Review: Dream Theater - PARASOMNIA

Overall, "Parasomnia" is a solid album, but it doesn't exactly break new ground for Dream Theater.

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Here we go, folks, Dream Theater's latest offering, "Parasomnia," has hit the streets, and guess who's back? That's right, Mike Portnoy is behind the kit again, and boy, does it show. With his return, the band has ditched some of that overly technical wankery we got with Mangini and embraced a rockier vibe. It's like they've taken a step back into the '90s, but with a modern twist. Portnoy's drumming is less about showing off how many notes he can cram into a measure and more about driving the songs with this raw, balls-to-the-wall energy that was somewhat missing in the more recent albums.

Let's dive into the tracks, shall we? "Bend The Clock" stands out like a beacon in this sea of prog metal. It's a fucking gem, man. It's got this emotional depth with John Petrucci's guitar work weaving through the melody like it's telling a story all on its own. The song's structure feels accessible yet rich, making it the kind of track that could pull in even those who usually run screaming from prog metal's complexity. This tune has the potential to become a staple in Dream Theater's live sets, possibly even eclipsing some of their past hits. It's innovative, it's catchy, and it's the kind of song where every note feels like it's there for a reason.

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room, "The Shadow Man Incident." Oh, sweet Jesus, at 19 minutes and 32 seconds, it's a behemoth. It's quintessential Dream Theater – complex, layered, and if you're into that sort of thing, you'll be in heaven. But let's be real here, for 99% of the world, this track is just too damn long. It's like they threw every idea they had into a blender and hit puree for too fucking long. There are moments of brilliance, sure, but it's like trying to eat a 12-course meal when you're only hungry for a sandwich. The epic length might be a testament to their musical prowess, but it also feels like they're trying to prove they still can when, honestly, we get it already.

Overall, "Parasomnia" is a solid album, but it doesn't exactly break new ground for Dream Theater. It's like they've returned to their comfort zone with Portnoy's return, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn't push the envelope either. The performances are top-notch, and there's a clear joy in the music that's infectious, but at the end of the day, it's pretty much what you'd expect from these prog gods. Hence, I'm giving it a 7 out of 10. It's good, it's really good, but it's not groundbreaking. If you're a fan, you'll dig it; if you're looking for something to shake up the prog scene, well, keep searching, my friend.