New Album “Distance Over Time’, First Set of 2019 Tour Dates announced!

[bosk1]

Can't really put my finger on why, but i think Paralyzed is my favorite performance by Mangini in DT. The drums are "simple" (simple for him, that is), cool and they SOUND incredible, too.

It's a really solid performance by him, nothing super flashy, but his drumming just fits everything really nicely in the song. The production of the drums certainly helps, this record is the best his kit has sounded in the studio with DT yet.

I find all of that to be true, not only of this song, but of his drumming on the entire album (except for the "flashy" part--there is definitely enough flash elsewhere on the album, when it is appropriate and called for). 

[mikeyd23]

Can't really put my finger on why, but i think Paralyzed is my favorite performance by Mangini in DT. The drums are "simple" (simple for him, that is), cool and they SOUND incredible, too.

It's a really solid performance by him, nothing super flashy, but his drumming just fits everything really nicely in the song. The production of the drums certainly helps, this record is the best his kit has sounded in the studio with DT yet.

I find all of that to be true, not only of this song, but of his drumming on the entire album (except for the "flashy" part--there is definitely enough flash elsewhere on the album, when it is appropriate and called for).

Good to hear!

[PreHilbert]

First off, all three singles are a welcome addition to DT's discography, but Paralyzed is impactful at a different level. It sounds like the perfect single - atmospheric, modern and still full of DT vibe moments such as JP's solo.

Some people have noted the lack of a proper chorus after the airy bridge, coming back instead to the "I'm paralyzed" riff. It is obviously intentional and very in tune with the song's lyrics. That altered third of fifth is completely paralyZing, and also the groove kind of stops. Nugget??

[Hanz Gruber]

Okay, I think we're ok to discuss the single now?

I'm not really feeling this one. As someone who loved UA & FITL, Paralyzed seems... unsatisfying. The verses are great, the riff is okay, I like the build-up, but just when I expect the song to ramp up into this big chorus, it just goes straight to the interlude & onto the next section. Basically, my biggest issue is that the "chorus" feels more like a pre-chorus to something else that never arrives. It almost feels like they had another chorus in there in an earlier write, but then decided it to edit it out for some reason. I find it really awkward.

Maybe the song will work better in an album context (I could see it working as like a transition song between UA & FITL), but as a single, I'm not a huge fan.

& that kinda saddens me, because I was super hyped for the album before, & now I'm just worried.

I actually like the song but I totally agree with you on the chorus.

The verses have a nice melody to them. Same with the prechorus. James sounds great. It builds up and you expect a chorus that does the song justice and is on par to the melodic verses and prechorus.  Then a robot sounding voice quickly sings "I'm Paralyzed"

Still like the song but a nice catchy chorus would have made it much more memorable.

I am a sucker for memorable choruses.  Look at all of the songs from Awake.  You name one and you know the chorus right away.  For my tastes that is what a number of modern Dream Theater songs are missing. 

Excited for the release though.  There isn't a Dream Theater album that I do not like even even though I love some way more than others


On the brighter side I still consider every Dream Theater release "A Gift Divine"

[porcacultor]

I think I might be depressed. My favourite band of all time, a band that have never put out a bad album (imo), are about to release brand new music and I'm nowhere near as excited about it as I should be. It's frustrating. I know what's going to happen. I'm going to listen, it's going to be amazing, and others are going to say it's absolute rubbish. Both opinions can't be right and I know I'm going to have to constantly leap into the defensive about my favourite band of all time. On the other hand, I really want to share my enthusiasm and love for this music with people who share the same positive feelings about it. This tussle back and forth is immensely tiring.

If you can find it in yourself to refrain from that kind of interaction (convincing people something you like is good), it'll be good for you. I have a much healthier relationship with music compared to when I used to suffer about this kind of thing. Now I just try to think "it hits all the right spots for ME and for enough people that they have an audience and can keep going, so who cares if people don't enjoy it". I don't know if me saying this even helps, but I just want you to feel less concerned about what others feel about this band.

