Dream Theater’s new album ‘Parasomnia’ is officially out, and fans are happier than ever.
Drummer Mike Portnoy shared his excitement and pride about the new album on Instagram. He shared the cover of the album along with the caption, “Exactly one year ago (to the day!), Feb 7th 2024, the five of us stood in the same room together for the first time in well over a decade… we then spent the majority of the year creating our first album together in 15 years. Today, we can finally share it with all of you…”
He continued, “We could not be prouder or more excited about what we created. We were so inspired being together again and feel we really rose to the occasion to create something special. ‘Parasomnia’ represents everything that is classic Dream Theater… mixing tastes of the past with visions of the future…”
The drummer also recommended a particular way to listen to the album: “We hope you enjoy this sonic experience. It is best enjoyed in your optimum listening environment… (preferably from start to finish like watching a film).”
“But however you take it in, we hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we did making it,” he ended his statement.
Fans seem to have loved both the concept and Portnoy’s return. “Listening now!!! I’m really loving the context around the singles!!! They sound 10x better in-context,” a user commented under the drummer’s post.
“Just finished my first entire listen through the album. Great work! Such a journey and concept,” another wrote. One other user added, “This album has the best overture and the best Epic Finale. I thought ‘Octavarium’ was ‘the album with the most epic song’ this one brought that back. That epic song is just superb. 10 min in and you don’t even notice all that time passed.”
This new album is also Portnoy’s first in 16 years. With him back behind the drums, ‘Parasomnia’ has become one of Dream Theater’s most-awaited albums in years.
Three singles were released ahead of the album: ‘Night Terror,’ ‘A Broken Man,’ and ‘Midnight Messiah.’ The last one features Portnoy’s first lyrical contributions since his original time with the band.
The album came out as Dream Theater begins its 40th anniversary tour in North America. The tour kicks off tonight in Philadelphia and ends on March 22nd in New York City.
