Sons of Apollo (feat. Portnoy & Sherinian)

[devieira73]

On Black Clouds MP said that the idea was to people hear more clearly the arrangements beneath the solos.

[devieira73]

Just an idea that I had and I never saw any band do: to make as a bonus CD an instrumental version of the album replacing the vocals melodies by guitars, keyboards or another instrument.  This would be more work for the band for sure, but I think this could be really cool!

[RodrigoAltaf]

I'm curious to find out what covers they'll play live. Burn and "...and the cradle will rock" sounded amazing! Maybe some Queen or The Who would be a great fit.

[The Letter M]

I'm curious to find out what covers they'll play live. Burn and "...and the cradle will rock" sounded amazing! Maybe some Queen or The Who would be a great fit.

Definitely some Deep Purple, I think it fits their vibe a bit more if they wanna do some classic rock/metal stuff. Maybe a Rush tune, something heavier like "The Necromancer"?

In reality, they'll probably play covers of their respective past bands (non-DT), though it'd be interesting to hear MP try to nail some of Derek's solo and Planet X stuff.

-Marc.

[ganpondorodf]

I wish they'd release individual stems instead for each instrument. That'd be way more interesting and everybody could create their own personalized mix.

And possibly make some interesting songs. Don't think Mike or Derek want that

[Mebert78]

Didn't see this posted anywhere yet...


Mike Portnoy on Sons of Apollo: "It's the way it was in Dream Theater, where I'm calling the shots and I'm in control."

Link: https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mike-portnoy-on-sons-of-apollo-its-the-way-it-was-in-dream-theater-where-im-calling-the-shots-and-im-in-control/

My immediate thought was... and maybe that's partly why you're no longer in DT?

Personally, I think he and Derek would really be wise to stop bringing up DT on social media and in interviews and just let the music speak for itself.

EDIT: Let me clarify... I just felt like one of his reasons for leaving DT was because he was burnt out the band and was seemingly handling too much responsibility, so him taking on the same exact role in SoP seems... ironic.  So that's why I said maybe that's part of the reason he's no longer in DT.  If it's what's best for him and the band so be it, but the whole "I'm calling the shots" persona should be kept private within the band, in my opinion.

[Herrick]

Didn't see this posted anywhere yet...


Mike Portnoy on Sons of Apollo: "It's the way it was in Dream Theater, where I'm calling the shots and I'm in control."

Link: https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mike-portnoy-on-sons-of-apollo-its-the-way-it-was-in-dream-theater-where-im-calling-the-shots-and-im-in-control/


My immediate thought was... and maybe that's partly why you're no longer in DT?

Personally, I think he and Derek would really be wise to stop bringing up DT on social media and in interviews and just let the music speak for itself.

I haven't read that one but I watched the interview linked on the last page (or two pages ago?). Portnoy said he was calling the shots like he did for the last 10 years he was in Dream Theater but the music writing was collaborative. I'd really like to see this go down because I always wondered how a drummer or singer who don't play any other instruments write music. Not saying it couldn't be done but it would be interesting to see. I'm guessing Sherinian and Bumblefoot did most of the real writing.

[Adami]

I was hoping the headline was grossly overstated and that the article wasn't like that, but I was wrong. He blatantly states multiple times that he is not only the man completely in charge of SoA but that he was also completely in charge of DT.

He also says that Sheehan just kind of came into the project near the end and only contributed a little and that JSS had some contribution, but not a ton.

[ErHaO]

Just an idea that I had and I never saw any band do: to make as a bonus CD an instrumental version of the album replacing the vocals melodies by guitars, keyboards or another instrument.  This would be more work for the band for sure, but I think this could be really cool!

Alestorm recently did this, but, eh, they replaced the vocal melodies with crappy dog key patches and added the word "dogs" in each song title. So I guess it is not entirely what you are looking for 

[Mebert78]

I'm guessing Sherinian and Bumblefoot did most of the real writing.

I'm actually pretty psyched to hear Bumblefoot on this album.  I'm not really familiar with any of his past work aside from Chinese Democracy, which I only listened to a couple times, so I'm going in pretty fresh with him.

[TAC]

My immediate thought was... and maybe that's partly why you're no longer in DT?

 

[DTA]

I'm just getting so tired of the quantity over quality work ethic of MP. He says he wants complete control so he doesn't have to deal with hundreds of emails about arrangements, but that's what collaboration and creating music is. I know he's not bringing in riffs or anything so why does he imagine that his say is somehow more important (or correct?) than the actual creators of the music? What's the point of shitting out lackluster album after album rather than taking lots of time and creating something really unique and interesting? I'll never understand how taking time in the studio to refine the music and live with it a bit before recording is seen as a negative thing in his world.