Great song, by the way! The stuff from this album is going to work beautifully live

[bill1971]

Only heard it once this morning, but really did it. Definitely sounds like James Labrie solo album only better.

[SeRoX]

Wow. Best of the three, IMO. Vocals are amazing, singing has a feel in that one, especially the last vocal section.

Radio friendly, coming like James' solo albums (especially from Static Impulse) but also reminds a bit Home and Octavarium album itself.

[erciccio]

Okay, I think we're ok to discuss the single now?



I am a sucker for memorable choruses.  Look at all of the songs from Awake.  You name one and you know the chorus right away.  For my tastes that is what a number of modern Dream Theater songs are missing. 

On the brighter side I still consider every Dream Theater release "A Gift Divine"

Well...I disagree on Awake..
6:00 doesn't have a real chorus..(yeah, "Melody walks.."...but I had to read the lyrics to think about it...)
Lie...similar story..."Don't tell me" is more of a bridge than a chorus..
The Mirror...similar story...I wouldn't call "It's time for me.." a chorus.

Also the chorus from "Scarred" is certainly not the core of the song..
Innocence Faded is a bit too cheesy...and so the Silent Man.

Caught in a Web chorus stands out...and maybe Voices.

And of course the one from Erotomania is my fav..

I love Awake, but definitely not for the choruses...

[Another_Won]

Soooo, if anyone was looking to order the Artbook or Box Set from Amazon, they're currently listed as "Unavailable". My guess is that their allotted number of pre-orders were met in the last day or two, so I'm guessing they're not going to get any more of the Box Sets. I guess dropping the price to just under $120 made every on-the-fence fan pull the trigger on buying (it did for me!).

-Marc.

Just went to pre-oder the box set and saw it's unavailable. I'm super disappointed. Congrats on yours!

all is not lost, look here: https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/poprock/detail/-/art/dream-theater-distance-over-time/hnum/8882813 (artbook link) or here: https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/poprock/detail/-/art/dream-theater-distance-over-time/hnum/8882822 (deluxe link), this is my German online store of choice and they're great, not just because of cheap worldwide rates. I'd give them a go if you still want either variety of the box set.

Note: The links I posted are meant to serve as an alternative for those who weren't able to buy the box set editions. Nothing more. Now that the snippets are removed, they should be allowed here.

Thanks very much for posting these links.  I really never considered that they would sell out.  Good news, I guess.

Anyway, I ordered the artbook.  Hopefully it arrives close to the 22nd since I'm here in the states.

[RoeDent]

I think I might be depressed. My favourite band of all time, a band that have never put out a bad album (imo), are about to release brand new music and I'm nowhere near as excited about it as I should be. It's frustrating. I know what's going to happen. I'm going to listen, it's going to be amazing, and others are going to say it's absolute rubbish. Both opinions can't be right and I know I'm going to have to constantly leap into the defensive about my favourite band of all time. On the other hand, I really want to share my enthusiasm and love for this music with people who share the same positive feelings about it. This tussle back and forth is immensely tiring.

If you can find it in yourself to refrain from that kind of interaction (convincing people something you like is good), it'll be good for you. I have a much healthier relationship with music compared to when I used to suffer about this kind of thing. Now I just try to think "it hits all the right spots for ME and for enough people that they have an audience and can keep going, so who cares if people don't enjoy it". I don't know if me saying this even helps, but I just want you to feel less concerned about what others feel about this band.

Great song, by the way! The stuff from this album is going to work beautifully live

I wish I could. It's especially upsetting as this is supposed to be a forum of Dream Theater fans, yet I seem to find endless criticism of them. To me, a fan supports the artists and loves the music. It is one hell of a drug though, seeking out people who are as enthusiastic for the music as you are. When you find someone who shares your enthusiasm and love for a band or a song, it is the greatest thing in the universe! But unfortunately, it's like trying to find the hay in the needle stack. (Yes, that's a deliberate twist on the usual phrase. Negativity is like needles.)

[Max Kuehnau]

Then I seem to be a voice of neutrality if that exists. The notes are in the right places IMHO. That's all I care about.

