Indeed, Dream Theater has distinct musical eras, reminiscent of the various phases in Taylor Swift’s career. However, unlike most bands, accurately reflecting a rich 40-year history can be challenging. Yet, they accomplish this with remarkable finesse in their sixteenth studio album, Parasomnia, marking the return of drummer Mike Portnoy after a 15-year hiatus. This album not only encapsulates the band’s evolution but also serves as a bridge connecting their storied past to their promising future.

For both dedicated fans and newcomers exploring their music, Dream Theater stands out as a unique entity in the music industry. During a recent discussion, musician and journalist Frank Godla shared his admiration for “Metropolis, Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper,” a standout track from their landmark 1992 album Images and Words. He noted that it was a groundbreaking experience for him, a sentiment he conveyed to co-founders John Petrucci and Portnoy. This track exemplifies the band’s innovative spirit and musical complexity.

“Metropolis, Pt. 1,” along with many tracks on Images and Words, navigates through complex musical landscapes, reflecting the intricate nature of the band’s artistry over nine and a half minutes. The album features numerous captivating moments that not only engage listeners but also invite deeper analysis. This unique quality contributed significantly to the band’s early success, earning them substantial airplay on radio and MTV. Their single, “Pull Me Under,” was revolutionary, presenting a sound that was unlike anything else available at that time.

Watch Dream Theater’s ‘Pull Me Under’ Video

Parasomnia emerges more than three decades after the release of Images and Words, yet it skillfully incorporates the signature elements that fans have come to expect from Dream Theater. At the same time, the album firmly establishes its own identity, projecting a clear vision for the band’s future direction. This blend of nostalgia and innovation is a hallmark of their latest work, showcasing their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.

According to Petrucci, this intentional approach was fundamental to the album’s creation. “I aimed to produce a Dream Theater record that reflects who we are now,” he stated during an interview on the UCR Podcast. The collaborative efforts with Jimmy T (James Meslin) and Andy Sneap, renowned for their mixing expertise, were crucial in achieving the best sound possible for the album. Having Mike Portnoy return also infused a sense of nostalgia into the creative process, allowing them to explore themes that resonate with their earlier works.

“If we found a sound that reminded us of Scenes from a Memory or Train of Thought, we embraced it,” he elaborated. “We are who we are.” While aiming for a modern sound, Petrucci also sought to incorporate vintage elements into the recording. He even reached out to Doug Oberkirker, the original engineer behind their iconic albums, to utilize the Neve preamps that were integral to the sound of their earlier work. Additionally, they included a Yamaha grand piano for Jordan Rudess to play, ensuring that the album was rich in both modernity and nostalgia.

READ MORE: Dream Theater, ‘Parasomnia’: Album Review

“We are constantly exploring new recording techniques,” Petrucci shared. “Our goal is to create a record that feels contemporary while still encompassing the warm and inviting essence of vintage sound through the use of equipment that may have been popular in the early ’90s.” This thoughtful combination of old and new was a deliberate choice that reflects their commitment to quality and authenticity.

He expressed his excitement about revisiting vintage gear, recounting how he conducted a thorough comparison between his classic and modern setups. “It’s the perfect illustration of blending modern and vintage styles,” he explained. “For those passionate about guitars, the rhythm tones showcase a modern approach with heavy, aggressive eight and seven-string guitars, perfectly suited for today’s metal scene. In contrast, the lead tones evoke an old-school Santana vibe. This juxtaposition is a consistent theme throughout the album, including the distinct sound of the drums. Collaborating with Andy Sneap, I emphasized the need for Mike Portnoy’s unique drumming style to shine through without excessive processing, ensuring that it truly reflects his playing.” These foundational goals informed their creative process from the outset.

Listen to John Petrucci on the ‘UCR Podcast’

The title Parasomnia is one that Petrucci has had in mind for quite some time, envisioning it as a captivating name for one of their albums. He humorously noted the irony of its connection to themes of sleep disturbances, questioning why they had never considered it earlier. The title significantly influenced the musical direction of the album, suggesting a darker and heavier tone. “It’s not a light subject,” he remarked. Mike Portnoy proposed that while the lyrical themes of parasomnia were intriguing, they could enhance the album by making it more conceptual. This led to the development of interconnected themes throughout the tracks, enriched by interludes to create a cohesive listening experience that elevates the overall impact of the album.

Explore the Exciting Highlights of Dream Theater’s Live Performances

Dream Theater is currently embarking on its first U.S. tour since Portnoy’s return in 2023, and one of his key roles once again is curating the live setlists. This responsibility has been a relief for Petrucci, who appreciates Portnoy’s proficiency in this area. “He possesses an exceptional knack for remembering which songs we?ve performed, when, and where,” Petrucci explained. With his deep appreciation for music and bands, Portnoy approaches the setlist curation from a fan’s perspective. It’s a crucial aspect that Dream Theater fans have likely missed, with many hoping for his return to this role to reinvigorate the setlist, which had become somewhat repetitive. Petrucci expressed his delight in having this responsibility returned to Portnoy, ensuring that fans can look forward to a more dynamic live experience.

Listen to Dream Theater’s ‘The Shadow Man Incident’