SoA could've been a rival to Haken in the prog-metal realm, but it's just another cash grab with no real longevity since his bandmates will most likely get tired real quick of having to deal with his need for complete control. I'm sure there'll be some cool moments but the two songs released so far are as bland and stale arrangement-wise as it gets. I knew how the songs would go before I even finished them.

[Herrick]

I'm just getting so tired of the quantity over quality work ethic of MP. He says he wants complete control so he doesn't have to deal with hundreds of emails about arrangements, but that's what collaboration and creating music is. I know he's not bringing in riffs or anything so why does he imagine that his say is somehow more important (or correct?) than the actual creators of the music? What's the point of shitting out lackluster album after album rather than taking lots of time and creating something really unique and interesting? I'll never understand how taking time in the studio to refine the music and live with it a bit before recording is seen as a negative thing in his world.

SoA could've been a rival to Haken in the prog-metal realm, but it's just another cash grab with no real longevity since his bandmates will most likely get tired real quick of having to deal with his need for complete control. I'm sure there'll be some cool moments but the two songs released so far are as bland and stale arrangement-wise as it gets. I knew how the songs would go before I even finished them.

This is a problem with juggling so many musical projects. Portnoy may not have the time to spend months doing serious writing (or overseeing the writing?) then record & tour just for one band. On top of that they have to merge the schedules of the other guys since they're all doing different projects too.

[devieira73]

Just an idea that I had and I never saw any band do: to make as a bonus CD an instrumental version of the album replacing the vocals melodies by guitars, keyboards or another instrument.  This would be more work for the band for sure, but I think this could be really cool!

Alestorm recently did this, but, eh, they replaced the vocal melodies with crappy dog key patches and added the word "dogs" in each song title. So I guess it is not entirely what you are looking for 

no, I was thinking more in a Satriani style.

[As I Am]

Didn't see this posted anywhere yet...


Mike Portnoy on Sons of Apollo: "It's the way it was in Dream Theater, where I'm calling the shots and I'm in control."

Link: https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mike-portnoy-on-sons-of-apollo-its-the-way-it-was-in-dream-theater-where-im-calling-the-shots-and-im-in-control/

My immediate thought was... and maybe that's partly why you're no longer in DT?

Personally, I think he and Derek would really be wise to stop bringing up DT on social media and in interviews and just let the music speak for itself.

OR...maybe that's why DT ISN'T DT anymore!

[Mebert78]

OR...maybe that's why DT ISN'T DT anymore!

Touché. 

[Zook]

Didn't see this posted anywhere yet...


Mike Portnoy on Sons of Apollo: "It's the way it was in Dream Theater, where I'm calling the shots and I'm in control."

Link: https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mike-portnoy-on-sons-of-apollo-its-the-way-it-was-in-dream-theater-where-im-calling-the-shots-and-im-in-control/

My immediate thought was... and maybe that's partly why you're no longer in DT?

Personally, I think he and Derek would really be wise to stop bringing up DT on social media and in interviews and just let the music speak for itself.

OR...maybe that's why DT ISN'T DT anymore!

They sound like DT to me. Natural progression after BCSL would see even more lead MP vocals including even more ridiculous tough guy vocals and other elements that don't sound like DT.

[Anguyen92]

Didn't see this posted anywhere yet...


Mike Portnoy on Sons of Apollo: "It's the way it was in Dream Theater, where I'm calling the shots and I'm in control."

Link: https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mike-portnoy-on-sons-of-apollo-its-the-way-it-was-in-dream-theater-where-im-calling-the-shots-and-im-in-control/

My immediate thought was... and maybe that's partly why you're no longer in DT?

Personally, I think he and Derek would really be wise to stop bringing up DT on social media and in interviews and just let the music speak for itself.

OR...maybe that's why DT ISN'T DT anymore!

Even if that's the case, it's probably for the best when it comes to my enjoyment.  I've enjoyed all of their three post-MP albums quite well.

[Adami]

Last I checked, DT was still DT.

[NoseofNicko]

Didn't see this posted anywhere yet...


Mike Portnoy on Sons of Apollo: "It's the way it was in Dream Theater, where I'm calling the shots and I'm in control."

Link: https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mike-portnoy-on-sons-of-apollo-its-the-way-it-was-in-dream-theater-where-im-calling-the-shots-and-im-in-control/

My immediate thought was... and maybe that's partly why you're no longer in DT?

