Quantity and quality are two terms that usually go hand in hand; at least that’s the common denominator in most cases. But if there’s anyone who knows how to step outside the established norms, it’s Dream Theater.
The controversy generated by the tracklist of this new album is something absolutely debatable, given that there are many factors to consider. One of them is the fact that time has not passed for these skilled musicians. The mystical aura surrounding this album is a subliminal message for bands of the same caliber; it’s a clear indicator of the power of ambition. From the beginning, this new work presents a hurried intention to dismantle any myth surrounding this legendary band. The connection between the track that serves as the introduction to this album, “In The Arms Of Morpheus,” and “Night Of Terror” is almost perfect. Even if we consider the progression of notes that evoke the legendary musical monster “Enter Sandman” by the amazing Metallica, it would not be enough to say that this is just a coincidence; rather, it’s an attempt to captivate the listener from the first moment.
The drastic rhythmic changes make one thing clear: Dream Theater hasn’t come to play; they’ve come to claim their crown once again. Once again, the contemporary fuses with the classic elements of old. The synthesized effects that accompany this album in an almost orchestral manner reverse the effect of classic Dream Theater, transforming this experience into a spiral that seems to have no exact conclusion.
There’s a lot to break down, but we’ll just say that pieces like “A Broken Man” and its bridge at the 5-minute mark, “Midnight Messiah” and its infectious guitar solo, and the powerful ballad “Bend The Clock” make this album not only a near-surreal journey but also an enriching experience from start to finish.
Dream Theater has once again shown that in their hands lies the power to conquer every horizon, no matter how distant it may seem.
Parasomnia comes out on February 7, 2025, through InsideOut Music.
Parasomnia track listing:
- In The Arms Of Morpheus (5:22)
- Night Terror (9:55)
- A Broken Man (8:30)
- Dead Asleep (11:06)
- Midnight Messiah (7:58)
- Are We Dreaming? (1:28)
- Bend The Clock (7:24)
- The Shadow Man Incident (19:32)
I’m Sebastian, a classical singer and journalist. I specialize in classical vocal performance, bringing passion and precision to every piece I sing. Alongside my music career, I write about the arts, focusing on culture, music, and their role in today’s world. Through both singing and writing, I aim to share the beauty of heavy metal music with a wider audience and inspire others to appreciate its timeless artistry.