Dream Theater announces 16th Studio Album - Parasomnia

[Jamesman42]

Sometimes there's just an intangible enthusiasm built in to younger musicians' music that goes beyond technical prowess.

Yes, fully agree.

And from there, bands that stay around evolve their sound, and usually it's not better than that enthusiastic and young music. Well, maybe better is not the word. Different. The music starts to become different. IMO, the run from SDOIT through 8VM (fine, include SFAM but I don't like that album) is a resurgence for DT from the early 90s DT. SC and BCSL, while having some great songs, also started to feel like a sameness of the band, more like clockwork than creativity.

ADTOE, and even DT12, were much fresher because of the band shake-up. The last 3 albums don't do much at all for me, but it goes back to the band evolving and being a different version of themselves. 

Parasomnia will be another evolution, with a ton of eyes on a band that has released a ton of music. I hope the album is good and not the sameness. 

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

They've said before they never want to repeat themselves so I hope they stay true to that.

[Max Kuehnau]

They didn't, because of MP rejoining. (seriously though, apart from that, all their albums are diverse, which to me is a good thing. Not pertaining to the drum parts (barring MM's) but you get the idea)

[KevShmev]

I'd like to point out as well that I am not a metal guy at heart; I am a rocker more than anything.

The number of bands I have ever actively listened to on a regular basis who have the word "metal" listed in their main genre is not high: Dream Theater, Sabbath, Priest, Maiden, Devin Townsend, Opeth, Metallica, Haken.  I think that's about it. Queensryche as well if they are considered metal (they were always more hard rock to me). 

That's why Awake being my favorite DT album and Train of Thought being a top 5 DT album for me now seems a little strange to me, but DT does the "prog metal with more of an emphasis on the metal" thing well.

Edit: I know bands like Rush and BOC were sometimes called metal back in the day, but let's be serious.

[Wim Kruithof]

I like some of ToT and think it has good songs but I find the non stop metal assault to be kind of boring actually.

If I was only able to listen to 3 Dream Theater albums the rest of my life, Train of Thought could very well claim his place amongst those 3.

[illusionist]

Since we are talking ToT here, the reason it's one of my DT favorites is not its heaviness or its progginess, technicality or innovation, but its melancholic dark atmosphere and mood.
That's where it shines in my opinion.

[lovethedrake]

While ToT is somewhere in the middle on my personal rankings I think it's fair to argue they were still in their prime while making that album (coming off a few great albums). Some might look at it now and think it was a dud or a disappointment but hindsight is 20/20. For me it was sort of the beginning of a slow decline but it still had bits of "classic DT" in it.

Full agree with this, the start of the decline was TOT

[fadetoblackdude7]

Full agree with this, the start of the decline was TOT

Octavarium would like a word!

[Zydar]

I consider Score the "peak", then the decline started around SC. Don't know if it was the change in style with that album, the switch to Roadrunner, or something else.

[lovethedrake]

I must be weird then, because I tend to listen to less metal as I get older, yet Train of Thought has gotten better and better for me over the years.  The almost-relentless onslaught of heaviness is part of the charm, proving that a lot of variety is not needed for an album to be great.  Octavarium, for example, has a ton of variety, but very few songs I reach for on their own.

Very well said... I'm 100% more on the prog side but TOT grows better with age. It's because they were still fully inspired and going for something different (for them).

 

[lovethedrake]

Octavarium would like a word!

TOT was the START of their decline and I think it's because of the musical direction they took. It's when they became a metal band that does prog instead of the other way around and it was to the detriment of their music.  However, it also made their popularity boom and achieved a whole new fanbase.

Imo, they have never recovered from this slight genre switch with Portnoy in the band.   With Mangini I actually think they finally let the need to be metal go with The Enemy Inside being the last real fully metal song.

However, the mangini albums missed a distinctive flair, which Portnoy brings, I can even hear it in Night Terror but I just don't like the dark metal vibe they brought back.

