DREAM THEATER

Parasomnia (InsideOutMusic)

American prog-metal titans Dream Theater are back with their 16th studio album, and Parasomnia is the first time since 2009’s Black Clouds And Silver Linings that the band is back together in its iconic lineup: vocalist James LaBrie, guitarist John Petrucci, bassist John Myung, keyboardist Jordan Rudess and drummer Mike Portnoy. The latter’s return was long-awaited and the patience pays off immediately during first track In The Arms Of Morpheus, which is full of his instantly recognisable style.

Overall, the album brings fans the classic and well-loved Dream Theater style, but doesn’t do anything creatively new – which might not be a criticism for ardent fans but might struggle to bring new ones to the band’s orbit. Yet Parasomnia is full of atmosphere that culminates in the epic, near 20-minute The Shadow Man Incident – free, meandering, exploring and virtuosic, it’s Dream Theater at their best. 

words GOSIA BUZZANCA