Personally, I think he and Derek would really be wise to stop bringing up DT on social media and in interviews and just let the music speak for itself.

OR...maybe that's why DT ISN'T DT anymore!

Ugh...

[Adami]

I'm pretty sure DT is still DT.

[Lethean]

Didn't see this posted anywhere yet...


Mike Portnoy on Sons of Apollo: "It's the way it was in Dream Theater, where I'm calling the shots and I'm in control."

Link: https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mike-portnoy-on-sons-of-apollo-its-the-way-it-was-in-dream-theater-where-im-calling-the-shots-and-im-in-control/

My immediate thought was... and maybe that's partly why you're no longer in DT?

Personally, I think he and Derek would really be wise to stop bringing up DT on social media and in interviews and just let the music speak for itself.

OR...maybe that's why DT ISN'T DT anymore!

They sound like DT to me. Natural progression after BCSL would see even more lead MP vocals including even more ridiculous tough guy vocals and other elements that don't sound like DT.

This.  I like all of DT's albums, and I was *really* upset when MP left DT.  But when I started to accept that this is how it was and he really wanted to do other things and wasn't going to be in the band anymore, the first silver lining for me was the thought of no more MP vocals.  These last 3 albums have been incredible and I'm not sure they would have been so good with MP trying to push things in a different direction and insisting on singing.

[Madman Shepherd]

I'm just getting so tired of the quantity over quality work ethic of MP. He says he wants complete control so he doesn't have to deal with hundreds of emails about arrangements, but that's what collaboration and creating music is. I know he's not bringing in riffs or anything so why does he imagine that his say is somehow more important (or correct?) than the actual creators of the music? What's the point of shitting out lackluster album after album rather than taking lots of time and creating something really unique and interesting? I'll never understand how taking time in the studio to refine the music and live with it a bit before recording is seen as a negative thing in his world.

SoA could've been a rival to Haken in the prog-metal realm, but it's just another cash grab with no real longevity since his bandmates will most likely get tired real quick of having to deal with his need for complete control. I'm sure there'll be some cool moments but the two songs released so far are as bland and stale arrangement-wise as it gets. I knew how the songs would go before I even finished them.

This is a problem with juggling so many musical projects. Portnoy may not have the time to spend months doing serious writing (or overseeing the writing?) then record & tour just for one band. On top of that they have to merge the schedules of the other guys since they're all doing different projects too.

Also, shouldn't bands tour in support of an album within a month or two?  With Mike juggling all of these bands he isn't free until 2018.  If they do a tour in January then the album will be over 2 months old.  Unless this new band takes the world by storm and is played all over radio, the lack of promotion through touring may hurt it pretty bad. 

[Lethean]

I'm just getting so tired of the quantity over quality work ethic of MP. He says he wants complete control so he doesn't have to deal with hundreds of emails about arrangements, but that's what collaboration and creating music is. I know he's not bringing in riffs or anything so why does he imagine that his say is somehow more important (or correct?) than the actual creators of the music? What's the point of shitting out lackluster album after album rather than taking lots of time and creating something really unique and interesting? I'll never understand how taking time in the studio to refine the music and live with it a bit before recording is seen as a negative thing in his world.

SoA could've been a rival to Haken in the prog-metal realm, but it's just another cash grab with no real longevity since his bandmates will most likely get tired real quick of having to deal with his need for complete control. I'm sure there'll be some cool moments but the two songs released so far are as bland and stale arrangement-wise as it gets. I knew how the songs would go before I even finished them.

This is a problem with juggling so many musical projects. Portnoy may not have the time to spend months doing serious writing (or overseeing the writing?) then record & tour just for one band. On top of that they have to merge the schedules of the other guys since they're all doing different projects too.

Also, shouldn't bands tour in support of an album within a month or two?  With Mike juggling all of these bands he isn't free until 2018.  If they do a tour in January then the album will be over 2 months old.  Unless this new band takes the world by storm and is played all over radio, the lack of promotion through touring may hurt it pretty bad.

I think that's more because of JSS than MP.  I believe JSS is doing TSO again this year so he won't be available to tour until next year. 

[BelichickFan]

Didn't see this posted anywhere yet...


Mike Portnoy on Sons of Apollo: "It's the way it was in Dream Theater, where I'm calling the shots and I'm in control."

Link: https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mike-portnoy-on-sons-of-apollo-its-the-way-it-was-in-dream-theater-where-im-calling-the-shots-and-im-in-control/

My immediate thought was... and maybe that's partly why you're no longer in DT?