[Thematt202]

We've gone from my favorite DT album to what's shaping up to be my least favorite since Systematic Chaos.  The DT majesty and magic is completely absent in these tracks apart from the instrumental section in FitL.  It just seems cold and sterile. Where are the epic melodies and the huge OTT build ups?

Only my opinion guys.

[rab7]

Where are the epic melodies and the huge OTT build ups?

Probably in the other 7 songs that haven't been revealed to the public yet?

[Pound4aBrown]

I think I might be depressed. My favourite band of all time, a band that have never put out a bad album (imo), are about to release brand new music and I'm nowhere near as excited about it as I should be. It's frustrating. I know what's going to happen. I'm going to listen, it's going to be amazing, and others are going to say it's absolute rubbish. Both opinions can't be right and I know I'm going to have to constantly leap into the defensive about my favourite band of all time. On the other hand, I really want to share my enthusiasm and love for this music with people who share the same positive feelings about it. This tussle back and forth is immensely tiring.

If you can find it in yourself to refrain from that kind of interaction (convincing people something you like is good), it'll be good for you. I have a much healthier relationship with music compared to when I used to suffer about this kind of thing. Now I just try to think "it hits all the right spots for ME and for enough people that they have an audience and can keep going, so who cares if people don't enjoy it". I don't know if me saying this even helps, but I just want you to feel less concerned about what others feel about this band.

Great song, by the way! The stuff from this album is going to work beautifully live

I wish I could. It's especially upsetting as this is supposed to be a forum of Dream Theater fans, yet I seem to find endless criticism of them. To me, a fan supports the artists and loves the music. It is one hell of a drug though, seeking out people who are as enthusiastic for the music as you are. When you find someone who shares your enthusiasm and love for a band or a song, it is the greatest thing in the universe! But unfortunately, it's like trying to find the hay in the needle stack. (Yes, that's a deliberate twist on the usual phrase. Negativity is like needles.)

All fans have the right to criticize what they don't like. That being said, there are, at times, people here who seem to be looking for something to get their panties in a wad about.
Truth be told, you can't really go to any fan page that doesn't have this contingent.
I have said before, sometimes I think I am listening to different songs when I read some of the criticism. Oh, well.

[Thematt202]

Where are the epic melodies and the huge OTT build ups?

Probably in the other 7 songs that haven't been revealed to the public yet?

So you reckon the three "singles" may just be completely unrepresentative of the rest of the album?

Hey, you may be right, but it's looking pretty doubtful at this stage isn't it?

[geeeemo]

Judging by the three singles, I have a feeling this album is going to be really special. There is a consistency to the sound that I am really digging. Sounds to me like Train of Thought meets DT12. Looking forward to hearing the rest.

Has anyone pre-ordered the album on Amazon? I have, but the three singles don't appear in my Amazon Music app, no matter what I do

Yes, I did. Same thing you described happened to me too. My guess is that we will find these when the album is released, I could be wrong.

I have and when I go to my amazon prime app, and the D/T album, the 3 are there.

[Ruba]

Paralyzed has a great riff and great verses, but the chorus is quite a let down. On my first listen I thought it was a pre-chorus (and it'd be a great pre-chorus). The final chorus shouldn't have been the main chorus. Overall the song seems a bit too short, somewhere around 6 minutes would've been a good length. Still probably the best single.

[rumborak]

Still probably the best single.

There is noooo way Paralyzed beats out FITL.

[DT89]

I originally lined up the tab alongside the album audio, but it got taken down immediately. Not sure why, considering my Untethered Angel and Fall Into the Light transcription videos are the same format. Anyway:
https://youtu.be/eagTGTm8BOA

[lovethedrake]

Is it just me or does that guitar solo seem out of place on Paralyzed?   JP is my favorite guitarist of all time and I always love a JP solo but although the solo itself sounds great, I feel like it adds nothing to song emotionally or melodically.  I really wish they would have done some vocal melodies in that slow section and built up to that solo.    Just my two cents there.   Definitely nit picking.

