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

[PixelDream]

After a good couple of listens, Bend The Clock seems to become my favorite of the album. I'm all for heavy DT and this album does that so well, but BTC is just so soulful. That sound has been missing from DT and this song brings that aspect back in a huge way.

Some of the most passionate vocals from James on a DT album in quite a while. Loving the JP/MP backing vocals, they're sounding really good. And the guitar solos are absolutely perfect. First few listens the outro confused me because I kept anticipating a chord change of ACOS because the solo feels reminiscent of an extensive solo in ACOS where the chords modulate more.

[durga2112]

Sorry if this has already been asked/covered - but I noticed the Ants are back (at least in the expanded art book - not sure about the "basic" CD package).

Obviously they made their first appearance on Systematic Chaos, where they were heavily featured within both the album artwork and the tour - but have they shown up in between then and now, and I'm forgetting something in another album? Or is Parasomnia the first re-emergence?

There's also an ant on the Vol. 1 vinyl box set that was released last year - the cover of the box has elements from the 4 albums in the set, but standing behind the Images and Words girl is a giant ant. I've been wondering about that myself - it seems out of place there, but if ants are going to be some kind of mascot for the band or Hugh Syme's signature then I guess it makes some kind of sense.

[Zydar]

I guess ants are keeping some people awake at night, to tie in with the theme  

[Awaken]

For those listening on apple music make sure to turn off Dolby Atmos.  It's made a huge difference for me in case you all missed the other thread.   

Thanks again to the poster "Awaken" 

Glad to help, it's definitely annoying as hell - again I don't know much about Atmos but it does not sound good via Apple Music at all.  The Apple Music default appears to favor use of Dolby Atmos, so it's a little more annoying that you actively have to change it.

For me, I like it a lot and it gets better each time I listen.  The epic goes by in no time, which is a good sign for me.   I don't hear the Gilmour in Bend The Clock, though; it's far more Steve Morse to me.

I'm also struggling w this.  Most reviews cited Gilmour and I guess that got me in a 'Breaking All Illusions' kind of mindset (which is absolutely Gilmour inspired).  I'm just not hearing it for BTC, I mentioned Reb Beach in another thread and now you mention Steve Morse which I can definitely hear

This album is going to be amazing live.  I love that they're planning more Evening With shows for the next leg w Parasomnia featured. 

[Northern Lion]

Still my early impressions, but I think the album is the type of album that is very consistent all the way through. It doesn't reach the heights of DT's classic albums, but there's not any real weak tracks/ or bad moments on here(like the "Day after Day"/"Blast Beat"/Prophets of War/Build Me Up/Break me Down/long repentance ending).

I've listened to it in the car now twice - one with my friend on the way to the concert - and it's a rocking album with some fantastic groove from the band and Portnoy. They sound instantly n'sync together like back in the day(and the same goes for the live show I saw in Philly this past Friday).

I really thought it was interesting what John Myung said recently about this album being less technical than some of their previous records, and that a more technical album does not automatically make a better record. Personally, I think Distance Over Time is a top 5 DT record and think A View is very good as well(a touch below D/T), but I definitely understand what Myung is saying. In a way, them just kind of jamming out and playing some rock/metal without going over the top technical is kind of unique for them.

I will say that I think the first couple tracks could've used a couple moments that gave a break from the heaviness(like the soft middle section of 6:00, Take The Time).


Now all that aside, I was so blown away and happy to see these guys playing together in Philly, and having the Eagles win the Super Bowl ,that somehow a new Dream Theater record release is not the current obsession of my days 

I still maintain that Bend the Clock and Shadow Man are two fantastic closing tracks and the ending vocal conclusion of Shadow Man gave me chills that I haven't heard from the ending of a DT epic in a while.

My other two highlights are In the Arms of Morpheus, which is incredible, and Dead Asleep, which I really enjoy based on the groove and how it feels reminiscent of Beyond This Life. I've also grown a better appreciation to A Broken Man with hearing it in the context of the record and hearing the theme repeated throughout the album.

If I had to give it an early rating, I would say it's a solid 8/10 album. Welcome back Mister Portnoy!

Oh man, I just realized my mistake   

[bobzor]

I'm on my second listen right now.

I have never been this underwhelmed by any album by them, ever. These songs do absolutely nothing for me. But because it's DT, I will (try to) give it time and a second (or 3rd, 4th, etc.) chance. But I'm worried because this has never happened before. Every single album by them to this day I have found something inspiring/enjoyable from. But not this time.

Maybe the band is over for me. We will see.