[lovethedrake]

I'd love to see them bring back some of the Pink Floyd vibe they had on FII and SFAM.  I think Labrie shines on stuff like Peruvian Skies and Spirit Carries on

[Dedalus]

OT was the START of their decline and I think it's because of the musical direction they took. It's when they became a metal band that does prog instead of the other way around and it was to the detriment of their music.  However, it also made their popularity boom and achieved a whole new fanbase.

It was after ToT that things changed from "my friends turn up their noses and don't understand why the hell I listen to DT" to "DT is cool too".

At least in my circles, the change was noticeable. Suddenly there were more people listening to DT.

[lovethedrake]

It was after ToT that things changed from "my friends turn up their noses and don't understand why the hell I listen to DT" to "DT is cool too".

At least in my circles, the change was noticeable. Suddenly there were more people listening to DT.

Yep and there in lies the conundrum from the band, you have an existing cult fanbase that came to you for the prog and then you become huge because of the shift to metal.

Constant push and pull

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

TOT was the START of their decline and I think it's because of the musical direction they took. It's when they became a metal band that does prog instead of the other way around and it was to the detriment of their music.  However, it also made their popularity boom and achieved a whole new fanbase.

Imo, they have never recovered from this slight genre switch with Portnoy in the band.  With Mangini I actually think they finally let the need to be metal go with The Enemy Inside being the last real fully metal song.

However, the mangini albums missed a distinctive flair, which Portnoy brings, I can even hear it in Night Terror but I just don't like the dark metal vibe they brought back.

There's a bit more prog after BCSL but songs like ATC or FITL are pretty damn metal.

[gzarruk]

Octavarium would like a word!

To me, that's the most overrated DT album.

[jammindude]

I've been a fan since 1992, and 8V is their greatest achievement to me.

[lovethedrake]

I've been a fan since 1992, and 8V is their greatest achievement to me.

I think this definitely speaks to the quality of their catalogue as a whole but it's funny because I see it as almost the complete opposite.

I feel like they were at their least inspired for 8V. 

Almost like they wanted to just do an epic but felt compelled to fill out a full LP.

I still listen to it sometimes though, that's how good DT is but it's one of their worst imo.

[illusionist]

For me, if i could delete the first 4 songs, octavarium would be so much better

[jammindude]

Even though 8V to me is the greatest album they ever released, I'm still willing to admit that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I just love the concept of the album, and I think it was executed masterfully. Plus I feel like it highlights DTs versatility more than any of their other albums before or since, with the exception of IAW.

As was pointed out in another thread, I like it better when DT is a progressive band with metal elements, rather than trying to be a full on metal band. 8V fully represents EVERYTHING that DT is all about in a single album. The metal, the mellow, the cheesy, the epic, the concept, the nuggetz... it's all here on one album. Everything I love about them. Every facet of the diamond. And the octave concept just plays perfectly out as the album plays from start to finish.

Perfection...

[devieira73]

I don't think 8V was their best album, but I do think it was the peak of their career in terms of creativity, if that makes sense.

[emtee]

I've been a fan since 1992, and 8V is their greatest achievement to me.

While I like the album, I felt this is the closest, of all their albums, where they became almost a cover band for their influences and inspiration corner.

[HOF]

While I like the album, I felt this is the closest, of all their albums, where they became almost a cover band for their influences and inspiration corner.

Octavarium was the point where I realized "I just don't love this band anymore." Aside from I Walk Beside You, nothing else on the album really appealed to me.

That was also a period in my life where I was going through some things and getting into some different kinds of music and bands, and my interest in metal and heavier music was really falling off. They had been *the* band for me for about 8 years through highscool and college, but at that point in my life I really wasn't feeling any interest in metal. That interest has never really come back since.

[dualpalmpilots]

While I like the album, I felt this is the closest, of all their albums, where they became almost a cover band for their influences and inspiration corner.

Absolutely. Some of it is forgettable. But there are some tracks (the title track, These Walls, Panic Attack) that are perfect and stand with their output on I&W, Awake, and SFAM.

