheeran, Megadeth, Trivium, Devin Townsend, and Foo Fighters. However, it never crossed my mind that two of my favorite bands would stage monumental reunions. First, Creed—my childhood favorite—announced their reunion around my 25th birthday. That alone was extraordinary. But three months later—just after my band, Lines of Conviction released our debut single—Dream Theater announced Mike Portnoy’s return.
Come 2024, Dream Theater ramped up for their 40th anniversary tour and began teasing their next album. We learned it would be darker, with Portnoy himself saying it would “pick up right where Black Clouds & Silver Linings left off.” Then, 10 days before the band’s first London show, they dropped a new single “Night Terror,” followed by an official announcement of Parasomnia arriving on February 7th. Naturally, I was beyond excited.
Having heard the album, I can safely say it lives up to the hype. From the opening city soundscape to the ringing phone that closes it out, Parasomnia is intense and had me cheering right away. Every track carries the energy of Scenes from a Memory and Train of Thought, while also fulfilling the production promises from A View from the Top of the World, courtesy of Andy Sneap, and integrating John Petrucci’s new eight-string guitar.
“Night Terror” and “A Broken Man” were both advanced singles that provide a solid sample of Parasomnia’s sound, though they’re hardly the album’s most thrilling moments. Dream Theater has often played it safe with single choices, and that trend continues here. While Parasomnia isn’t a fully fledged concept record, every track touches on the theme of nightmares or bizarre sleep phenomena.
“In the Arms of Morpheus” sets the stage excellently, opening with bustling city noises before taking a dark turn in an epic overture reminiscent of “Overture 1928” and the opening movement of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. “Dead Asleep” delivers a chilling murder mystery—complete with shocking twists—that feels like a self-contained sequel to Scenes from a Memory, and it stands out as a return to form. “Midnight Messiah” is sure to reward hardcore fans, packed with Portnoy-penned lyric references from years gone by (no spoilers here!). “Bend the Clock” is another standout, serving as a ballad-like interlude where James LaBrie’s vocals truly shine, particularly in its captivating chorus.
Then there’s the nineteen-and-a-half-minute “The Shadow Man Incident,” arguably the track the fanbase has most anticipated since the album announcement. This single piece invokes much of Dream Theater’s past while still charting unexplored territory. References to HP Lovecraft abound, guaranteed to please any metalhead. Although Parasomnia comprises only eight songs—seven if you exclude the ambient “Are We Dreaming”—it packs ample material, with six of the tracks surpassing seven minutes each.
Perhaps the album’s greatest strength is how it weaves in so many elements from Dream Theater’s back catalog yet manages to feel fresh. Multiple moments had me genuinely shouting in joy—a reaction I haven’t had from many newer releases lately. Truth be told, I initially expected an A View from the Top of the World sequel featuring Portnoy on drums. Yet knowing the upcoming tour will showcase Parasomnia from start to finish feels less daunting now; in fact, I’m even more motivated to travel internationally to see one of these shows.
Parasomnia is absolutely worthy of the initial hype. It’s beyond what I ever dreamed, already securing a place in my top five Dream Theater albums next to Awake and Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. If you’re a Dream Theater or progressive metal fan, don’t sleep on this record. There’s plenty for those drawn to the band’s heavier side, though “Bend the Clock” might serve as a stellar gateway for converting new listeners. With the classic lineup reunited, it’s all as good as it’s ever been. From this Aussie Dream Theater devotee, Parasomnia confidently earns a 9/10
Favorite Tracks:
- “Midnight Messiah”
- “Bend the Clock”
- “The Shadow Man Incident”
Final Rating: 9/10
The track listing for Parasomnia is:
1) In The Arms Of Morpheus (5:22)
2) Night Terror (9:55)
3) A Broken Man (8:30)
4) Dead Asleep (11:06)
5) Midnight Messiah (7:58)
6) Are We Dreaming? (1:28)
7) Bend The Clock (7:24)
8) The Shadow Man Incident (19:32)
Parasomnia is now available for pre-order here in the following configurations:
- Ltd Deluxe Box-set – includes Ltd Deluxe 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook (Incl. CD1: full album, CD2: instrumentals, Blu-ray: Dolby Atmos & 5.1 Surround Sound – mixed by Mark Gittins, High-Resolution Stereo Mixes, animated visualizers for each song created by Wayne Joyner, + 68-page booklet), Ltd Gatefold 180g Dark Green 2LP (feat. alternative cover artwork), Majesty-logo dream catcher keyring, Sleeping mask, Dream journal, 60x60cm poster & hand-numbered, foil-stamped certificate of authenticity. Limited to 3500 copies worldwide.
- Ltd Deluxe 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook – (Incl. CD1: full album, CD2: instrumentals, Blu-ray: Dolby Atmos & 5.1 Surround Sound – mixed by Mark Gittins, High-Resolution Stereo Mixes, animated visualizers for each song created by Wayne Joyner, + 68-page booklet)
- Gatefold 180g 2LP + 12-page LP-booklet
- Special Edition CD Digipak
- Digital Album – (incl. Dolby Atmos – mixed by Mark Gittins)
With the excitement around the band’s reunion at a fever pitch, Dream Theater will be heading out on the next leg of the An Evening with Dream Theater 40th Anniversary Tour 2024 – 2025 this month. The world tour continues December 7 in Mexico City, Mexico, at the Explanada Estadio Azteca, before wrapping up December 22 in Santiago, Chile. The North American leg is scheduled to kick off on February 7 in Philadelphia, PA, and runs through March 22, where it wraps in the band’s hometown of New York City. Dream Theater will be performing classics and fan favorites from their catalog in what promises to be an unforgettable evening of music. More information on all tickets and VIP packages can be found at: https://dreamtheater.net/tour/.
An Evening with Dream Theater 40th Anniversary Tour 2024 – 2025
February 7 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met (Limited Tickets Remain)
February 8 – Raleigh, NC – Martin Marietta Center (Sold Out)
February 10 – Nashville, TN – Opry House
February 11 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy (Limited Tickets Remain)
February 12 – Biloxi, MI – Hard Rock Café
February 14 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
February 15 – Dallas, TX – Texas Trust CU
February 16 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic
February 18 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Center
February 19 – Highland, CA – Yaamava Theater
February 21 – Las Vegas, NV – The Chelsea
February 22 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater (Limited Tickets Remain)
February 24 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic
February 25 – Sacramento, CA – Safe Credit Union Performing
February 27 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theater (Limited Tickets Remain)
February 28 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium
March 2 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra
March 4 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center
March 6 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
March 8 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre (Limited Tickets Remain)
March 9 – Cleveland, OH – MGM Northfield Park (Limited Tickets Remain)
March 11 – Toronto, ON – Coca-Cola Coliseum
March 12 – Montreal, QC – Place des Arts (Limited Tickets Remain)
March 14 – Wallingford, CT – Oakdale Theater (Limited Tickets Remain)
March 15 – Boston. MA – Boch Center (Sold Out)
March 17 – Rochester, NY – Kodak
March 18 – Wheeling, WV – Capitol Theater
March 19 – Cincinnati, OH – Brady Music Center (Limited Tickets Remain)
March 21 – Washington, DC – The Anthem (Limited Tickets Remain)
March 22 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall (Limited Tickets Remain)
Find Dream Theater online:
https://www.facebook.com/dreamtheater
http://twitter.com/dreamtheaternet
https://www.instagram.com/dreamtheaterofficial
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