Labrie sort of sounds like a robot on all these songs, I prefer it to the stale production of SC but it would be nice to hear the bright sounding Labrie of old.   He is always so clear on SFAM, FII, and 6DOIT.   Starting with Octavarium his vocals seem to often be drowned in effects. I thought this was because of age and losing his voice but the bonus CD of BC&SL and the whole Astonishing album proved that wasn't the case.    Labrie's vocals on the bonus CD of covers for BC&SL are amazing.

Overall I still like the song though... just nitpicking.  Although I do hope for more "warmth" and proggyness from Labrie and the rest of the band on the rest of the album.

[JRuless]

https://youtu.be/C7m7l8iqGAk

[lovethedrake]

accidentally quoted myself here... cant figure out how to delete ha

[rab7]

Where are the epic melodies and the huge OTT build ups?

Probably in the other 7 songs that haven't been revealed to the public yet?

So you reckon the three "singles" may just be completely unrepresentative of the rest of the album?

Hey, you may be right, but it's looking pretty doubtful at this stage isn't it?

Not completely unrepresentative, but in my opinion OTBOA was not as good as the rest of the tracks that came after. TGOM and Moment of Betrayal were not representative of The Astonishing as a whole at all.

These 3 singles have so far shown me freshness and energy. Sure UA is "DT by numbers", and there are some things to criticize about FITL and Paralyzed, but for the most part these sound fun and inspired. That's the message they're trying to convey with the singles, and I'm sure that the epic melodies and great moments wouldn't have been revealed too early.

[bosk1]

For those who have heard the album, what is the one track where each member really shines? As in, Jordan's best track, JP's, etc...

Coming back to this, here's my short take on which members shine on each song:
-Untethered Angel:  I don't know that any one band member stands out individually.  This song is really kind of equal parts everybody.  There are individual things to like, such as JP when he opens up the riff, for example.  But I don't feel like the song individually really highlights any member in particular.
-Paralyzed:  Riffy song.  I give it to JP.
-Fall Into the Light:  JP really shines on the instrumental section here in particular.
-Barstool Warrior:  This one is tough.  Not sure.  I'll get back to you.
-Room 137:  Mangini for sure.  I mean, I kind of feel predisposed to give this one to him because he wrote the lyrics.  But the drum groove absolutely drives this song.
-S2N:  Myung, baby!  Even aside from the solo bass intro, there is some pretty groovy bass going on throughout the entire song.  Honorable mention to JP for his outro riff for Jordan's slidey solo.  REALLY nice one.
-At Wit's End:  As much instrumental chaos is going on in this song, I have to give this one to James.  His emotional approach to the vocals is very appropriate to the subject matter.  He covers a pretty broad spectrum here, and he does it well.
-Out of Reach:  Jordan and James.  Without question. 
-Pale Blue Dot:  Jordan, with JP and Mike being close behind.  As I've said, this is definitely a guitar song, and definitely a heavy song.  But the keyboard just drives everything. 
-Viper King:  Derek

[Anxiety35]

Lot's of people bitching about Prarlyzed on YouTube. Comparisons to Breaking Benjamin abound also.

Personally, I like the song. I always thought it would do DT some good to write simple songs in 4/4 time. They did a good job with this one. No, it's not Dance of Eternity but does every song need to be that or Metropolis Part 1? If you want a radio friendly song, here it is. Is it the greatest song they've done? No.

Mangini has a good groove going here. The atmospheres with Rudess and the subtle piano in the background is a nice touch.

My only issue with the song is that LJB seems monotone in his singing. Maybe emotionless is a better word. The other guys seem into it and JLB seems just...there.

I give the song a 6.5 out of 10 upon first listen. Like everything else with DT for me, the songs grow over time.

[Thematt202]

Where are the epic melodies and the huge OTT build ups?

Probably in the other 7 songs that haven't been revealed to the public yet?

So you reckon the three "singles" may just be completely unrepresentative of the rest of the album?

Hey, you may be right, but it's looking pretty doubtful at this stage isn't it?