[KevShmev]

I think this definitely speaks to the quality of their catalogue as a whole but it's funny because I see it as almost the complete opposite.

I feel like they were at their least inspired for 8V. 

Almost like they wanted to just do an epic but felt compelled to fill out a full LP.

I still listen to it sometimes though, that's how good DT is but it's one of their worst imo.

I did an updated review for Octavarium as a whole earlier this year, and to be honest, it was a struggle to get through the album in the 3-4 fresh listens I did to prepare for the review. By the time I got to Panic Attack or Never Enough each time, I was ready to move to something totally different.  Of course, I stuck around because the last two songs are the two best songs, but it just feels like work to get to them.  I do the think the octave concept is very clever, and there is obviously a lot of variety, but the songwriting from a consistency standpoint was just lacking.  To be fair, I don't think any of the songs are You Not Me or Constant Motion levels of poor, but just too many 5s and 6s out of 10 to get out of the way to get to the two keepers at the end.

[HOF]

I did an updated review for Octavarium as a whole earlier this year, and to be honest, it was a struggle to get through the album in the 3-4 fresh listens I did to prepare for the review. By the time I got to Panic Attack or Never Enough each time, I was ready to move to something totally different.  Of course, I stuck around because the last two songs are the two best songs, but it just feels like work to get to them.  I do the think the octave concept is very clever, and there is obviously a lot of variety, but the songwriting from a consistency standpoint was just lacking.  To be fair, I don't think any of the songs are You Not Me or Constant Motion levels of poor, but just too many 5s and 6s out of 10 to get out of the way to get to the two keepers at the end.

These are the ones specifically that pushed me over the edge, although Sacrificed Sons is also truly dreadful. The title track has some moments I like, but a lot that I don't as well. But with PA and NE it was like "why am I putting myself through this?"

[gzarruk]

OVM is the only album where it seemed like the nuggetz were more important than the writing itself. (IMO, of course)

[emtee]

We should probably stay focused on the new album in this thread 

[ytserush]

I looked up a definition of parasomnia.

A person with parasomnias may seem to be alert, walking or talking or eating or doing other such activities but without awareness because the brain is only partially awake.

This explains Hugh Syme.

Wonder what medical textbook will be used for the lyrics.

[ytserush]

I don't know if I should listen to the song, or wait for the album to come out. 

Well I preordered the Artbook and don't plan to listen to anything until after it hits my mailbox. But that's just me and how I would like to enjoy it.

[hefdaddy42]