Personally, I think he and Derek would really be wise to stop bringing up DT on social media and in interviews and just let the music speak for itself.

OR...maybe that's why DT ISN'T DT anymore!

If this album is what Portnoy's vision was for Dream Theater, I'm glad he left.

[Madman Shepherd]

I'm just getting so tired of the quantity over quality work ethic of MP. He says he wants complete control so he doesn't have to deal with hundreds of emails about arrangements, but that's what collaboration and creating music is. I know he's not bringing in riffs or anything so why does he imagine that his say is somehow more important (or correct?) than the actual creators of the music? What's the point of shitting out lackluster album after album rather than taking lots of time and creating something really unique and interesting? I'll never understand how taking time in the studio to refine the music and live with it a bit before recording is seen as a negative thing in his world.

SoA could've been a rival to Haken in the prog-metal realm, but it's just another cash grab with no real longevity since his bandmates will most likely get tired real quick of having to deal with his need for complete control. I'm sure there'll be some cool moments but the two songs released so far are as bland and stale arrangement-wise as it gets. I knew how the songs would go before I even finished them.

This is a problem with juggling so many musical projects. Portnoy may not have the time to spend months doing serious writing (or overseeing the writing?) then record & tour just for one band. On top of that they have to merge the schedules of the other guys since they're all doing different projects too.

Also, shouldn't bands tour in support of an album within a month or two?  With Mike juggling all of these bands he isn't free until 2018.  If they do a tour in January then the album will be over 2 months old.  Unless this new band takes the world by storm and is played all over radio, the lack of promotion through touring may hurt it pretty bad.

I think that's more because of JSS than MP.  I believe JSS is doing TSO again this year so he won't be available to tour until next year.

True.  Maybe they should have delayed the release.  Then again, if Mike had more time earlier in the year they could have finished the album sooner (I think they took a few months break between recording and finishing it), put it out in august and toured through September/October. 

[Herrick]

I'm just getting so tired of the quantity over quality work ethic of MP. He says he wants complete control so he doesn't have to deal with hundreds of emails about arrangements, but that's what collaboration and creating music is. I know he's not bringing in riffs or anything so why does he imagine that his say is somehow more important (or correct?) than the actual creators of the music? What's the point of shitting out lackluster album after album rather than taking lots of time and creating something really unique and interesting? I'll never understand how taking time in the studio to refine the music and live with it a bit before recording is seen as a negative thing in his world.

SoA could've been a rival to Haken in the prog-metal realm, but it's just another cash grab with no real longevity since his bandmates will most likely get tired real quick of having to deal with his need for complete control. I'm sure there'll be some cool moments but the two songs released so far are as bland and stale arrangement-wise as it gets. I knew how the songs would go before I even finished them.

This is a problem with juggling so many musical projects. Portnoy may not have the time to spend months doing serious writing (or overseeing the writing?) then record & tour just for one band. On top of that they have to merge the schedules of the other guys since they're all doing different projects too.

Also, shouldn't bands tour in support of an album within a month or two?  With Mike juggling all of these bands he isn't free until 2018.  If they do a tour in January then the album will be over 2 months old.  Unless this new band takes the world by storm and is played all over radio, the lack of promotion through touring may hurt it pretty bad.

I think that's more because of JSS than MP.  I believe JSS is doing TSO again this year so he won't be available to tour until next year.

True.  Maybe they should have delayed the release.  Then again, if Mike had more time earlier in the year they could have finished the album sooner (I think they took a few months break between recording and finishing it), put it out in august and toured through September/October.

I thought I read or heard in an interview that Sons of Apollo would be touring all next year.

[Madman Shepherd]

Yeah that's what they're saying.  Nothings been announced yet.  I just think if they're going to start touring in February then maybe they should have waited to release the album in January.  It's just that most bands tour in the month after the release.  Strike while the iron is hot. 

[RodrigoAltaf]

MP has said in front of the other members that heŽs the leader of SOA. And thereŽs one onterview where Derek openly acknowledges that. I really donŽt see a problem with him saying that. IŽve said this many times here and IŽll say it again - thereŽs a lot of people in this forum that while seemingly try to have a positive attitute towards MP, always try to pick things here and there to find fault in what he does. Relax people! HeŽs doing just fine, juggling a gazillion different bands, heŽll tour and promote whichever band he wants when the right time comes...and hey, look at the activity in DTF: Dream Theater is on tour, but the most talked about subject here is, hands down, Sons of Apollo. Some of us care about MP A LOT MORE than weŽre ready to admit.

