Something many fans of Dream Theater, never thought would have happened again, has happened. Drummer Mike Portnoy has returned to the band and the band has released their first new album with him. That album is Parasomnia, and it was released on February 7, 2025, via their longtime label, Inside Out Music/Sony Music.
That is the news every Dream Theater fan wanted to hear. Now, how is the quality of the album?
I believe it is a return. Not to the perfect sound days of Images and Words or Awake, but to the time when they were students at Berklee in Boston. The time they were studied and virtuoso instrumentalists, grooving in the studio and learning their art. This band who made their start in 1985, as Majesty, have healed old wounds and returned to the elite level of musicianship they unleashed on the two albums above.
Parasomnia, is not Images and Words or Awake. It is something new from the band that did write and record those triumphant epics. However, it is not as epic. Parasomnia, provides critics and fans with proof that this band could recover and re-build their brilliant past. I still think their best album, from this renewed focus and reunion, is yet to come.
Parasomnia, re-unites the iconic lineup of vocalist James LaBrie, guitarist John Petrucci, bassist John Myung, keyboardist Jordan Rudess and drummer Mike Portnoy. They may have aged, but like good wine they have acquired more “taste”. They used this album to re-display their talent as musicians, capable of writing inspired and long tracks as well as short enlightening tracks.
The album kicks off with a blockbuster, designed for the return of their coveted drummer, Mike Portnoy. It is “In the Arms of Morpheus”. Or Mike, if you will. But, it is not the blistering drum display that is “Pull Me Under”. This over 5 minute instrumental is a wonderful welcome back. Full of opening, noise from the street, as Mike makes his way to the drumkit, then takes his seat in the chair. Jordan Rudess slowly unlocks his elaborate and magical cabinet of programming and keyboard thrills, that begin to delight, immediately. Then, he sneaks in that Godfather theme surprise, that unless you are listening carefully, you might miss. Guitarist, John Petrucci, and bassist John Myung, also help open this dynamic instrumental with their own inspired contributions. This may be one the best songs on the album folks. Because the awesome display they unleash, for me, is a Rush, Show, Don’t Tell, 5 minute moment in time; to re-capture their fans. Show me, don’t tell me, without the lyrics…yet. And they do! I think they needed this return to the instrumental studio sound to convince their fans they were back to the virtuoso level of play, we all remember.
Then, the first lyrical track from this dream concept album, “Night Terror”, bleeds in from the ending of “In the Arms of Morpheus”. Why of course as a band, you re-build with a concept album about different levels and types of dreams; when your band name is Dream Theater. Create a theater of dreams with your new music; for your fans, amidst your first return with the original band lineup. Guitarist, John Petrucci takes center stage, with Mike Portnoy and Jordan Rudess playing powerful support. Then, vocalist James LaBrie makes his return. He still sounds as good as Images and Words or Awake. Nothing lost. LaBrie sings, “Spiders seeking shelter. Fading with the dawn. Vanishing at sunrise. As morning light shines on. Sacrificial martyr. Victim dressed in white. Headed for the slaughter. Angels cry for her tonight. To the cross. At the stake. To the lions. On the rack I break. I break. Night terror. Hysteria. Nocturnal trial by fire. Eyes open wide but I can’t see”. All the terrifying images and words you can imagine from your own night time nightmares. The drums are back to full throttle, as all of the other components of the DT sound return. Over 9 minutes of music that will remind you of some of Rush’s best moments as well. There are some Rush riffs in here, see if you can hear and find them. John Petrucci’s guitar shredding and soloing is some of the best you’ve heard from him in quiet a while. Too many clichéd, dark images have been overused in the lyrics, to distinguish this song from others about nightmares. Not the most unique song, but, a virtuoso instrumental song, with LaBrie singing as well as we remember him.
“A Broken Man”, opens with Portnoy and Petrucci almost fighting for supremacy. Very nice, and again, kinda Rush-like. But that is ok. The song’s theme: Post-traumatic stress disorder playing out in the mind of a war weary soldier. LaBrie sings, “Feel the heat intensify. Steel piercing the skin. Sky on fire electrified. War inside begins. Wrought with guilt abandoning. Comrades lying still. Soulless eyes stare back at me. Broken, sick I feel”. Yeah, you get the point. Jordan later adds some wonderful Hammond as John Petrucci and John Myung’s guitars, hop, skip and jump throughout this song. Over 8:30 of historic Dream Theater music, highlighted with a few Queen – like moments near the end. Keep it going!
“Dead Asleep”, is probably the saddest song on the album. A true tragedy. It opens perfectly with slow played violin to enhance the sorrowful feeling of the soundscape’s mood. Acoustic guitar accompanies the violin, which plays that hauntingly familiar version of the Godfather theme, as a violin solo. The grinding guitars, bass and drums join in to help create an elaborate soundscape for LaBrie’s telling of the over 11 minute story within a song. James sings, “In a waterside village. In the heat of July. A man and his wife settled down for the night. In the morning, he woke to a horrible sight. It’s all just so tragic, an unusual case. The violent result of a fatal mistake. How can he be to blame? He was never awake. Scrambling in the darkness, in fear for his life. Certain a killer broke in. He fumbles for a weapon, reaches for a knife. A sleepwalking murder begins”. A really tough song to get behind, despite the great instrumental playing. Jordan Rudess’ keyboards are definitely the best part of this sad overture.