[WilliamMunny]

I'm on my second listen right now.

I have never been this underwhelmed by any album by them, ever. These songs do absolutely nothing for me. But because it's DT, I will (try to) give it time and a second (or 3rd, 4th, etc.) chance. But I'm worried because this has never happened before. Every single album by them to this day I have found something inspiring/enjoyable from. But not this time.

Maybe the band is over for me. We will see.

Definitely give it some time.

Also, just because DT16 doesn't click doesn't mean your relationship is over. There's still the rest of the catalog waiting there for you any time you get the itch to listen.

I also wouldn't be surprised if the band returns sooner than later with something truly breathtaking. Traveling around the world together, shaking off the rust and getting to know each other again might just be the missing ingredient needed for a truly transcendent release.

I remain surprised that they jumped into the studio first, as opposed to heading out on tour. Their stated reasoning makes complete sense, but I can't help but wonder how DT16 might've turned out if they'd had a short 30-date run under their collective belts.

[Dream Team]

Have listened enough to finally comment. First of all, DT has never had a run of 4 songs on an album like Night Terror through Midnight Messiah where it's non-stop heavy. You could argue Train of Thought but Endless Sacrifice is half ballad. As mostly a metal guy I'm fine with it and it helps a lot that JP's sound and the riffs themselves are a huge improvement over View.

Jordan is too low in the mix. He must be so sick of that. Of what I can hear, I like what he's doing.

Mike's lyrics in MM struck me as lame at first but they've grown on me, partly because his style contrasts nicely with JP's exposition-style lyrics which can be a little grating at times. "This happened then this happened then this happened". Also appreciate the energy MP put into his drumming and it totally fits the vibe.

The instrumental section of TSMI is one of their best yet, and MP has one of his best fills at the end. Just straight up  '

Recently after listening to Parasomnia I went back to listen to View to see what differences stood out. I think View is a more "artistic" record and has better lyrics, and Myung is a little more present in the mix. But I like James' vocals more on Parasomnia plus we have some good backing vocals. If I had to rank them currently:

TSMI
DA
MM
ABM
NT
BTC
ITAOM
AWD?

[illusionist]

I had a few first listens of the album.
My initial impression is that it's a good album, not great, nor bad.
I like some parts here and there, but for the most part it sounds 'flat'. It doesn't have the ups and downs i have come to expect from their albums. Plus it's more heavy and i miss the prog identity which is why i loved them for from the beginning.
One highlight for me is Bend the clock guitar tone and James vocals. I am just not a fan of the solo, i can understand why people love it but for me it doesn't have the melodic lines of other DT song's solos that i love, such as Barstool warrior, A View, most of the Astonishing etc. I didn't cry with it as i did when i first listened to the songs i mentioned.
Another thing i didn't like is that Jordan is like a guest on it, at times i don't even hear any keys. And Jordan is a great player and composer and it's a pity he doesn't embellishes the songs with his ideas.
Obviously it must have been done on purpose, i just love when JR creates  atmospheric passages and beautiful melodies, which does not happen here.
Other than that I'm still trying to acclimatize myself to the new songs, they still feel awkward and not DT, at least to my ears.
I will keep listening to it hoping I'll like it more as time goes by.
I am starting to think that as much as i want them to record interesting and ground breaking albums, that won't be the case from now on.
At least they gave us The Astonishing some 9 years ago.

[faizoff]

This probably belongs here rather than the tour thread, DT answering questions about the new album.

[Zydar]

Everyone, put on your pajamas! 

[Northern Lion]

I really hope they come out with DT pajamas, I would totally buy those and wear them at the concert.

[Sir Walrus Cauliflower]

I conducted a science experiment this weekend on my DT fandom. After listening to Parasomnia twice Thursday night, once Friday morning, and twice again Friday night, I decided to see how the last three stack up. Saturday afternoon I had a marathon and listened to my own personal 89 min cut of The Astonishing, all of Distance Over Time, all of A View From the Top of the World, and all of Parasomnia again top to bottom one after the other (with a few breaks interspersed for my ears).

After conducting this experiment, I came to an important conclusion: I fucking love Dream Theater. Listening back to back, I was surprised by how little I have to complain about regarding the production for each album. I like pretty much all the singles a LOT in the album context, and the pacing of each release didn't burn me out even after almost 5 straight hours of DT throughout the afternoon and evening. I'm not ready to rank Parasomnia, I just really, really like it. That's no surprise because I really liked the the last two albums too.