[Herrick]

MP has said in front of the other members that heŽs the leader of SOA. And thereŽs one onterview where Derek openly acknowledges that. I really donŽt see a problem with him saying that. IŽve said this many times here and IŽll say it again - thereŽs a lot of people in this forum that while seemingly try to have a positive attitute towards MP, always try to pick things here and there to find fault in what he does. Relax people! HeŽs doing just fine, juggling a gazillion different bands, heŽll tour and promote whichever band he wants when the right time comes...and hey, look at the activity in DTF: Dream Theater is on tour, but the most talked about subject here is, hands down, Sons of Apollo. Some of us care about MP A LOT MORE than weŽre ready to admit.

I've no problem with that. Even if I end up disliking the album, I still hope the band is successful because I like the musicians.

[Adami]

MP has said in front of the other members that heŽs the leader of SOA. And thereŽs one onterview where Derek openly acknowledges that. I really donŽt see a problem with him saying that. IŽve said this many times here and IŽll say it again - thereŽs a lot of people in this forum that while seemingly try to have a positive attitute towards MP, always try to pick things here and there to find fault in what he does. Relax people! HeŽs doing just fine, juggling a gazillion different bands, heŽll tour and promote whichever band he wants when the right time comes...and hey, look at the activity in DTF: Dream Theater is on tour, but the most talked about subject here is, hands down, Sons of Apollo. Some of us care about MP A LOT MORE than weŽre ready to admit.

Is there anything wrong with him controlling the band? Nah.

Does it make people excited or help him look better to publicly brag about being in control? Nope.

[KevShmev]

OR...maybe that's why DT ISN'T DT anymore!

I have to admit, your hit and run style of posting, that always smacks of "DT sucks without MP; MP rules!" is nothing if not entertaining.  Keep up the good shtick. 

[rumborak]

I think the timing of the song releases is a bit unfortunate. They released Sign of the Times and Coming Home in pretty short succession, and now there's a drought of positive news that is instead filled with drama that's turning off a lot of people. Releasing the songs a bit closer to the actual album release would have been better I think.

[MirrorMask]

I'm curious to find out what covers they'll play live. Burn and "...and the cradle will rock" sounded amazing! Maybe some Queen or The Who would be a great fit.

Definitely some Deep Purple, I think it fits their vibe a bit more if they wanna do some classic rock/metal stuff. Maybe a Rush tune, something heavier like "The Necromancer"?

In reality, they'll probably play covers of their respective past bands (non-DT), though it'd be interesting to hear MP try to nail some of Derek's solo and Planet X stuff.

-Marc.

No I'll See the Light Tonight and a famous Guns n' Roses tune as set closers? if I had to round up a setlist made of only one album with cover songs, I'd place in the middle of the set the more specific ones (like Lines in the Sand) and close it off with songs everyone knows.

[wolfking]

I thought the headline for the article might have been overblown and taken out of context tto but that's certainly no the case.

This is absolutely mine and Derek's band. We essentially put it together and produced the album and he and I are kinda doing this as partners, with the understanding that I am the leader, to be honest. I don't want to sound brash, but it's the truth. When Derek approached me about doing this last year [he said] 'Let's finally do it and get a singer and turn it into a real band.' I was like 'Look, I already have FLYING COLORS, METAL ALLEGIANCE, THE NEAL MORSE BAND, THE WINERY DOGS. I can't handle another band where I have to get a thousand e-mails every morning from everybody making a decision.' So I said to him, 'If I do another band, it has to be the way I ran DREAM THEATER. It has to be the same dynamic. I have to have creative control. I have to be able to call the shots, make decisions on my own and everybody's got to trust me and my direction as a leader.' And Derek was like 'Absolutely. We'll be partners in terms of business and in terms of producing the album,' but beyond that, it's the way it was in DREAM THEATER where I'm [calling] the shots and I'm in control. I just had to have that to be able to move forward with this band. Everybody is cool with it and understands it and supports that."

 

This band is going to last a long long time.    So let me get this straight, Mike has too much on his plate, so for him to be in with this band he has to take on the full responsibility and take on a bigger workload for the runnings of the band.  He has to have full control, because it wouldn't be possbile to split responsibilies because talking to the other bandmates and answering emails everyday about business decisions is just too much.  Right Mike, wake up to yourself.

Derek: Hey Mike, I think we should start a proper prog metal band with a kickass singer.  We can call it Sons of Apollo.
Mike: Hey Derek, what a great idea, I'm glad I thought of it