Dream Theater announces 16th Studio Album - Parasomnia

[Awaken]

It's way too early (for me) to begin comparing in a ranking kind of way.  But I will say this album absolutely gave me Train of Thought vibes, but in a more modern version if that makes sense.  Darker/heavier is subjective - they're both great albums to my ears.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

So,in comparison to Train of Thought.
Which album is heavier, which album is darker, which one is heavier AND darker?
I have heard people say it's like ToT, but is it actually in your,or anyone else's opinion?

Keeping it high level, Parasomnia is dark in a different kind of way vs ToT. I would put the vibe closer to SC.

In terms of which is heavier, they're similar though you could make the case for either. It's not ToT. In fact the only reason I associate it with ToT is because of specific moments that sound like call backs (think MM and NT). It's like putting ToT, SC, and BCSL into a blender and topping it off with a couple of things learned over the years. It's not any heavier than View. It's just darker in a specific way that View was not.

If you're really into those 3 albums (ToT, SC, BCSL) and you love the singles, you're going to be happy I'd say. Just don't expect to hear anything  major you've never heard before.

[gborland]

I'm expecting to receive my order from Burning Shed today. Ironically I have no way to listen to it though! I no longer have any devices capable of playing a physical CD or Blu Ray. I just ordered the art book for the sake of having the art book. I'll have to wait until Friday for the hi-res download.

[TAC]

Parasomnia on the whole is definitely better than SC or BC&SL. I think ToT is a better comp, but to me, it's sister album is AVFTTOTW.

[SwedishGoose]

If you're really into those 3 albums (ToT, SC, BCSL) and you love the singles, you're going to be happy I'd say. Just don't expect to hear anything  major you've never heard before.

I will keep my expectations low then.
ToT is to me a mig tier DT album
SC and BC&SL are towards the bottom for me.

[TAC]

I will keep my expectations low then.
ToT is to me a mig tier DT album
SC and BC&SL are towards the bottom for me.

What about AVFTTOTW?

[SwedishGoose]

What about AVFTTOTW?

Higher than all of them I'd say

[TAC]

Higher than all of them I'd say

OK, then I think you'll be just fine with the new album.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

I will keep my expectations low then.
ToT is to me a mig tier DT album
SC and BC&SL are towards the bottom for me.

The other thing I should have added to my post was that even if you don't love those albums, it's not like you won't enjoy Parasomnia. There is a uniformity that makes it fit nicely with recent DT albums, too.

But if you tell me your favorite albums are the Astonishing and Octavarium, well...

[WilliamMunny]

Regardless of how I feel when I give this a spin on Friday, or how I feel in 3 months (which will be a much better indicator of where this album ultimately sits with me), I am and will continue to be happy that they boys buried the proverbial hatchet and reunited.

Dream Theater has given me so much already–a handful of albums that have felt like old friends and that will continue to provide listening pleasure until I take my last breath. I'm good. The fact that they also seem to be in a good place was probably the only piece to their story that I was still missing.

[nikatapi]

Regardless of how I feel when I give this a spin on Friday, or how I feel in 3 months (which will be a much better indicator of where this album ultimately sits with me), I am and will continue to be happy that they boys buried the proverbial hatchet and reunited.

Dream Theater has given me so much already–a handful of albums that have felt like old friends and that will continue to provide listening pleasure until I take my last breath. I'm good. The fact that they also seem to be in a good place was probably the only piece to their story that I was still missing.

That's a great perspective, agreed 100%

We're talking about a band giving their 16th studio album. And they've been consistent (for pretty much their entire career) no matter the lineup changes, ups and downs. We're so lucky that they are still motivated to produce new music, and also seeing them happy and getting along. They have all mellowed out and become wiser i think (and the updated interest in the band sure translates to financial outcomes that makes things even better).

At the end of the day, regardless of rankings, personal preferences (that are tied to personal experiences), Parasomnia is another great addition to the bands legacy.

[WilliamMunny]

That's a great perspective, agreed 100%

We're talking about a band giving their 16th studio album. And they've been consistent (for pretty much their entire career) no matter the lineup changes, ups and downs. We're so lucky that they are still motivated to produce new music, and also seeing them happy and getting along. They have all mellowed out and become wiser i think (and the updated interest in the band sure translates to financial outcomes that makes things even better).

At the end of the day, regardless of rankings, personal preferences (that are tied to personal experiences), Parasomnia is another great addition to the bands legacy.

To bridge upon that point: I feel so blessed that one of my 'all-time' favorite bands is still active and at their peak. Remember, DT isn't playing the local rib cook-off in your hometown...these guys are still A-listers.

I was telling my wife the other day, in a moment of gloomy, navel-gazing awareness, that just about all of my favorite bands are done.

R.E.M. Done.
Zeppelin. Done.
Kiss. Done.
the list goes on...

I'm at this point in life where so much of what I love is soundly in the past tense. When I look at my youngest, it breaks my heart that I won't get the chance to take him to see Kiss or R.E.M. It's just not in the cards, you know?