“Midnight Messiah”, opens with slow winding electric lead guitar and soft drums. A dream about the land of the dead. Ready or not forward we step…The spooky soundscape builds with heavier drums, and electric guitar, with Jordan’s background production supporting. LaBrie sings, “Darkness descends. Eternally wired. The dream never ends. Twilight desires. Midnight messiah. Help find my destiny. Take me back into the dream. For all eternity. It’s calling me back to my home”. Yeah, more darkness than you may want in your own dreams. Enjoy at your own peril. Enter at your own risk!
“Are We Dreaming?”, is a short interlude between songs. It is just under a minute and a half of pure magic, filled with London Tower – like bells and chimes. Monster/vampire like sounds, and soft gothic organ from Jordan.
“Bend the Clock”, opens with bold electric guitar sounds. Slow played, contemplative guitar, building rhythm. Then, LaBrie joins in singing, “Worn down wearing thin. Hellish dreams. Tormenting scenes. Shadows looming. I’m paralyzed, can’t move. Scared and confused. If I. If I could bend the clock. The passageway of time. Leave it all behind. But I sink deeper each day”. More darkness and gloom. “Welcome to their version of Alice Cooper’s Nightmare”. Pink Floyd guitar sounds from The Wall, fill the soundscape.
“The Shadow Man Incident”, is the epic, over 19 minute, album closer. Surely they will rise above the gloom and claim the day, and give us something to look forward to for the future? Heavy lead electric guitar and power drums, let you know we are Gothically going…for one more. The instrumental lead up to the story is one more opportunity to “unload all of the cannons” and let the instrumental musicians rip. And so they do. Then, LaBrie sings, “A frightened child. Pulls his blanket overhead. His mind runs wild. Amidst the silence. He can feel his stare. Intruder in the room. But no one’s there. He could hardly move. Frozen like a stone. This is more than just a terrifying dream. The shadow’s always watching”. Ah yes, the reminder of the one of the most popular radio shows in history. The Shadow went on the air in August of 1930 and ran until 1954. The famous line my father reminded me of when I was as young as the child in this song’s lyrics, “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!”, “Only the Shadow knows!” LaBrie continues, “Embrace the shadow! She’s half asleep. Bedroom window open wide. Can hardly breathe. As a figure creeps inside. She sees no face. An expressionless black hole. She’s too afraid to run or speak or hide. Can he peer into her soul? This is more than just a terrifying dream. The shadow’s always watching”. Probably a vampire, since last year, the world was re-introduced to the classic silent era horror film, Nosferatu. Then, the punchline to the song and album. LaBrie sings, “As you fall asleep. Better keep a watchful eye. And maybe leave a light on tonight. Wake up!” Jordan’s keyboard and synths steal the day on this one. Though Petrucci’s shredding and Myung’s glorious bass chords, coupled with Michael’s drums are unforgettable.
Yes, dreams can be filled with nightmares, and you have plenty to fear here. However, there are other types of dreams and I for one would have preferred a more diverse mix. Maybe some adventures travelling to distant lands, or planets. Some historical references that go beyond Goth. The news of the day…plenty of stories there. Maybe next album, I hope. So, the return of Dream Theater, via Parasomnia, is a gothic fantasy world of nightmares. The literal definition of parasomnia, is “a group of sleep disorders characterized by abnormal behaviors, perceptions, or experiences that occur during sleep or the transition between sleep and wakefulness”. Yes, but they do not have to all be tragic and Gothic darkness? This is why Images and Words or Awake, are so iconic and loved by the DT Fanbase. Diversity of subject matter and musical styles. Slow and fast, loud and soft. Welcome back Dream Theater. Now, let’s open the next season in the theater of dreams, with some diversity of style and get back to what made this band so great! The return to the “brotherhood” of virtuoso musicians, needs new territory to explore and visions as deep…as their musical images and words!
Album Track List:
- In the Arms of Morpheus – 5:22
- Night Terror – 9:55
- A Broken Man – 8:30
- Dead Asleep – 11:06
- Midnight Messiah – 7:58
- Are We Dreaming? – 1:29
- Bend the Clock – 7:25
- The Shadow Man Incident – 19.32
Band Website and Social Media Links:
https://dreamtheater.net/
https://www.facebook.com/dreamtheater
https://open.spotify.com/album/0ER7sdwIe6mfM63TbWcHmd
https://www.amazon.com/Parasomnia-Dream-Theater/dp/B0DJTHGYNK
https://dreamtheater.store/products/parasomnia-3cd?srsltid=AfmBOoo4frHHX1HE_BoST9LlqEbaaBws7CthxbarjjXjmISXUYCSgApv
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=59315.0
https://centurymedia.store/pages/dream-theater-parasomnia-release
https://music.apple.com/us/album/parasomnia/1771826378
https://insideoutmusic.bandcamp.com/album/parasomnia-3
YouTube and Music Video Links:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBHhdnYxvu94yefpeZABY9g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoPbFAFbAgA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IMGKul85Mc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRHWThPzrU4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H7CpQmrUDA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwOjMJB0Q2k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoUCxekzqS0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IPT60hvGw4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbzrxFRCyAk