Interview : Robert Cavuoto
Dream Theater will release their ferociously intense and technically dazzling album, Parasomnia, on February 7, 2025, via Inside Out Music/Sony Music Release.
Dream Theater’s groundbreaking career spans four decades of relentless innovation, uncompromising artistry, and awe-inspiring musicianship. Beyond selling millions of records worldwide and gathering a billion-plus streams, Dream Theater have evolved into progressive metal trailblazers over the course of an unprecedented journey earmarked by unforgettable milestones, including winning a GRAMMY® Award in 2022.
For their fortieth anniversary, Dream Theater have returned to their roots on Parasomnia as James LaBrie [vocals], John Petrucci [guitar], John Myung [bass], and Jordan Rudess [keyboards] reunited with Mike Portnoy [drums]. With Parasomnia, they explore the dark lyrical themes of nocturnal terrors and fractured psyches. Though not a concept album, the nocturnal terrors are a running theme that runs through each song. These sprawling compositions unfurl with surgical precision and untamed passion, veering from dizzying instrumental fireworks on “The Shadow Man Incident” to poignant moments of melodic grace on “Bend the Clock.” Parasomnia is a stunning achievement from a legendary band still operating at the peak of their powers and is bound to enthrall fans.
It was a pleasure to interview James LaBrie, who explained how the songwriting process fell right back in place like old times since Mike Portnoy rejoined. He also delves into the darker lyrical themes that permeate the album while they explore their interpretation of the disorder and its ensuing chaos. Interestingly, he reveals that the band allows complete creative freedom when penning lengthy, epic songs like the album’s closer, “The Shadow Man Incident,” as the length is determined organically by pure feel rather than self-imposed constraints. As anticipation builds for Dream Theater’s upcoming 40th Anniversary tour starting on February 7th, James teases that Mike is hard at work crafting a career-spanning set list that will even include songs he did not record with the band. Please follow My Global Mind on Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
Dream TheaterParasomnia
Inside Out Music/Sony Music
Release: 7 February 2025
Pre-orders for Parasomnia can be found here: https://dreamtheater.store/?utm_source=Original&utm_medium=Original
Tickets for the 40th Anniversary Tour can be found here: https://dreamtheater.net/tour/