So, sitting here a couple of days before the release of DT's 16th album, a few weeks away from seeing them for the umpteenth time, I am feel nothing but gratitude.

[SwedishGoose]

But if you tell me your favorite albums are the Astonishing and Octavarium, well...

My favotite albums are

The Astonishing
Scenes from a Memory
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
Images & Words
Awake

[TAC]

So, sitting here a couple of days before the release of DT's 16th album, a few weeks away from seeing them for the umpteenth time, I am feel nothing but gratitude.

Yeah, I pretty much feel the same way. For me, an artist like Alice Cooper, even Iron Maiden, fall into that category.

DT is still so active though, that I'm not quite at that point of sentimentality.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

New interview with James:

https://youtu.be/3hNcJLqTa6g?si=SouyXM9roEA8e_e0

[breaktheprisonwall]

To bridge upon that point: I feel so blessed that one of my 'all-time' favorite bands is still active and at their peak. Remember, DT isn't playing the local rib cook-off in your hometown...these guys are still A-listers.

I was telling my wife the other day, in a moment of gloomy, navel-gazing awareness, that just about all of my favorite bands are done.

R.E.M. Done.
Zeppelin. Done.
Kiss. Done.
the list goes on...

I'm at this point in life where so much of what I love is soundly in the past tense. When I look at my youngest, it breaks my heart that I won't get the chance to take him to see Kiss or R.E.M. It's just not in the cards, you know?

So, sitting here a couple of days before the release of DT's 16th album, a few weeks away from seeing them for the umpteenth time, I am feel nothing but gratitude.

I was thinking this exact same thing the other day....not so much in the sense that *my* favorite bands have all hung it up already, but I feel incredibly fortunate to have found them/really became a fan in the Octavarium days and to still have them putting out new music 20 years later. I've been along for the ride for literally half of their career at this point, and each new album release still really excites me. Whether you're just finding them now (side note: can you imagine just discovering them NOW and having the entire discography still waiting for you?), or have been here since the When Dream and Day Unite days, we as a fandom have a lot to be appreciative for.

[TAC]

The Astonishing
Scenes from a Memory

Yeah, I should've mentioned that I actually think Parasomnia has as much, if not more, in common with Scenes than it does ToT, but that's me. To me, it's as if SFAM and AVFTTOTW had a baby.

Like I said, Goose, I think you'll be fine.

[durga2112]

I'm in much the same boat. My three favourite bands of all time (they're so close that it's essentially a three-way tie) are Dream Theater, Rush, and Van Halen. Next comes Megadeth and Soundgarden. 60% of my top five bands are already done, and the other two are 40+ years into their careers, and their music is so technical and complex that it's anyone's guess how much they have left in the tank (Megadeth is a bit of a different case because Mustaine can just keep replacing band members any time he feels like it, but you know what I mean  ). At this point, I consider anything new from those bands to be a gift. 

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

My favotite albums are

The Astonishing
Scenes from a Memory
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
Images & Words
Awake

There is one song in particular that separates itself from the pack. I think you'll really enjoy it.
 

[gborland]

Looks like the Bandcamp download will only be 16-bit/44.1kHz, but I expect HDTracks to offer it in 24-bit/96kHz (based on the currently available Midnight Messiah download).

Can anyone confirm?

[TheOutlawXanadu]

To bridge upon that point: I feel so blessed that one of my 'all-time' favorite bands is still active and at their peak. Remember, DT isn't playing the local rib cook-off in your hometown...these guys are still A-listers.

I was telling my wife the other day, in a moment of gloomy, navel-gazing awareness, that just about all of my favorite bands are done.

R.E.M. Done.
Zeppelin. Done.
Kiss. Done.
the list goes on...

I'm at this point in life where so much of what I love is soundly in the past tense. When I look at my youngest, it breaks my heart that I won't get the chance to take him to see Kiss or R.E.M. It's just not in the cards, you know?

So, sitting here a couple of days before the release of DT's 16th album, a few weeks away from seeing them for the umpteenth time, I am feel nothing but gratitude.

Not to add too much gloom, but it isn't lost on me that the next time there are this many eyes on the band will probably be for their farewell album/tour. The release of Parasomnia serves as the official starting point of their final act, and I'd be shocked if we get more than two more albums. We will look back at this time as one of the most special of their career. Unless Parasomnia really misses the mark, I will always look back upon it very fondly, similarly to how I find it impossible to divorce Octavarium from the 20th anniversary celebration and Score show. The context surrounding that record, as with this one, is simply too meaningful to ignore!

[JeM7BsB]

Looks like the Bandcamp download will only be 16-bit/44.1kHz, but I expect HDTracks to offer it in 24-bit/96kHz (based on the currently available Midnight Messiah download).