I totally get where you're coming from, and I don't think it's weird at all! It's funny how as we age, our tastes shift in unexpected ways, but certain albums or styles can really grow on us over time—even the heavier stuff. For me, Train of Thought (ToT) has followed a similar trajectory. When I first heard it back in the day, I liked it, but it didn't hit me the way something like Scenes From a Memory or Images and Words did. Over time, though, it's become one of my go-to Dream Theater albums, especially when I'm in the mood for something heavier and more straightforward. What's really interesting about ToT is that, despite it being one of the band's most relentless albums, it has this kind of raw, unapologetic energy that only grows more appealing the more you listen. It doesn't have the crazy variety of Octavarium (which, don't get me wrong, I still love), but I think there's something to be said for how Train of Thought takes this really focused, intense approach. Sometimes, an album doesn't need a wide palette of styles to be great—it just needs to double down on what it does well, and ToT absolutely nails that. Take a song like "This Dying Soul." Sure, it's heavy, dark, and unrelenting, but the complexity is still there. It's not "variety" in the sense that they're shifting genres every track, but the riffs, time signatures, and structure are so intricate that even within the heaviness, there's a ton to appreciate. I think that's part of what makes ToT so great in the long run—it's a prog album that doesn't stray too far from its metal roots, but it keeps you on your toes with all the little technical flourishes and shifts. And honestly, the more I listen to it, the more I appreciate just how tight the band was during this era. Petrucci's riffs are absolutely monstrous, and the rhythm section—especially Myung and Portnoy—are locked in like never before. Even LaBrie's vocals have this gritty, aggressive edge that really matches the tone of the album. It's like everyone just fully committed to this heavier direction, and the result is one of their most cohesive albums. There's something really satisfying about that. Now, when it comes to Octavarium, I totally see what you're saying. That album is packed with variety, and for that reason, it's special in its own right. The title track alone is a masterpiece of progressive storytelling, weaving through so many different emotions and musical landscapes. But I also get why some people don't reach for Octavarium as much. It's an album that demands a certain mood—when I want something epic and expansive, I'm all in. But if I'm looking for something more direct and visceral, Train of Thought hits that sweet spot every time. One thing I've noticed as I get older is that I have less patience for overly polished or overly "safe" music. Don't get me wrong, I still love the melodic side of Dream Theater, and I'll always have a soft spot for albums like Falling Into Infinity and The Astonishing when I want something more cinematic or emotional. But there's something about the raw energy of ToT that feels refreshing, especially when a lot of newer metal bands lean so heavily into production and gloss. ToT just goes for it—it's aggressive, it's in-your-face, and it doesn't let up. There's no filler, no ballads (okay, maybe "Vacant," but even that has a haunting vibe), just pure, unfiltered metal with a prog twist. I think part of what makes Train of Thought get better with age is that, as we grow older, we start to appreciate consistency in a different way. When we're younger, variety and experimentation are super exciting. And Dream Theater is great for that—they've made a career out of pushing boundaries and exploring different styles. But as I've gotten older, I find myself gravitating more towards albums that have a clear identity and stick to it. Train of Thought is one of those albums. It knows exactly what it is and doesn't try to be anything else. It's like Dream Theater said, "We're going to make the heaviest, most relentless album we can, and we're not going to apologize for it." And honestly, that commitment to the vision is part of what makes it so powerful. It's also worth noting that the lyrical themes of ToT have aged really well. There's a lot of anger and frustration in those songs, and as the world gets more chaotic, I find myself connecting with those emotions more than ever. Songs like "As I Am" or "In the Name of God" feel even more relevant now than they did when the album first came out. There's a darkness there, but it's not hopeless—it's about fighting back, pushing through the struggle. That's something I think a lot of us can relate to, especially after the last few years. So yah, I don't think it's weird at all that Train of Thought has gotten better for you over the years. In fact, I think a lot of Dream Theater fans are starting to come around to that realization. It might not have the variety of Octavarium or the emotional storytelling of Scenes From a Memory, but it's a damn good album that's aged like fine wine. Sometimes you don't need a ton of variety—just a band at the top of their game, doing what they do best.

Hey, just an FYI: this may be a fantastic post, but I'll never know, because I won't read this giant wall of text.

You've gotta break this shit up with some paragraph breaks or something, my dude.

[HOF]

I gave it whirl:

I totally get where you're coming from, and I don't think it's weird at all! It's funny how as we age, our tastes shift in unexpected ways, but certain albums or styles can really grow on us over time—even the heavier stuff.

For me, Train of Thought (ToT) has followed a similar trajectory. When I first heard it back in the day, I liked it, but it didn't hit me the way something like Scenes From a Memory or Images and Words did. Over time, though, it's become one of my go-to Dream Theater albums, especially when I'm in the mood for something heavier and more straightforward.

What's really interesting about ToT is that, despite it being one of the band's most relentless albums, it has this kind of raw, unapologetic energy that only grows more appealing the more you listen. It doesn't have the crazy variety of Octavarium (which, don't get me wrong, I still love), but I think there's something to be said for how Train of Thought takes this really focused, intense approach.

Sometimes, an album doesn't need a wide palette of styles to be great—it just needs to double down on what it does well, and ToT absolutely nails that. Take a song like "This Dying Soul." Sure, it's heavy, dark, and unrelenting, but the complexity is still there. It's not "variety" in the sense that they're shifting genres every track, but the riffs, time signatures, and structure are so intricate that even within the heaviness, there's a ton to appreciate. I think that's part of what makes ToT so great in the long run—it's a prog album that doesn't stray too far from its metal roots, but it keeps you on your toes with all the little technical flourishes and shifts.