Not completely unrepresentative, but in my opinion OTBOA was not as good as the rest of the tracks that came after. TGOM and Moment of Betrayal were not representative of The Astonishing as a whole at all.

These 3 singles have so far shown me freshness and energy. Sure UA is "DT by numbers", and there are some things to criticize about FITL and Paralyzed, but for the most part these sound fun and inspired. That's the message they're trying to convey with the singles, and I'm sure that the epic melodies and great moments wouldn't have been revealed too early.

Yeah, fair point about Untethered Angel.  I guess the problem with a band as diverse as DT is that everyone will have his or her own favorite aspects of their sound, so they're never gonna please everyone.  For me, I'll try to enjoy this one for what it is whilst hoping that the next album will be another melodic prog concept musical (or something).

[lovethedrake]

Lot's of people bitching about Prarlyzed on YouTube. Comparisons to Breaking Benjamin abound also.

Personally, I like the song. I always thought it would do DT some good to write simple songs in 4/4 time. They did a good job with this one. No, it's not Dance of Eternity but does every song need to be that or Metropolis Part 1? If you want a radio friendly song, here it is. Is it the greatest song they've done? No.

Mangini has a good groove going here. The atmospheres with Rudess and the subtle piano in the background is a nice touch.

My only issue with the song is that LJB seems monotone in his singing. Maybe emotionless is a better word. The other guys seem into it and JLB seems just...there.


I give the song a 6.5 out of 10 upon first listen. Like everything else with DT for me, the songs grow over time.

Totally agree here.... this has been an issue with Labrie since TOT/Octavarium IMO.   When he tries to sound sinister it just sounds robotic and thin.    Although I do like the vocal melodies here and I think the production of his vocals is the real issue.

I really miss the "cheesy" labrie on Another Day and Take the Time.   Over top top hair metal Labrie is the best IMO.

[rab7]

I guess the problem with a band as diverse as DT is that everyone will have his or her own favorite aspects of their sound, so they're never gonna please everyone.

Yeah there's this misconception that "if you hated TA, you'll love this, and if you loved TA you won't like this one" and that's complete bullshit. I loved The Astonishing but I also really enjoy the heavy stuff as long as it's melodic and fun to sing along to. When I heard DT14 was going to be heavy, I was worried it would be a TOT clone. It turns out so far that it seems to be heavy as promised, but very fun and melodic.

[Samsara]

Really enjoyed Paralyzed. Made me want to go back and listen again (I refrained). Looking forward to the album.

[Lax]

Judging by the three singles, I have a feeling this album is going to be really special. There is a consistency to the sound that I am really digging. Sounds to me like Train of Thought meets DT12. Looking forward to hearing the rest.

Has anyone pre-ordered the album on Amazon? I have, but the three singles don't appear in my Amazon Music app, no matter what I do

Same here, but maybe it's too early ?

[Pound4aBrown]

Still probably the best single.

There is noooo way Paralyzed beats out FITL.

Yeah, pretty much this.

[Zydar]

Still probably the best single.

There is noooo way Paralyzed beats out FITL.

Exactly.

[lifesonrules65]

For those who have heard the album, what is the one track where each member really shines? As in, Jordan's best track, JP's, etc...

-Viper King:  Derek

This.

[NoseofNicko]

Yeah FITL is the only single I would call great.

[MinistroRaven]

The anger, the pressure, you're choking down
Your words again, feel the nerves set in
Unspoken frustration, they see right through you
Paper thin, like the ghost within

A heart that feels no pain
Addicted to the game
Breaking beneath the strain
I am paralyzed

The stare of a stranger, is like a wound
That bleeds again, silent as the dead
The victim, the martyr, like Daniel
In the lion's den, time and time again

A heart that feels no pain
Addicted to the game
Breaking beneath the strain
I am paralyzed
I am paralyzed

A heart that feels no pain
Addicted to the game
Relentless phantom trail
What do you stand to gain?
Viewing life through such a narrow, fractured lens
Will ensure you end up on the losing end
Breaking beneath the strain
I am paralyzed
I am paralyzed
I am paralyzed
I am paralyzed
I am paralyzed