Can anyone confirm?

https://insideoutmusic.bandcamp.com/album/parasomnia-24-bit-hd-audio

[durga2112]

Not to add too much gloom, but it isn't lost on me that the next time there are this many eyes on the band will probably be for their farewell album/tour. The release of Parasomnia serves as the official starting point of their final act, and I'd be shocked if we get more than two more albums. We will look back at this time as one of the most special of their career. Unless Parasomnia really misses the mark, I will always look back upon it very fondly, similarly to how I find it impossible to divorce Octavarium from the 20th anniversary celebration and Score show. The context surrounding that record, as with this one, is simply too meaningful to ignore!

I have a feeling they'll aim for their 50th anniversary before hanging things up for good, so we might get another 3 or 4 albums out of them - unless they decide to give up touring and put everything they've got into albums for a few years, then do a big "One Last Time" tour/residency/show to cap off their career.

Either way, we are obviously very close to the end of the band at this point (relatively speaking), so everything they do is something that should be cherished.

[gborland]

https://insideoutmusic.bandcamp.com/album/parasomnia-24-bit-hd-audio

Ah, thank you. I didn't notice the separate listing!

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

They're making it to the 50th. They love to do this. John loves to play guitar and write music.

Maybe it won't be in the current lineup but they're not hanging it up any time soon.

[hefdaddy42]

After one (and only one) listen-through thus far, IMO, the 3 singles released are the 3 least-interesting pieces on the album.

Which was good news for me, since I wasn't in love with any of the 3.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

After one (and only one) listen-through thus far, IMO, the 3 singles released are the 3 least-interesting pieces on the album.

Which was good news for me, since I wasn't in love with any of the 3.

I second this.

[emtee]

After one (and only one) listen-through thus far, IMO, the 3 singles released are the 3 least-interesting pieces on the album.

Which was good news for me, since I wasn't in love with any of the 3.

Was the overarching feeling, "heavy" as most have felt, or something different?

[hefdaddy42]

Was the overarching feeling, "heavy" as most have felt, or something different?

There is certainly a lot of heaviness, but I would characterize it as "dark" instead.

[Stadler]

It's possible that John is simply more comfortable than James is discussing it. I don't think there's anything really hidden behind the scenes. I think James had more history than anyone else with Mangini, so I think there was an understatedness in his comments out of respect for MM.

I think this is probably more likely than there being any "hidden story".  Emotions are complicated, and not everything is black and white, "this happens, then this happens, then this happens".  I can see James just not wanting to talk about something that is perhaps bittersweet.  Wanting Portnoy back - or at least being on board with that being the right answer for the band - is not the same as, and doesn't preclude, having certain feelings for Mike M. 

Hell, I'm glad Portnoy is back, I prefer his drumming in DT, and I'm of the opinion that when you take over for a founding member - and that founding member is still active in music - you should ALWAYS consider that a reunion is in the works - but I do empathize with Mangini.

[Stadler]

I have a feeling they'll aim for their 50th anniversary before hanging things up for good, so we might get another 3 or 4 albums out of them - unless they decide to give up touring and put everything they've got into albums for a few years, then do a big "One Last Time" tour/residency/show to cap off their career.

Either way, we are obviously very close to the end of the band at this point (relatively speaking), so everything they do is something that should be cherished.

As someone who is the exact same age as Mike and John P. (and presumably John M.) I think this talk about "nearing the end" is perhaps relative, but I think a little presumptuous, unless you think "20 years to go" is "nearing the end". 

You can count the number of musicians that just walked away on two hands and have fingers left over, and not even then.  I would name The Kinks - but Ray has (or had) been active well after the band called it quits because of Dave's illnesses.   REM. 

Whether it's "John Petrucci's Dream Theater" or "John and Mike play the Music of Dream Theater" or some variation like that, I don't see any of these people just 'walking away' any time soon.  Even Jordan.   

[MirrorMask]

They're making it to the 50th. They love to do this. John loves to play guitar and write music.

Maybe it won't be in the current lineup but they're not hanging it up any time soon.

Yeah I can see only permanent injury or bad health stopping Petrucci, we're all seeing how older acts are behaving - they just can't stop, it's all they know and it's what they love the most, so until they're standing, they'll go on.

The only problem and potential limit with DT is the technical intricancy of their music - Bruce Springsteen can get away with playing slowed down versions of Born to Run and Badlands, DT just can't slow down Pull Me Under. Even Iron Maiden got slower through years, but a 13 minutes version of Metropolis because they can't do it at the original tempo anymore would be plain weird.

[faizoff]

After one (and only one) listen-through thus far, IMO, the 3 singles released are the 3 least-interesting pieces on the album.

Which was good news for me, since I wasn't in love with any of the 3.

I actually really love night terror and midnight Messiah.

[Zydar]

After one (and only one) listen-through thus far, IMO, the 3 singles released are the 3 least-interesting pieces on the album.

Which was good news for me, since I wasn't in love with any of the 3.

That sounds promising, since all three are good but not mind-blowing songs. Perhaps they'll become better in the context of the full album experience.

[hefdaddy42]

I actually really love night terror and midnight Messiah.

Hey man, I'm happy for you.