As Dream Theater celebrates their 40th anniversary, fans have more to celebrate than ever. Not only have we witnessed the triumphant return of founding member Mike Portnoy, but we’re also being treated to a career-spanning tour, and most excitingly, a brand-new album to savor.
Parasomnia, the band’s 16th studio album, marks a unique entry in their discography—believe it or not, it’s their first to be entirely devoted to the theme of sleep. Parasomnia takes listeners on a journey through the eerie and unpredictable world of sleep disorders, blurring the line between dreams and nightmares. With each track, the album pulls us deeper into its unsettling yet mesmerizing soundscape—sometimes haunting, sometimes exhilarating—leaving us captivated and restless, as if trapped between sleep and wakefulness.
Parasomnia wastes no time pulling us into its dreamlike journey, opening with the epic instrumental “In the Arms of Morpheus”. As we begin exploring the album’s central themes of sleep disorders, this track sets the stage with a harrowing, suspenseful melody, anchored by John Petrucci’s crushing 8-string guitar riffs, foreshadowing the intensity to come throughout the album. Cinematic in scope and masterfully composed, it serves as the perfect overture—pulling listeners into a world where dreams turn ominous, and the boundaries of consciousness begin to unravel, setting the stage for the sonic odyssey ahead.
“Night Terror”, the album’s first single, is an undeniable standout and sure to become a Dream Theater classic. It encapsulates everything fans love about the band—an exhilarating blend of diverse sounds, crushing riffs, intricate instrumental sections, surprise tempo shifts, and masterful rhythms, all anchored by a soaring chorus. Striking the perfect balance between technical complexity and pure emotion, this track is a thrilling ride that proves Dream Theater is still at the top of their game. One of our absolute favorites in recent years.
“A Broken Man”, the second single, immediately puts Mike Portnoy in the spotlight, reminding us why he remains such a powerhouse behind the kit. This track is a masterclass in balance, showcasing the strengths of each band member. James LaBrie delivers a deeply emotional performance, reminiscent of his vocals on The Astonishing. This track is a dynamic, emotionally charged piece that explores the complexities of PTSD with remarkable depth and intensity.
“Dead Asleep”, clocking in at over 11 minutes, delivers a relentless barrage of riffs, and rewards repeat listens by revealing new intricacies each time. Inspired by real-life sleepwalking tragedies, “Dead Asleep” takes listeners on a gripping ride—frantic, pulse-pounding riffs intertwine with haunting orchestration, and intricate bass work that adds depth and nuance. Meanwhile, JP leans into a blues-inspired phrasing, adding a soulful contrast to the track’s heavier moments and leading into a sensational solo, all anchored by an unforgettable chorus. It’s a track that balances chaos and beauty, making it one of our favorites.
As the third and final single before the album’s release, “Midnight Messiah” reminds us why nostalgia can be such a powerful force. With Mike Portnoy back in the lyrical seat, the track is packed with clever Easter eggs—a treasure trove of lyrical nods to Dream Theater’s past, making it a treat for longtime fans. Musically, it’s heavy and relentless, delivering crushing riffs and dynamic shifts that keep the energy high. Lyrically, the song explores a compelling metaphor—the idea of someone who is stronger, cooler, and more powerful in his dreams than in reality, a theme that perfectly ties into the album’s exploration of sleep and its mysteries. It’s a track that thrives on both nostalgia and fresh intensity, proving once again that Dream Theater still knows how to strike the perfect balance between past and present.
While Parasomnia isn’t a concept album in the traditional sense, experiencing it in sequence enhances its thematic depth, making it feel like a cohesive, immersive journey. “Are We Dreaming” serves as the perfect bridge between the album’s heaviest moments, marking a pivotal shift from the chaotic dreamworld into a space of introspection—where the lines between dreams and reality begin to dissolve, and the focus turns to what lingers after we wake.
“Bend the Clock” is the undeniable ballad of Parasomnia—a powerful, emotional banger that resonates deeply. Steeped in nostalgia, it reflects on the fleeting nature of time and regret, making it one of Dream Theater’s most poignant tracks in years. With strong echoes of classic ’80s ballads, the song’s warm guitar tones and soaring melodies heighten the atmosphere. At the heart of the track, James delivers an emotional vocal performance, perfectly capturing the feeling behind the song. While he shines throughout the entire album, his delivery here feels especially heartfelt. But the true showstopper? JP’s breathtaking solo—one of his most emotional and masterful solos to date. The solo’s fade-out leaves us hanging on every note, wanting just a little more, solidifying “Bend the Clock” as not only the best Dream Theater ballad in over a decade but also another instant classic.
Closing out Parasomnia in truly cinematic fashion, “The Shadow Man Incident” is the album’s towering epic, stretching nearly 20 minutes and delivering one of Dream Theater’s most ambitious compositions to date. The track opens with a haunting, almost sinister music box melody, setting an eerie tone before launching into a crushing, groove-laden riff that immediately grabs hold. Inspired by the Shadow Man, a common and terrifying hallucination experienced during sleep paralysis, the song masterfully weaves between different styles and emotions—shifting from moments of creeping dread to bursts of technical brilliance and soaring melodies. This dynamic range keeps the listener on edge, fully immersed in the psychological horror at its core. As expected from a Dream Theater album closer, “The Shadow Man Incident” delivers on every level. It’s a journey that encapsulates everything the album represents—haunting, exhilarating, and impossible to forget.
Parasomnia has a little bit of everything—a true testament to what makes Dream Theater one of the most revered bands in prog and metal. From the first note, it’s clear that this album carries that elusive “it factor” that Mike Portnoy brings, injecting a level of energy and chemistry we haven’t heard in years. Sonically, this might just be the best-sounding Dream Theater album in decades, balancing technical prowess with an organic warmth that elevates every moment. Longtime fans will find plenty of easter eggs to past classics, yet the songwriting never feels like a retread. Instead, Parasomnia embraces the band’s natural evolution, blending nostalgia with fresh ideas in a way that feels both familiar and ground breaking at the same time.
Victoria Martinez ~ Dream Theater USA
Special thanks to Kim Sakariassen from DT World, and Freddy Palmer from Inside Out Music
