Dream Theater
Parasomnia
(InsideOut Music)
As a disturbingly dedicated fan of all things Dream Theater and Dream Theater-related, the departure of founding drummer Mike Portnoy was unexpected, to say the very least. Despite this, I continued to partake in their post-Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009) era with the same ravenous abandon, the resulting input lacked, for want of a more succinct term, a ‘certain something’ that initially attracted me to their compositional complexities and introspective, thought-provoking lyrical vernacular. Although the Dream Theater (2013) and Distance Over Time (2019) era may have temporarily placated my concerns (the group, in my opinion appeared rejuvenated), the oddly lackluster The Astonishing (2016) would leave me questioning the validity of their long-term future. Now, with Portnoy’s triumphant return officially upon us all and the release of the ingenious Parasomnia here, I find myself only more than happy to shamelessly re-indulge in their latest high–octane auditory offerings.
On the brilliant Parasomnia (2025), an expertly assembled eight song collection of Progressive Heavy Metal, each track, beginning with the relentlessly pummeling lament “Night Terror” and the swaggering second sing-le “A Broken Man”, immediately commands the rapt and undivided attention of even the most jaded and unimaginative of listeners, myself most definitely included. Understandably intent on improving upon the ingenious A View From The Top Of The World (2021) and Distance Over Time (2019), the ‘re–constituted‘ group unleashes a seamless, multi-dimensional blend of soaring vocals, razor-sharp fretwork and imaginatively punishing rhythms. Engulfing all parties involved amid the all-consuming auditory landscapes that have thus far personified their discography, the group, for lack of more succinct terminology, appears unfazed by the tumultuous change to their line-up, now seemingly feeding upon the oft-condescending chatter and doubt of their occasional detractors.
Continuing with the delightfully melancholy ‘riff clinic’ “Dead Asleep” and the maddeningly infectious third single “Midnight Messiah” (the Mike Leonard-edited video can be viewed here), the airtight combination of vocalist James LaBrie (MullMuzzler), guitarist John Petrucci (Liquid Tension Experiment), keyboardist Jordan Rudess (Dixie Dregs), bassist John Myung (Explorers Club) and previously-mentioned drummer Mike Portnoy steamrolls ahead at what can only be described as a carefully-calculated approach. Armed with a veritable sense of electricity reminiscent of their finest recorded moments, the notoriously prolific Petrucci boldly forges ahead as bona fide leader as he so often has done in the past. Flexing their more-than-considerable creative muscles, the resulting sonic barrage, while undeniably within the parameters of the Dream Theater you all know and love, serves as a much-welcomed reminder of their ability to embrace a non-traditional musical path when its needed.
A self-Produced affair throughout with Engineering, Mixing and Mastering duties being deftly ‘handled‘ by the legendary Andy Sneap (Exodus, Megadeth and Testament, among others), other standouts, including the frighteningly hook-laden gem “Bend The Clock” and the uniquely-exhaustive (i.e., 19:32!) yet thoroughly stunning closer “The Shadow Man Incident” ultimately succeeds by returning the group to their much-celebrated roots. Easily on par with Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009) and the “Build Me Up, Break Me Down”-propelled A Dramatic Turn Of Events (2011), the group’s concerted efforts are nothing short of extraordinary and deserve to be treated accordingly. An absolute must-have for any genuine Dream Theater enthusiast–particularly those with a thirst for the 1989 – 2010 era–the group wisely maintains their trademark Prog tonalities without, believe it or not, succumbing to the shamelessly overblown, cheesy redundancies that plague their few contemporaries.
With the often-mighty Parasomnia effectively capturing the group operating with a renewed sense of resolve, the majority–if not all–of the decidedly memorable wares contained herein are seemingly guaranteed to leave both die-hard completists and clueless newcomer alike wanting for more. Love it or loathe it, the return of Portnoy has immediately made an impact. Remaining atmospheric and undeniably grandiose, Parasomnia is quite easily the finest new Progressive Metal release of this still too young year. Returning with a vengeance once thought to have been lost, the group now fires on all cylinders early and often. Needless to say, if you’ve once again found yourself searching for a musically challenging alternative to the painfully mindless din and clatters of the proverbial mainstream (their impressively lofty Billboard Top 40 chart positions not withstanding), then this, my friends, might be the high-octane cure-all for whatever ails you. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Select Discography
Parasomnia (2025)
A View From The Top Of The World (2021)
Distance Over Time (2019)
The Astonishing (2016)
Breaking The Fourth Wall: Live From The Boston Opera House (Blu-Ray/DVD) (2014)
Live At Luna Park (DVD) (2013)
Dream Theater (2013)
A Dramatic Turn Of Events (2011)
Wither (EP) (2009)
Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009)
Chaos In Motion 2007 – 2008 (DVD)
Greatest Hit…And 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs (2008)
Systematic Chaos (2007)
Score (2006)
Octavarium (2005)
Live At Budokan (2004)
Images And Words: Live In Tokyo/5 Years In A Livetime (DVD) (2004)
The Majesty Demos 1985 – 1986 (2003)
Train Of Thought (2003)
Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence (2002)
Metropolis 2000: Live Scenes From New York (DVD) (2001)
Live Scenes From New York (2001)
Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory (1999)
Once In A LIVEtime (1998)
Falling Into Infinity (1997)
A Change Of Seasons (EP) (1995)
Awake (1994)
Images And Words: Live In Tokyo (DVD) (1993)
Live At The Marquee (EP) (1993)
Images And Words (1992)
When Dream And Day Unite (1989)