The Moshville Times - Album Review: Dream Theater

Dream Theater have long been known for their intricate compositions and virtuosic musicianship and that reputation continues with their 16th studio album Parasomnia which is due to be released on 7th February via Century Media Records. This album holds particular significance as it sees the band reunite with drummer extraordinaire Mike Portnoy, who last recorded with the band on 2009’s Black Clouds & Silver Linings.

Guitarist Petrucci says of the new album:

“Parasomnia is a term for disruptive, sleep-related disturbances including sleepwalking, sleep paralysis, and night terrors. Since our band name is literally a theatre that plays while you’re dreaming, it’s crazy we didn’t think of this sooner.”

“When you listen to this, I hope you’re able to hear, the excitement, the camaraderie, and feeling of being reunited as brothers. All of that is reflected in the music. It’s very driven and purposeful. I hope it sounds like the Dream Theater you and recall when Mike was in the band, but maybe even a little more elevated.”

The album delves into the surreal and often unsettling experiences that occur within the realm of sleep and is a testament to Dream Theater’s impeccable musicianship. The album itself is a journey through complex time signatures, soaring guitar solos and intricately rich keyboard layers. The guitars in particular weave precise and densely rich melodies throughout muscular riffs and powerful energy. The otherworldly keyboards add an extra layer of depth which assists in creating a rich soundscape that compliments the thematic elements of the album. It must be noted that Portnoy’s highly anticipated return to Dream Theater is nothing short of a triumph. His expert drumming techniques provide a solid backbone to the album with highly driven rhythms full of precision and extravagant flair. This reunion has definitely brought a new sense of energy to their sound.

The record opens with In “The Arms Of Morpheus,” a 5 minute long instrumental consisting of eerie piano, sighs, dripping water and a ticking clock which quickly descends into a nightmarish cacophony before the heavy crunch of an eight-string guitar rips through. This is the only occasion an eight-string guitar will make its appearance throughout the record however combined with the unnerving keyboards, it certainly makes a monumental impact. “Night Terror” kicks things into gear with ominous keys, slow, chugging guitar melodies and thunderous drums. Before you know it, the pace is quickened with what can only be described as classic Dream Theater riffs dense with rich melodies and technical precision before James LaBrie’s distinctive, velvety smooth vocals echo from the void and summon your attention with ease.

If you like what we do, consider ing us on Patreon for as little as £1 per month!

“A Broken Man” charges right at you with serious attitude. Dramatic orchestration, intricately detailed chugging guitar riffs and intense drumming ferry in a grandiose yet devastating onslaught of a distorted inner monologue. Lyrically speaking, the track tackles themes of sleep disturbances stemming from PTSD, specifically that of a veteran who has been traumatised. Therefore, you can expect a feeling of unease and fevered energy throughout. However, towards the latter stages of the track, it takes a heavy groove/jazz turn with addictive riffs and screaming solos before descending into a sense of unease once more. “Dead Asleep” literally screams into fruition with pitch harmonics and soaring guitars stirring up a sonic soundscape of dramatic orchestration and ethereal keyboards. There is an ominous and despairing feel about the track as LaBrie sings about true events of a sleep-walking murder. “Midnight Messiah” is a stand-out moment on the record, a hypnotic and evocative offering complete with monastic vocalisations and ascending guitar riffs creating a dark, dream-like atmosphere before exploding into a mid-tempo groove stomp. This track marks the first lyrical contribution from Portnoy since 2009

“Are We Dreaming” is another instrumental interlude which begins with haunting whispers and eerie keys until Bend The Clock smoothly glides forward. The closest this record gets to a ballad, Dream Theater opt for emotive, soaring vocals and heartfelt atmosphere. It begs the question if life had been experienced without the traumas, would it have been better? The guitar solos here are particularly uplifting as they twist and turn before fading out. “The Shadow Man Incident” deserves a whole EP of its own. Not only is it the concluding track to the record, it is a monstrous 19 minutes long in total. Opening with a creepy music box sound, it describes the story of a confrontation with an apparition during sleep paralysis, a phenomenon experienced by countless people worldwide who have described an encounter with the same ‘Shadow Man’ or ‘The Hat Man’ having been awoken during the REM state of sleep. An artistic and unsettling approach to one of life’s mysteries executed in a fashion that can only be achieved by Dream Theater. Sprawling guitars, dynamic time signatures, enthralling story-telling and grand, orchestral opulence; a fully immersive experience.

Parasomnia is a record, much like the rest of Dream Theater’s discography, that warrants repeated listens to fully absorb the colourful array of textures and depth. Full of intricate compositions and rich in dramatics, the record stands as a testament to the band’s enduring creativity and musicianship. With 16 studio albums under their belts, Parasomnia deserves to hold a special place in the world of boundless progressive metal.

Don’t fancy Patreon? Buy us a one-off beverage!

Parasomnia is out on February 7th via Century Media Records.

Check out all the bands we review in 2025 on our Spotify and YouTube playlists!