Dream Theater, celebrating an incredible 40 years as pioneers of progressive metal, prove that their creativity is still alive and well with “Parasomnia”. The return of Mike Portnoy on drums after a 13-year hiatus is a major highlight for fans. While Mike Mangini brought his own remarkable style to the band during Portnoy’s absence, there’s an unmistakable magic that comes with Portnoy’s drumming. It feels as though his break from the band reignited their collective spark. Parasomnia stands tall as one of Dream Theater’s finest albums in years.
The album dives deep into themes of sleep disorders, kicking off with “In the Arms of Morpheus”, an opener that immediately recalls the brilliance of “Metropolis, Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory”. The two-minute, ominous intro builds tension slowly, layering John Petrucci’s exquisite guitar riffs and Portnoy’s intricate drumming. When Jordan Rudess’s keyboards join, the sound becomes rich and immersive, filled with subtle details like an isolated hi-hat hit. It’s an opening track that sets the tone perfectly for what’s to come.
The second track, “Night Terror”, features a strong entrance from James LaBrie after a lengthy instrumental intro. His vocal delivery is both precise and emotional, fitting seamlessly with the band’s signature style. The song’s structure and melodies make the album feel like a welcome return to Dream Theater’s roots—a true homecoming for fans.
A standout moment is “Dead Asleep”, which transitions smoothly from the preceding track, “A Broken Man”. Beginning with a haunting melody, the song explodes into a crushing guitar riff and playful yet intricate drumming. The lyrics tell a dark story about a man who, in a sleep-induced delusion, tragically harms his wife, mistaking her for an intruder. This blend of vivid storytelling and outstanding musicianship is Dream Theater at their best. While LaBrie no longer hits the soaring high notes of his earlier days, his voice carries a depth and passion that continues to impress.
After high-energy tracks like “Midnight Messiah”, the album slows down with the interlude “Are We Dreaming” and the calmer “Bend the Clock”. These quieter moments provide a necessary pause before the album’s grand finale, “The Shadow Man Incident”. At nearly 20 minutes long, this epic track encapsulates everything that makes Dream Theater legendary. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, from serene passages to fast-paced sections filled with dazzling keyboard solos, powerful riffs, and Portnoy’s masterful drumming. The piece brings to mind the brilliance of Metropolis, Pt. 2 while carving out its own space in the band’s discography.
Clocking in at 1 hour and 11 minutes, “Parasomnia” offers a substantial and rewarding listen. Most tracks run longer than eight minutes, providing plenty of time for the intricate arrangements Dream Theater is known for. If there’s one small critique, it’s that John Myung’s bass lines occasionally get lost in the mix. However, the album has so many layers to discover that each listen uncovers something new, whether it’s the interplay between the keyboards and drums or the subtle touches in Petrucci’s guitar work. Portnoy’s return has brought fresh energy to the band, making “Parasomnia” a standout in their 40-year career.
Dream Theater, formed at Berklee College of Music in the 1980s, has always pushed the boundaries of progressive metal. With “Parasomnia”, they continue to redefine what the genre can be, proving that even after four decades, their creativity knows no limits.
Score: 10 / 10
Release date: 7th of February 2025
Label: InsideOut Music
Reviewed by: Michael
- In the Arms of Morpheus2.
- Night Terror
- A Broken Man
- Dead Asleep
- Midnight Messiah
- Are We Dreaming?
- Bend the Clock
- The Shadow Man Incident
