In prog circles there are few bigger deals than ‘Parasomnia’, Dream Theater’s first outing with returning drummer Mike Portnoy since 2009’s ‘Black Clouds and Silver Linings’. Wearing that weight of expectation lightly, the record is a typically complex labyrinth, blending nightmarish metal soundscapes with razor-sharp thrash riffs.
They open with the sprawling instrumental In The Arms Of Morpheus, where ambient field recordings evoke a gradual descent into sleep before giving way to blistering riffs and unpredictable rhythms. It’s cinematic, chaotic prog indulgence, veering from jazzy interludes to power-metal bombast, and a fine reminder that, 40 years in, Dream Theater can still push boundaries and drag listeners deep into their world.
Night Terror ramps up the intensity, with Portnoy locking into the kind of thunderous groove sorely missed by fans. It’s a snarling odyssey with an urgent chorus showcasing James LaBrie’s revitalised vocals.
In a similar vein to album highlight Midnight Messiah, there are hints of ‘Countdown To Extinction’-era Megadeth cut with Dream Theater flair—sharp, fast, and hypnotic.
Bend The Clock is an unexpected ballad, blending Meat Loaf-esque grandeur with ‘70s rock harmonies. LaBrie’s soulful performance is both melancholy and hopeful, while Petrucci’s shredding solo is brilliantly OTT. A Broken Man, on the other hand, plunges into pure mayhem, capturing the suffocating disorientation of PTSD-induced sleep disturbances through relentless riffs, frantic basslines, and pneumatic drums.
Closing with the 19 minute epic The Shadow Man Incident, the band synthesise their signature sound in a single song — it’s dense, theatrical, and fiercely imaginative. ‘Parasomnia’ taps into the darkest corners of the subconscious, offering a rich tapestry of terrors and triumphs. It’s a lot, yes, but gloriously so.
Dream Theater Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Mon February 10 2025 - NASHVILLE Tennessee - Grand Ole Opry House (USA)
Tue February 11 2025 - ATLANTA Georgia - Coca-Cola Roxy (USA)
Wed February 12 2025 - BILOXI Mississippi - Hard Rock Live (USA)
Fri February 14 2025 - HOUSTON Texas - 713 Music Hall (USA)
Sat February 15 2025 - GRAND PRAIRIE Texas - Texas Trust CU Theatre (USA)
Sun February 16 2025 - SAN ANTONIO Texas - Majestic Theatre San Antonio (USA)
Tue February 18 2025 - PHOENIX Arizona - Arizona Financial Theatre (USA)
Wed February 19 2025 - HIGHLAND California - Yaamava’ Theater at Yaamava’ Resort and Casino - Complex (USA)
Fri February 21 2025 - LAS VEGAS Nevada - Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (USA)
Sat February 22 2025 - LOS ANGELES California - YouTube Theater (USA)
Mon February 24 2025 - SAN JOSE California - San Jose Civic (USA)
Tue February 25 2025 - SACRAMENTO California - SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center (USA)
Thu February 27 2025 - SEATTLE Washington - Moore Theatre (USA)
Fri February 28 2025 - PORTLAND Oregon - Keller Auditorium (USA)
Sun March 02 2025 - RENO Nevada - Grand Sierra Resort and Casino (USA)
Tue March 04 2025 - SALT LAKE CITY Utah - Maverik Center (USA)
Thu March 06 2025 - DENVER Colorado - Mission Ballroom (USA)
Sat March 08 2025 - CHICAGO Illinois - Chicago Theatre (USA)
Sun March 09 2025 - NORTHFIELD Ohio - MGM Northfield Park - Center Stage (USA)
Tue March 11 2025 - TORONTO Ontario - Coca-Cola Coliseum (Canada)
Wed March 12 2025 - MONTREAL Quebec - Wilfrid-Pelletier (Canada)
Fri March 14 2025 - WALLINGFORD Connecticut - Toyota Oakdale Theatre (USA)
Sat March 15 2025 - BOSTON Massachusetts - Boch Center Wang Theatre (USA)
Mon March 17 2025 - ROCHESTER New York - Kodak Center (USA)
Tue March 18 2025 - WHEELING West Virginia - Capitol Theatre Wheeling (USA)
Wed March 19 2025 - CINCINNATI Ohio - Andrew J Brady Music Center (USA)
Fri March 21 2025 - WASHINGTON District of Columbia - Anthem (USA)
Sat March 22 2025 - NEW YORK New York - Radio City Music Hall (USA)
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