And honestly, the more I listen to it, the more I appreciate just how tight the band was during this era. Petrucci's riffs are absolutely monstrous, and the rhythm section—especially Myung and Portnoy—are locked in like never before. Even LaBrie's vocals have this gritty, aggressive edge that really matches the tone of the album. It's like everyone just fully committed to this heavier direction, and the result is one of their most cohesive albums. There's something really satisfying about that.

Now, when it comes to Octavarium, I totally see what you're saying. That album is packed with variety, and for that reason, it's special in its own right. The title track alone is a masterpiece of progressive storytelling, weaving through so many different emotions and musical landscapes. But I also get why some people don't reach for Octavarium as much. It's an album that demands a certain mood—when I want something epic and expansive, I'm all in. But if I'm looking for something more direct and visceral, Train of Thought hits that sweet spot every time.

One thing I've noticed as I get older is that I have less patience for overly polished or overly "safe" music. Don't get me wrong, I still love the melodic side of Dream Theater, and I'll always have a soft spot for albums like Falling Into Infinity and The Astonishing when I want something more cinematic or emotional. But there's something about the raw energy of ToT that feels refreshing, especially when a lot of newer metal bands lean so heavily into production and gloss. ToT just goes for it—it's aggressive, it's in-your-face, and it doesn't let up. There's no filler, no ballads (okay, maybe "Vacant," but even that has a haunting vibe), just pure, unfiltered metal with a prog twist.

I think part of what makes Train of Thought get better with age is that, as we grow older, we start to appreciate consistency in a different way. When we're younger, variety and experimentation are super exciting. And Dream Theater is great for that—they've made a career out of pushing boundaries and exploring different styles. But as I've gotten older, I find myself gravitating more towards albums that have a clear identity and stick to it.

Train of Thought is one of those albums. It knows exactly what it is and doesn't try to be anything else. It's like Dream Theater said, "We're going to make the heaviest, most relentless album we can, and we're not going to apologize for it." And honestly, that commitment to the vision is part of what makes it so powerful.

It's also worth noting that the lyrical themes of ToT have aged really well. There's a lot of anger and frustration in those songs, and as the world gets more chaotic, I find myself connecting with those emotions more than ever. Songs like "As I Am" or "In the Name of God" feel even more relevant now than they did when the album first came out. There's a darkness there, but it's not hopeless—it's about fighting back, pushing through the struggle. That's something I think a lot of us can relate to, especially after the last few years.

So yah, I don't think it's weird at all that Train of Thought has gotten better for you over the years. In fact, I think a lot of Dream Theater fans are starting to come around to that realization. It might not have the variety of Octavarium or the emotional storytelling of Scenes From a Memory, but it's a damn good album that's aged like fine wine. Sometimes you don't need a ton of variety—just a band at the top of their game, doing what they do best.

;-)

[ytserush]

Artbooks, or sometimes called earbooks, are 12"x12" size (so basically vinyl LP cover size), and are usually hard-cover books with large photo pages and lyrics, usually with extra photos and text that isn't included in the typical CD-sized offerings. They've been very popular for rock and metal bands over the last 20 years, and are usually offered with extra CDs, DVDs, and BDs that feature alternate tracks, demos, instrumental versions, high quality audio, and sometimes visual elements like full-album visualizers/music videos, and behind-the-scenes documentaries.

-Marc.

And the best part for me is there is no vinyl or "added value" just all of the music. Would have preferred a standard 2CD/Bluray set but this is the next best thing.

[hefdaddy42]

I gave it whirl:

;-)

Much better. Thank you!

[Dedalus]

Hey, just an FYI: this may be a fantastic post, but I'll never know, because I won't read this giant wall of text.

You've gotta break this shit up with some paragraph breaks or something, my dude.

I tried and got lost twice.