Artist: Dream Theater
Genre: Progressive Metal
Record Label: Inside Out Music
Release Date: 7 February 2025
Dream Theater’s latest album, Parasomnia, offers a powerful journey through themes of sleep disorders, marking the return of drummer Mike Portnoy. With fresh energy and intricate compositions, the progressive metal legends deliver a captivating release that showcases their signature technical prowess.
The album begins with In The Arms of Morpheus, where a cinematic introduction transitions into tense, dissonant sections powered by John Petrucci’s commanding 8-string guitar riffs. The band masterfully resolves the chaos with layered harmonies. Next, Night Terror creates eerie tones, blending haunting keys and clean guitars with syncopated grooves and a soaring chorus. Both Petrucci and Jordan Rudess contribute standout solos.
A Broken Man dives into themes of PTSD, featuring heavy, fragmented riffs that reflect the song’s lyrical tension. LaBrie’s deliberate vocals complement the track’s weight, while the solo section highlights Dream Theater’s technical brilliance. In contrast, Dead Asleep is dynamic and energetic, moving from a quiet intro to a driving shuffle rhythm led by a baritone guitar. Its memorable chorus and impressive solos make it one of the album’s highlights.
Midnight Messiah blends clean arpeggios reminiscent of Pink Floyd with a soaring double-time chorus and intricate guitar tapping. The brief interlude Are We Dreaming offers a serene moment with bell-like sounds and soft piano chords.
Bend The Clock stands out as a heartfelt ballad, featuring some of LaBrie’s finest vocal melodies and a soulful solo by Petrucci. The album closes with the epic The Shadow Man Incident, a 20-minute masterpiece filled with tempo changes, complex harmonies, and extended instrumental passages. Petrucci and Rudess weave seamless solos, while Myung’s basslines and Portnoy’s dynamic drumming drive the track to a triumphant conclusion.
Parasomnia is a bold and cohesive release that reaffirms Dream Theater’s status as pioneers of progressive metal. Celebrating 40 years of innovation, the album combines creativity, technical mastery, and emotional depth, making it essential listening for metal and prog fans alike.
Artists: Dream Theater