Progressive metal giants Dream Theater have officially announced their 16th studio album, “Parasomnia“, marking a monumental reunion with founding drummer Mike Portnoy, who returns after a 14-year absence. Set to release on February 7, 2025, through InsideOut Music, “Parasomnia” signals a new chapter for the band, blending past glories with future ambition as they approach their 40th anniversary in 2025.
Fans received their first taste of the new record with the release of the lead single, “Night Terror”, a nearly 10-minute progressive epic. The song showcases Dream Theater’s hallmark intricate musicianship, theatrical transitions, and emotional depth. The music video, directed by Mike Leonard, vividly brings this concept to life with haunting visual elements that enhance the song’s unsettling intensity.
A Historic Reunion: The Return of Mike Portnoy
Portnoy’s return has been eagerly anticipated since he reunited with the band in October 2023 after parting ways in 2010. His re-entry follows a prolific tenure with drummer Mike Mangini, who held the spot for five albums. Speaking about his return, Portnoy expressed his joy, saying, “I am overwhelmed with joy to be returning home and reuniting with my brothers…There’s no place like home!”
Keyboardist Jordan Rudess echoed this sentiment in a recent interview, acknowledging the emotional significance of Portnoy’s return. “Mike’s brought his incredible skills back with him, and you can hear his energy throughout the album”, Rudess noted. “He’s not just a drummer; he’s a creative force, and that magic is unmistakable in this new record”.
“Parasomnia“: A Journey into the Night
Produced by John Petrucci and mixed by Andy Sneap, “Parasomnia “promises to deliver a sonic journey across eight tracks, each steeped in the album’s concept of sleep disorders. The tracklist includes titles like “In the Arms of Morpheus“, “Dead Asleep“, and the closing 19-minute epic, “The Shadow Man Incident“. At 71 minutes in total, the album promises to be an immersive experience in line with Dream Theater’s legacy of concept-driven music.
Portnoy himself described the album as a natural continuation of the sound the band developed during his previous tenure, particularly referencing 2009’s Black Clouds & Silver Linings. “There’s a certain style that the five of us have when we write together”, Portnoy shared. “It definitely sounds like classic Dream Theater”.
Celebrating 40 Years of Prog Metal Pioneers
While “Parasomnia “looks to the future, the band is also embracing its rich history. Dream Theater’s upcoming world tour, which kicks off in Europe this month, will celebrate their 40th anniversary. North American fans will get the chance to witness the band in February and March of 2025. For many, the tour will be their first opportunity to see Portnoy perform with Dream Theater since his departure.
Dream Theater’s influence on progressive metal is undeniable, and with the reunion of its core lineup, the excitement surrounding “Parasomnia” is palpable. As the band embarks on this next phase, the combination of their storied past and reinvigorated present ensures they remain at the forefront of progressive metal, thrilling long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Tracklist
1. In The Arms Of Morpheus
2. Night Terror
3. A Broken Man
4. Dead Asleep
5. Midnight Messiah
6. Are We Dreaming?
7. Bend The Clock
8. The Shadow Man IncidentWith “Parasomnia” set to drop on February 7, 2025, Dream Theater is poised to embark on a new creative chapter while celebrating the history that made them one of progressive metal’s most enduring and innovative acts. Pre-orders begin on October 11, with the full scope of their tour and music available on their website.
Europe/UK Tour Dates
10/20 London, UK – The O2
10/22 Berlin, GER – Uber Eats Music Hall
10/23 Koln, GER – Palladium
10/25 Milan, ITA – Forum
10/26 Rome, ITA – Palazzo dello Sport
10/28 Munich, GER – Zenith
10/29 Zagreb, CRO – Arena Zagreb
11/01 Budapest, HUN – Budapest Arena
11/02 Prague – CZE – Fortuna Arena
11/03 Lodz, POL – Atlas Arena
11/06 Helsinki, FIN – Metro Areena
11/08 Stockholm. SWE – Waterfront
11/09 Oslo, NOR – Spektrum
11/10 Copenhagen, DEN – Poolen
11/12 Luxembourg, LUX – Rockhal
11/13 Zurich, SWI – The Hall
11/14 Lyon, FRA – Halle Tony Garnier
11/16 Lisbon, POR – MEO Arena
11/17 Madrid, SPA – La Cubierta de Leganés
11/20 Stuttgart, GER – Beethovensaal
11/21 Frankfurt, GER – Jahrhundderthalle
11/23 Paris, FRA – Adidas Arena
11/24 Amsterdam, NET – AFAS Live