I listened through Parasomnia again Sunday, and again yesterday along with some Kendrick Lamar to mix it up. I like it better with each listen - really great moments packed all the way through and no skips. I really love every Mangini era album except for TA, which I like quite a bit when I chop the runtime down about 30% and nix some slower moments.

These guys are pretty good at writing songs. Pretty good at playing their instruments too. 

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

It feels like there's a paragraph missing before you get to this point - the jump from general impressions of the album to this occurrence is really jarring. I know you said you're still editing it so I thought this should be pointed out.

Other than that, it's a solid review! Looking forward to reading the finished version.

Thanks! I'll keep working on it

[DoctorAction]

I have an observation on the album:

The fucking riffs! 

A bunch of real grinners sprinkled across the whole thing.

[Glasser]

I guess ants are keeping some people awake at night, to tie in with the theme

Oooh nice! Awake! So the Systematic Chaos ants are keeping everyone Awake causing Parasomnia?

[mrpmrpmrpmrp]

Parasomnia a rough draft fan-fiction summary:

Mike Portnoy said recently in an interview about the arms of Morpheus that the whole album is the listeners dream . 

The album opens with the listener, settling down for bed. As sleep sets in frantic sound effects, followed by an overture followed by a single about general night terrors to introduce the tone. These 2 songs are connected.

We then enter our 1st character who is the veteran who has night terrors. He resolves to wait out his life and face what he has seen and done as he knows it was routed in service to his country. This is how my grandfather's generation was. They never really spoke about what they did or saw, but in the rare case that they did, you could feel the emotion.

This song directly connects to a new story, one that takes place in the even more distant past. A count of Tuscany like epic where a man is involved with the murder of his wife while sleep walking. I'm still not 100% on this one but it seems like he is genuinely confused but knows he finished her off or was tricked into killing her by what his sentient subconscious thought it saw. He truly does not know exactly what happened whether he lied to law-enforcement or not. The song ends with theme from a broken man and the closing of the door which signals the end of this man's story, but features the second act of dead silence which feels a little bit like a casket closing from the inside perspective.

The third and final part of the album starts with midnight Messiah, a story about a man who goes and leans in the opposite direction of these parasomnias and seeks to harness its spiritual power.

This connects into are we dreaming where I believe the midnight Messiah has become the living embodiment of the shadow man, a sleepwalker, who is permanently in a sleepwalking state but in control at the same time, and encountered a woman who has had sleep paralysis her whole life, and is spiritually very aware of the realm she is in but is terrified by the waking nightmares. He is surprised when she is not scared and begs him to stay. She is his other half spiritually. Although the person he was before would have possibly had empathy he instead walks away dryly saying they never had a chance she then turns and asks the listeners who are witnessing all of this in a type of dream state "are we dreaming?" deepening the immersion into the album.

This then leads into her characters song, bend the clock which seems to be trending really high on the top songs right now. It's pretty straightforward. I personally love this song. It will be really great live with that outro solo. In fact, this is the first Dream Theater record where to me it sounds the most like they do live where they definitely have the stage in mind and have complete mastery now that Mike P is back in the band.
 
This fades into the shadow man who we discover is causing all this chaos and the listener who is still dreaming, but doesn't know it, and thinks the album is ending is advised to leave a light on before bed. The listener then walks away, but the world around them becomes more and more distorted, reversing from what we heard in the intro, having a true awakening, and just before their alarm goes off the midnight Messiah wakes them up.

The alarm then goes off and everything becomes completely silent, therefore having a true awakening from the dream, but leaving a question of whether your character in the album was killed or if you are now just left and dumped out into actual reality, or both. It's the third and arguably most effective time silence is used and after the onslaught with little reprieve, it feels very poignant and if you're into the concept of the album, it's pretty rewarding.

Congratulations you've just gone on a highly stylized state of the art dream theater journey full of themes old and new that should keep us all busy for the next few tours.

[Sir Walrus Cauliflower]

Y'know, one other thing I didn't mention - I started digging into the LNF releases this weekend as well since I've been so fired up about DT again. I've been spinning WDADU live from LA and that is definitely the definitive version for me. I can't believe how good it sounds for a live recording. It's been super fun listening to what the boys were up to on two albums 40 years apart. What a marvelous band. I know I'm just shlobbin' the collective DT nob at this point but I can't help it.

As far as Parasomnia goes, I think TSMI and the Are We Dreaming/Bend the Clock combo are tied for my favorite tracks on the album if we can pretend that's one piece (which I will). Are We Dreaming really gets to me on its own, but when you follow it with BTC that really tugs on the heartstrings. AWD is some of the best atmosphere DT has ever created and it adds so much more to the album that the runtime would indicate.

