Official Parasomnia album discussion thread ***SPOILERS***

[nobloodyname]

I'm sure some of the sounds on Are We Dreaming are in The Incident.

Libary sounds pop up everywhere because they're library sounds

Take the Wilhelm scream, for example. Or just about any hawk squeak you ever hear anywhere. Or calls in a surgery.

They really are everywhere.

[durga2112]

I doubt that rule is back in place, because JP remains the sole producer.

I would assume that the reason Myung wrote no lyrics for this album is that he didn't want to.

Yeah, that's what I thought - I was just wondering if anyone from the band has mentioned it.

[lonestar]

Just getting to the epic, but I gotta say I'm very pleased overall... Bend the Clock is especially delightful.

[Architeuthis]

Why wouldn't they? Curious.

It seems that it's even too much of a horror story for the guys in DT.
I'm just a bit surprised. I guess I shouldn't be surprised when I think of SFAM. lol!

[DeanTheater]

Bend the Clock is their best song since Breaking All Illusions. Change my mind.

[wolfking]

There's a shadow man incident here involving Hugh Syme
https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/1ijxgqm/guy_reports_on_fb_hugh_copy_pasted_his_own_albums/

(Sorry dont know how to imbed images - looks like Hugh sold the same art twice)

That's poor.  What a dodgy bastard!

[gborland]

Libary sounds pop up everywhere because they're library sounds

Take the Wilhelm scream, for example. Or just about any hawk squeak you ever hear anywhere. Or calls in a surgery.

They really are everywhere.

Hugh Syme did those sounds.

[Dedalus]

Hugh Syme did those sounds.

And they are the same sounds present on the band Orion's latest album.

[Peter Mc]

I'm listening to the Atmos mix and I'm a bit disappointed. Morpheous sounds amazing in Atmos but the rest of the songs don't pop up like an Atmos mix should be.

Agreed.  The change is so noticeable that when the heavy guitars come in on Night Terror, it sounds really weak and quiet after how huge Morpheous sounded.

[misterbiscuit]

Let's not forget that his rather poetic writing style is probably not a great fit if you're expected to stick to the pre-determined topic of the album.

You don't think it's possible to write about a topic, in a way that is poetic?

[Peter Mc]

We'll see, as time goes on, but I'm not sure I can get past just how much like The Astonishing TSMI is.  It feels like they just took TA and added a bunch of noodling instrumental stuff.

This isn't to bag on TA, I played the hell out of that album when it came out.  I did eventually tire of it though and it's probably the one DT album I struggle to sit through now.  A lot of it grates on me and I'm getting the same feeling from TSMI.  Dead Asleep also has overt nods to The Astonishing too but not to the same degree.  Maybe I'll get over it as there is some cool instrumental stuff in TSMI.  At the moment though I'm not enjoying the majority of the song.

[Peter Mc]

You don't think it's possible to write about a topic, in a way that is poetic?

It may just be that he stepped up when Portnoy left as they were down to just JP and JLB as lyricists at that point and JLB had not written a ton of DT songs to that point either.  Now that another lyricist has returned, and JLB is also more established, maybe he's decided to take a step back.  Could also be that he had no interest in the subject matter that he would have been confined to.

[NoFred]

I actually love the TA influence on TSMI, especially in the chorus melody. Overall this album is the most impactful I've heard James since TA.

And the song has a ton of noodling too, but they managed to keep it purposeful. Haven't gotten bored of any of it.

[WilliamMunny]

Way too early to have any super specific thoughts, but I'm finding myself in agreement with the general sentiments (singles not representative of the depth or quality, "Bend the Clock" and "Shadowman Incidient" are highlights).

Unfortunately, as someone (I couldn't find the post to quote) pointed out a bit earlier, the subject matter both lyrically and musically is just, so dark.

The album's focus may be both it's strength and weakness in that regard, as I appreciate the strong thematic elements and the cohesive vision, but I have little to no interest listening to a literal description of a man killing his wife.

I'm not quite sure why this, of all things ( I mean, it's not like this is a Slayer album), is hitting me this way, but there were numerous lyrical passages today that kinda left me unsettled, and not in a good way.

Oh well, definitely a 'me' issue, and hardly the end of the world.

The band sounds great, and everyone is firing on all cylinders here.

While something a bit more, say, grand and reflective would have resonated with me personally, I don't fault the boys for diving into this subject matter.

