Dream Theater – Parasomnia: Album Review

11th February 2025 0 By Jess Mather

Over the past four decades, Dream Theater has cemented their status as pioneers of progressive metal, selling millions of records and amassing over a billion streams. Their landmark album Images & Words earned a spot on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time,” while Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory was fan-voted the greatest prog-rock album in a Rolling Stone poll. The band has achieved three Top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200, headlined legendary venues like Radio City Music Hall and Red Rocks, and won a GRAMMY® for “The Alien” from A View From the Top of the World.

‘Parasomnia’, Dream Theater’s sixteenth studio album, reunites their iconic lineup: James LaBrie (vocals), John Petrucci (guitar), John Myung (bass), Jordan Rudess (keyboards), and Mike Portnoy (drums). It marks their first album together in over 15 years, since 2009’s ‘Black Clouds & Silver Linings’, and arrives on the heels of their 40th-anniversary tour, which kicked off in London on October 20th 2024. With ‘Parasomnia’, Dream Theater delivers yet another intricate and ambitious concept album, this time exploring the surreal world of disordered sleep. As expected from the progressive metal giants, the album is packed with virtuosic performances, complex compositions, and a deep thematic narrative. But does it live up to the band’s legendary status?

The opening track, “In The Arms of Morpheus,” serves as an atmospheric instrumental introduction. Its lullaby-like melody gradually fades and distorts through the clever use of cellos and panning, guiding the listener from the waking world into a dreamlike state. Tracks like “Dead Asleep” and “Are We Dreaming?” expand on these themes, drawing inspiration from the album’s title while revisiting the “In The Arms of Morpheus” melody, further immersing the listener in this dream world.

The album culminates in a stunning 19-minute epic finale, which begins with a music box playing the familiar “In The Arms of Morpheus” theme. The track unfolds through several distinct segments, featuring an instrumental section with beautiful keyboard and piano parts, and culminating in a classic 2-minute John Petrucci solo. As the solo fades, the soundscape returns to the city noises from the album’s opening, leading into the final moments where an alarm clock rings and a voice commands, “Wake up!” before abruptly cutting off, leaving the listener in a state of wonder.

Musically, ‘Parasomnia’ is a treasure trove of progressive elements. The album is full of shifting time signatures, layered instrumentation, and dynamic contrasts, keeping listeners engaged throughout. While the lyrics effectively support the album’s theme, they lean more toward storytelling than intricate wordplay or poetic depth. That said, the storytelling remains immersive, with standout moments that enhance the overall experience. Structurally, the album flows extremely well, with seamless transitions between tracks that contribute to its cinematic feel. While the majority of the tracks are strong, one particular song feels a bit more familiar, with Mike Portnoy‘s signature drum fills taking centre stage a bit more than usual, and some lyrical lines feeling less original.

As expected, Dream Theater‘s musicianship is at its peak. John Petrucci‘s guitar work is exceptional, showcasing techniques like vibrato, string bending, tapping, and pinch harmonics. Mike Portnoy brings his signature drumming style back into the fold, displaying mastery of double bass, odd time signatures, grooves, and linear fills. John Myung’s bass playing is precise and intricate, using a three-finger technique for speed and accuracy. Jordan Rudess provides atmospheric and dynamic keyboard layers, including expressive pitch bends. James LaBrie delivers a strong and consistent vocal performance. His ability to transition between low and high notes effortlessly remains impressive, and his operatic belting style fits the genre perfectly. His phrasing is engaging, the lyrics are clearly enunciated, and his breath control remains steady, even on sustained notes. Most importantly, he conveys the album’s emotions effectively, making the narrative feel immersive.

The production is nothing short of stellar, reinforcing the album’s concept. The creative use of sound effects, music effects, and panning techniques adds to the hypnotic atmosphere, making the listener feel as if they’re experiencing the distorted reality of parasomnia firsthand. The mix is balanced, ensuring every instrument shines while maintaining a cohesive and immersive sound. The balance between instruments is expertly mixed, ensuring clarity and depth without overpowering any element. Creative production choices, such as sound effects, music panning, and voice actors, further enhance the experience, making it a sonic spectacle.

While ‘Parasomnia’ is a deeply rewarding listen, its appeal may be somewhat limited to Dream Theater’s core audience. The intricate musical details and layered arrangements reveal themselves over multiple listens, making it an album that grows over time. However, its niche concept and dense progressive elements might not resonate as strongly with casual listeners. That said, for fans of progressive metal, ‘Parasomnia’ is a feast of technical brilliance and creative storytelling. The album carries Dream Theater‘s signature sound while incorporating fresh elements, ensuring it stands out within their vast discography.

‘Parasomnia’ is an immersive and expertly crafted concept album that showcases Dream Theater at their technical and compositional best. While the lyrics and emotional depth may not be universally relatable, the sheer musical craftsmanship makes up for it. With near-flawless production, jaw-dropping performances, and a seamless narrative flow, it’s a must-listen for progressive metal enthusiasts.

Score: 9/10

TRACK LISTING:
1. In The Arms Of Morpheus (5:22)
2. Night Terror (9:55)
3. A Broken Man (8:29)
4. Dead Asleep (11:06)
5. Midnight Messiah (7:58)
6. Are We Dreaming (1:28)
7. Bend The Clock (7:24)
8. The Shadow Man Incident (19:32)