[Glasser]

Y'know, one other thing I didn't mention - I started digging into the LNF releases this weekend as well since I've been so fired up about DT again. I've been spinning WDADU live from LA and that is definitely the definitive version for me. I can't believe how good it sounds for a live recording. It's been super fun listening to what the boys were up to on two albums 40 years apart. What a marvelous band. I know I'm just shlobbin' the collective DT nob at this point but I can't help it.

As far as Parasomnia goes, I think TSMI and the Are We Dreaming/Bend the Clock combo are tied for my favorite tracks on the album if we can pretend that's one piece (which I will). Are We Dreaming really gets to me on its own, but when you follow it with BTC that really tugs on the heartstrings. AWD is some of the best atmosphere DT has ever created and it adds so much more to the album that the runtime would indicate.

WDADU is untouchable to me. The live version is great but not the same. The funny thing about AWD is it starts at the end of MM. I combined those 2 for seamless listening.

[Dellers]

I finally had a chance to listen to the Atmos mix today while the kid visited the neighbor. Huge improvement from the stereo mix! It's not necessarily the most lively Atmos mix until the final track, but it sounds a lot better still. The bass is loud enough (why is it not on the CD? Has Andy Sneap's hearing gotten worse since View?). The drums sound nicer. It's less fatiguing because of vastly better dynamic range. The slight uncomfort on my system because of just a little too much treble is gone. I can crank the volume, which is uncomfortable when listening to the CD version like with all modern stereo masters. The Atmos also sounds better on my studio stereo headphones without any tinkering. My only complaint still is that Jordan is buried most of the time even here. For the majority of the album I wish that he was twice as loud.

[Schurftkut]

I really hope they come out with DT pajamas, I would totally buy those and wear them at the concert.

Sons of Apollo had "Socks of Apollo" 

[Wim Kruithof]

Then, around the halfway mark—specifically during the ending of "Dead Asleep"—something happened. Maybe it was the dissonant chord progressions, maybe it was the way Portnoy's drumming mimicked the chaotic, fragmented nature of a nightmare, or maybe it was the intense, almost oppressive weight of the music pressing down on me—but I felt a sudden wave of nausea. Before I could even pause the album, I was hunched over, violently expelling my lunch all over my Dream Theater Metropolis Pt. 2 tour shirt.

Now, at first, I thought, Okay, that's just unfortunate. But as I cleaned myself up and reflected on what had just occurred, I realized something profound: Parasomnia had done exactly what it was supposed to do. The album's entire theme revolves around losing control—of one's body, one's mind, and one's grip on reality. It explores the terrifying sensation of waking up paralyzed, of slipping between different levels of consciousness, of being trapped in a never-ending, surreal nightmare. My own body had literally mirrored these themes. It was as if the music had reached into my subconscious and forced a physical reaction.

And really, isn't that what Dream Theater has always been about?

To say I have to digest what you wrote or chew on it a little longer, feels kind of nasty, so I won't...

[JediKnight1969]

The reunion we have



The reunion we wished

[Northern Lion]

The reunion we have



The reunion we wished

No thanks. I prefer JR.

[SeRoX]

I prefer Kevin Moore. This is impossible. Why?

1- I prefer young Kevin Moore but you can't say how he would've sounded now if he hadn't left. Maybe less interesting, less creative. But I do miss his signature, mystic touch.

2- It seems Moore is not interested in music anymore. Maybe he is doing something but not a professional way, AFAIK. He is a doctor now.

3- Moore stated more than once he is not interested in DT's music or that kind of genre even back in the day and probably now. For that he has never been a quest for a concert for once. Maybe there was a cold blood. I don't think they have a connection, maybe exception of Portnoy.

[bluefox4000]

The reunion we have



The reunion we wished

yea i am not generally a kevin moore fan, lol

i like Images and his work there but that's it.

[hefdaddy42]

The reunion we have



The reunion we wished

Not many people are wishing for that.

[Sir Walrus Cauliflower]

I loved KM's parts on everything he did with DT.

Buuut he hasn't done anything with DT in 30 years and 14 albums which is 75% of the total span of their career and 87.5% of their studio albums, so I have no idea why his name is anywhere near the Parasomnia thread.

"Boy, I sure wish Charlie Dominici was on Parasomnia!"

Okay grandma, let's get you to bed 

[vazquez]

I have never been this underwhelmed by any album by them, ever. These songs do absolutely nothing for me. [...]

Maybe the band is over for me. We will see.

I felt this way with A View...

Not many people are wishing for that.