I'm gonna hit play on Monday morning and see if a new week and fresh ears gives me a different impression before I think any more about it.

[Adami]

Don't love the album.

Nothing bad about it (other than a lot of those lyrics) but it just didn't inspire me. There were some really cool moments in Shadow Man but less than a handful in the rest of the album. I like albums that make me want to go pick up a guitar, or a bass, or sit behind the drums, or write a song. Or at least make me think "Damn! I wish I could write something like that!" and this album doesn't have much of that. I wish I had their technical ability, but I already knew that.

So yea. I'll give it another listen, but I think DT is just not for me anymore.

[WardySI]

Now have read the thread to date am just taking opportunity to jump in before you f***ers turn this thread into 56 pages overnight

Early faves be Dead Asleep, Midnight Messiah, Night Terror and the beautiful Behind The Clock.  Can't however say anything necessarily beats pants of recent highlights, it's all good then and now just kinda take my DT as it comes ya know?  Like I still think Along For The Ride trumps most the later-day DT ballads and will forever praise a ton of DOT and whatnot...

But yeah, this is defs a great record and the added bonus being the packaging and indeed the concept which I can totally relate to atm.  Uncanny timing by DT releasing this subject matter now which could well turn this one up a few notches once it all sinks in \m/

Too early to know where Parasomnia will sit in their overall catalogue for me but right now don't care and am just a happy fan

[Northern Lion]

Jury is still out whether I will enjoy this album more that View.  I do like that it's different.  I like the concept, I like the subject matter of each of the songs (although I have no idea what Bend the Clock is about), I like the production, the mix, the song arrangements, the performance from everyone.  It's all good.

I have listened to the album front to back maybe 5 times today and I've listened to the songs new to me a bunch more than that and I have really enjoyed it.  But I'll give it time till the new car smell wears off and see where it ends up sitting.

One thing I can say for sure is that View, the song, is much better than TSMI.  I like TSMI and it has a lot of good moments, but as a whole, I like View more, and by quite a lot.  However, I am very happy that I have another epic I can add to my epics play list 

[HOF]

Sometimes I laugh thinking about JLB hearing the songs initially and wondering 'where tf do they expect me to sing on this?!'.  The chorus for TSMI has been stuck in my head since I first heard it.  Musically, there's a lot going on underneath that and he pulls if off, it works so well.  Loving this track more and more every time I hear it.

There are several songs with extended instrumental intros that I think might have worked better as just separate interlude tracks, or just done away with all together. I tend to think of that stuff as "throat clearing." Like they aren't sure what to say so they hem and haw, or as it were noodle around until an idea comes to mind for the actual song.

[jayvee3]

Bend the Clock is their best song since Breaking All Illusions. Change my mind.

At Wit's end...

Bend the Clock is my fave song from the album. But I think it's also a nice change of pace that is needed in the album after a barrage of metal, that it gets looked on even more favourably. Where something like "Out of reach" is a similarly beautiful ballad that people seem to overlook because of its album placement...

[Northern Lion]

At Wit's end...

Bend the Clock is my fave song from the album. But I think it's also a nice change of pace that is needed in the album after a barrage of metal, that it gets looked on even more favourably. Where something like "Out of reach" is a similarly beautiful ballad that people seem to overlook because of its album placement...

I would also add TBP, IT, several Astonishing songs, FITL, TA, and AVFTTOTW 😊.

But yeah, Bend the Clock is undoubtedly amazing also.

[TAC]

At Wit's end...

Bend the Clock is my fave song from the album. But I think it's also a nice change of pace that is needed in the album after a barrage of metal, that it gets looked on even more favourably. Where something like "Out of reach" is a similarly beautiful ballad that people seem to overlook because of its album placement...

Out Of Reach isn't in Bend The Clock's league.

It might literally be my least favorite song of the Mangini Era.

[Northern Lion]

Parasomnia is now the second best selling album on Amazon! Up from 3rd place earlier today. DT knocked it out of the park this time!

I will be very interested to see what the Billboard charts look like next wee.

[bluefox4000]

Out Of Reach isn't in Bend The Clock's league.

It might literally be my least favorite song of the Mangini Era.

I dunno I don't get the love for Bend the Clock.

i've had 6 spins now and it and Out of Reach both reek of typical DT ballad schmaltz.

not to ran on anyone's parade.  we like what we like....just my silly ears, lol

[Dedalus]

Out Of Reach isn't in Bend The Clock's league.

It might literally be my least favorite song of the Mangini Era.

I think Out of Reach is a great ballad. But then again, there are so many other really cool songs that have been completely ignored all these years.

Along for the Ride, for example. I love that song. I love Rudess' Lucky Man kind of solo (it's not every day that Rudess does a really interesting solo), while Myung holds the pace with Mangini (and Petrucci miraculously gets out of the way).

Or The Looking Glass. Simple and excellent. And ignored. I think it's a shame.

[Northern Lion]

I think Out of Reach is a great ballad. But then again, there are so many other really cool songs that have been completely ignored all these years.

Along for the Ride, for example. I love that song. I love Rudess' Lucky Man kind of solo (it's not every day that Rudess does a really interesting solo), while Myung holds the pace with Mangini (and Petrucci miraculously gets out of the way).

Or The Looking Glass. Simple and excellent. And ignored. I think it's a shame.

I agree with you except for TLG. It just sounds way too Rush for me. Once the newness of DT12 wore off, I never returned to it.

[jayvee3]

Out Of Reach isn't in Bend The Clock's league.

It might literally be my least favorite song of the Mangini Era.

Don't agree at all. I think Out of Reach is an outstanding ballad and an often overlooked gem. The solo early is beautiful and haunting. Different strokes.

But back on topic, Bend the Clock is very pretty, that could have been even more enhanced with a more memorable ending in my mind...

[wolven74]

If I were looking for something negative for this release I'd have one criticism that makes me sad, it would be that John Myung doesn't have any lyrical contribution. Though, his lyrics usually have an element of spirituality and or optimism, which the thematic thread through these songs doesn't really support. This album is a banger from start to finish.

[Glasser]

Spent the last hour calling record shops all around Chicago trying to snag a copy and everyone's sold out. Good for the boys, bad for me. Also, damn, don't people have jobs?

You still have record shops in Chicago? Nice!

[Stadler]

I think Out of Reach is a great ballad. But then again, there are so many other really cool songs that have been completely ignored all these years.

Along for the Ride, for example. I love that song. I love Rudess' Lucky Man kind of solo (it's not every day that Rudess does a really interesting solo), while Myung holds the pace with Mangini (and Petrucci miraculously gets out of the way).

Or The Looking Glass. Simple and excellent. And ignored. I think it's a shame.

I second that...

[YngVai]

You still have record shops in Chicago? Nice!

Shitloads, which is why it's all the more surprising that I can't find a copy haha.

[nobloodyname]

Out Of Reach isn't in Bend The Clock's league.

It might literally be my least favorite song of the Mangini Era.

Somebody mentioned Along for the Ride a few posts back with respect to now good Bend the Clock is. I nearly fell out of bed. Along for the Ride is probably in my bottom ten DT tunes.

[DeanTheater]

At Wit's end...

Bend the Clock is my fave song from the album. But I think it's also a nice change of pace that is needed in the album after a barrage of metal, that it gets looked on even more favourably. Where something like "Out of reach" is a similarly beautiful ballad that people seem to overlook because of its album placement...

GOOD CALL. I think At Wits End was an amazing track, with another emotional outro and fade out.  Just loving Bend the Clock right now. It has a nostalgic and  building emotional hook. It is a perfect song imo.

[WardySI]

Somebody mentioned Along for the Ride a few posts back with respect to now good Bend the Clock is. I nearly fell out of bed. Along for the Ride is probably in my bottom ten DT tunes.

Either me or Dedalus mentioned it too? 

I stand by my comment.  A beautiful tune, I'd personally put Along For The Ride above any ballad of theirs since I dunno, the early 00's? \m/

Out Of Reach would be a close second

Back OT, after a few more spins today Bend The Clock is creeping up into my album faves now.  Is wonderful stuff so am keen to see how it compares with AFTR and OUR down the track

[MirrorMask]

It's too early for digesting all the little details of the songs, but my gut feeling so far is...

Best songs: Bend the Clock and Shadow Man
Very good songs: Dead Asleep and, even though it's simpler, Night Terror, it flows so much better in the context of the album
Still good songs but not as memorable: Broken Man and Midnight Messiah, yeah cool stuff but... I've heard better heavy songs from DT
Bottom tier: the interlude and the instrumental, Morpheus is actually cool but anything without vocals loses, with me.

[Quarter_Cask]

I quite like the 43minutes and 25 seconds of this. For the rest I don't really care. So... around 3.6/5 blyat!