Not me, and I was a big fan of KM - when he was a musician. I have basically everything he has released. In the past, I would rather listen to Chroma Key than 6 degrees or Systematic Chaos.

Not now, of course, I was probably in need of some medicine back then.

I still think he did some amazing lyrics in DT, the best they ever had, and some great solos, compositions, etc. But listening today to his solo work, or OSI, the lyrics and not that great, there are very few things that stood out in his keyboard playing.

He was an amazing musician WITH Dream Theater. Out of it, he was ok, nothing more. Probably less.

[YngVai]

It'd be a dream lineup for me. Honestly (even speaking as a guitarist) KevMo might be my favorite DT member, past or present. I find myself really into everything he's ever touched.


Love JR to death, KM's music just does something for me across multiple genres.

[hefdaddy42]

It'd be a dream lineup for me. Honestly (even speaking as a guitarist) KevMo might be my favorite DT member, past or present. I find myself really into everything he's ever touched.


Love JR to death, KM's music just does something for me across multiple genres.

I get that, he just doesn't do music anymore, and would never reunite with DT.  So I just don't understand the idea.

[RAIN]

I'm on my second listen right now.

I have never been this underwhelmed by any album by them, ever. These songs do absolutely nothing for me. But because it's DT, I will (try to) give it time and a second (or 3rd, 4th, etc.) chance. But I'm worried because this has never happened before. Every single album by them to this day I have found something inspiring/enjoyable from. But not this time.

Maybe the band is over for me. We will see.

I too was not thrilled with the singles, and first 2 listens to the whole album, I was underwhelmed.  But I have to admit, I'm really getting into this album now.  It's a grower.  I still like A View better, but this isn't bad at all.

[Samsara]

re: Kevin Moore

For me, Kevin was by far the preferred keyboardist in Dream Theater. And that's zero disrespect to Jordan or Derek. But for me, in Dream Theater, Kevin was much more atmospheric in his approach. Still a lead player, but much more about atmosphere. Derek was more Jon Lord. Whereas Jordan is much more aggressive and out front at times.

To be fair though, I'm also in the minority that misses the warm sound of FII (Derek) and the 90s vibe of I&W and Awake. And part of that is JP's evolution as a player. He doesn't sound like that anymore, and doesn't play with a lot of open space. And I can't fault him or the band for that. Natural evolution. But for me, I put I&W, Awake, and to a degree, FII, on a pedestal. That was the DT I LOVED as a fan. Anything since, while there have been great moments (SFAM, several other songs), they haven't hit me like I&W and Awake in particular. And a major part of that, for me, has to be Kevin Moore's impact. "Space Dye Vest" (which MP said wouldn't have been on the album if they knew Kevin was leaving) is an example of balancing out DT's sound in a way that appealed to me.

[emtee]

There are so many non musical effects on this album and spoken words, whispers, etc, that add a unique and enjoyable element. The drips of water splatting...I keep hearing them. "Come. Don't leave. Are we dreaming?" On the headphones these moments can be subtle but also intense.

[Stadler]

re: Kevin Moore

For me, Kevin was by far the preferred keyboardist in Dream Theater. And that's zero disrespect to Jordan or Derek. But for me, in Dream Theater, Kevin was much more atmospheric in his approach. Still a lead player, but much more about atmosphere. Derek was more Jon Lord. Whereas Jordan is much more aggressive and out front at times.

To be fair though, I'm also in the minority that misses the warm sound of FII (Derek) and the 90s vibe of I&W and Awake. And part of that is JP's evolution as a player. He doesn't sound like that anymore, and doesn't play with a lot of open space. And I can't fault him or the band for that. Natural evolution. But for me, I put I&W, Awake, and to a degree, FII, on a pedestal. That was the DT I LOVED as a fan. Anything since, while there have been great moments (SFAM, several other songs), they haven't hit me like I&W and Awake in particular. And a major part of that, for me, has to be Kevin Moore's impact. "Space Dye Vest" (which MP said wouldn't have been on the album if they knew Kevin was leaving) is an example of balancing out DT's sound in a way that appealed to me.

If it matters, you're not the only one that shares some of those points of view.   I just know for me, it is what it is.  They wouldn't have likely kept on making the same music for the last 40 years, and who knows to where they would have evolved.  I don't say this to you, Samsara, but to the people wishing for Kevin to come out of retirement, all I can do is enjoy what we have, and live in the here and now.  I'm not sure who it serves to keep reminding the band of this; I'd rather Jordan be Jordan, for better or worse, than to try to be what he thinks we think Kevin should be or would be today.